Chapter CCXXXXV: Yen Sid's Castle Final Part

"Oh I think this look would do wonders!"

"Oh no! I much prefer something more classical!"

"Just make sure it has blue in it!"

Sighing a little tiredly as she watched the three recently arrived fairies, Flora Fauna and Merryweather argue amongst themselves. Nozomi dressed in a pair of white PJ's was leaning against the wall behind herself, doing this she couldn't help but look up to the ceiling as she uttered, "Who thought that getting a makeover would take so long?" For these new visitors had taken it upon themselves to upgrade her clothes, since her old ones were now unusable...

For it was now a couple of days after she had, had her conversation with Yen Sid and after everything had finally calmed down for her and the rest. A plan had been formulated about what they would all do next, for Mickey during this brief time of peace and recovery had received word from Merlin who was still in the Radiant Gardens. This information had been attained from the three fairies, who had informed him that the celebrating town had regained control of order and that the Heartless had all been finally expelled after the defence system had properly kicked in.

As she remembered this being told to them all, Nozomi then looking to her right to the night sky that was revealed through one of the star shaped windows, she couldn't help but add, "I'm just glad everyone back in the Radiant Gardens is safe." Then as she thought of the wondrous floral town, she couldn't help but be saddened as she knew one thing, "But... now no-one amongst the ARCS or anyone else, they won't remember Oralee anymore will they?"

Her heart aching as she remembered again the final moments of her friend and being unable to aid nor comfort her, she couldn't help but utter, "Oralee..." then looking down to her concealed abdomen she uttered out one other name that made her ache inside, "Wairu..." for thinking of them both, she'd couldn't help but wonder if there was any possibility to revive them, or was it completely impossible...?

"Miss Nozomi?"

"Huh?" Quickly pulled out of her thoughts, Nozomi saw that gazing her it was none other than the green fairy, Fauna who was looking at her curiously as she floated in the air. Seeing her there, Nozomi then a little baffled uttered, "Um? Sorry did you need me for something?"

Hearing her ask, Fauna then told her, "Oh yes, we have just finished our discussions about what would be good for you to wear."

Surprised to finally hear this, Nozomi then replied, "Oh, that's good!" For internally the female keyblader was relieved that they'd finally come to an agreement... after an hour and a half! So she then said, "Okay! Well let's see what you guys have cooked up!"

"Very well then!" With those words, Fauna flew back and joined her fellow fairies.

As she did so, Flora who concentrating on Nozomi aimed her wand at her along with Fauna and Merryweather. Readying her spell she decided to tell her, "You better close your eyes now my dear!"

"Alright..." with that, Nozomi closed her eyes and waited for the transformative magic to take its effect!

Flora looking to her fellow fairies told them, "Alright everyone! All together wow!"

SHINE!

With those words instantly all three fairies cast their magic on Nozomi's still form. As she remained quiet, the female keyblader could feel their powers working their wonders. As she did so, she couldn't help but feel a little ticklish as she felt the entwining and spreading of threads upon her body... remaining quiet and as still as she could despite this sensation, in another moment-!

GLOW!

The effects of the magic finally receded. Unsure of whether or not to look, Nozomi slowly opened one of her lilac coloured eyes. Doing so, she looked down at her new outfit and saw...!

"Oh I think it looks so dazzling!" Fauna cried out in amazement.

"Ladies we've really out done ourselves today if I do say so!" Flora cried out.

However Merryweather said nothing, for she saw that Nozomi wasn't pleased and she had a good guess why, "I told you we should have made it blue!"

For Nozomi herself was dressed in the heaviest and frilliest pink dress she ever had on in her life! Her face was practically obscured behind trails upon trails of red and purple ribbons that were dangling off her head. Blowing this mess out of her face, Nozomi looking at them couldn't help but say, "Ladies... why've you given me this?"

As this was asked of them, Fauna then surprised and looking a little worried asked, "What's wrong my dear? Do you not like the trims?"

Nozomi hearing this and fanning one of her arms, trying to get some feeling in the hefty outfit replied, "That's not the problem," with that looking back to them and trying to take a step with difficulty, she continued on to say, "What's wrong with this thing is-!" Then her words were cut short as-!

"Agh!"

Shocked the three fairies saw Nozomi collapse onto the floor, having tripped upon the long lengths the dress had. Feeling unwelcoming pain, Nozomi uttered, "Ow! Ow! Ow!" Then looking up from amongst the layers of her pretty mess she made her point, "I can't exactly fight Heartless in this."

"Oh!" Then remembering what her initial request was, Flora replied, "Oh, yes of course! I'm so sorry my dear." With that fluttering over to her, she and her fellow fairies helped Nozomi stand back up and as they did, they told her, "I suppose we forgot the importance of manoeuvrability in your original request."

Then as Nozomi finally stood back up on her feet, she replied, "I can see that," with that finally standing properly she started dusting herself off.

As she did this, Fauna then decided to tell her, "And also it's been such a long time since we've dressed a pretty girl, so we got lost in the excitement!"

Surprised to hear this honest comment, Nozomi pausing in her dusting blushed a little. Then feeling a little bashful at hearing the word pretty she replied, scratching her right cheek slightly while looking away, "...It's okay," with that she again requested, "But could you now now please make me something more suitable for getting around in and I'd prefer shorts please!"

Surprised to hear this, Flora then said, "Shorts? Wouldn't you prefer a skirt?"
To which Nozomi immediately shook her head as a firm response.

Merryweather then decided to intervene and said, "Well, you heard her!" With that she was the one who pointed her wand to Nozomi and added, "So let's give her exactly what she needs!" Then finally as Flora and Fauna pointed to the female keyblader she added, "And this time we're having blue!" With those words given, it was then Nozomi was given another dose of transformative magic!

SHINE!

Feeling this, Nozomi had a good feeling despite the ticklishness that she was going to get the result she wanted. For she could feel herself become lighter as the heavy weight of the frills gradually faded away...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Riku was quiet as he stood in another of the room's of Yen Sid's castle. Looking outside towards the night sky from a moon shaped window, he couldn't help but think that the stars looked exceptionally beautiful that night. As he did so, he couldn't help but wonder... what were they all going to do now in the future? For even though he couldn't remember them... he knew that they had people who needed to be saved. Two Vessels had already been lost and like Nozomi, he couldn't help but wonder as well if it was possible to revive them.

Then as those thoughts came, he couldn't help but think about Nozomi herself again. Looking to his right hand, that held a particular precious item, he wondered aloud, "What will I do if I lose her?" For remembering what had nearly happened in the Underworld, if Auron hadn't had been there she would have-!
Wincing in pain at the idea of this terrible reality becoming true, he held the item he had tighter within his right palm. As he did so, he placed it into his pocket wishing he could protect not just the item but Nozomi in a similar way too. He knew he didn't want that reality! Absolutely not! For she was-!

"Riku?"

Surprised at hearing this voice, the white haired keyblader turned and there he saw was, "Nozomi?"

For there was his comrade, however she was no longer in her pink waistcoat nor the blue and purple striped long sleeved top he'd seen her in. Also the long blue trousers with the veils were no where to be seen either.

Instead looking on in astonishment, he saw that Nozomi was now dressed in a white waistcoat with pockets that had red and blue rims and a purple hood with red drawstrings on either side with golden beads on their ends.

Underneath this waistcoat, Riku could see she was now wearing a pitch black tube top with black strings that made an X mark along her upper chest. Also around her neck was her crescent moon locket that had been converted into a black chocker. The top also had a laced rim along its lower half revealing her abdomen. Looking on he also saw that she was wearing black long arm gloves that had the same lacy trims as her top on their ends that reached up to her elbows.

However covering her hands and palms, with her fingers exposed were another pair of normal fingerless gloves. These ones were blue along the upper rims and then finally a shade of purple covered her palms and her knuckles.

Then finally looking down he saw that she had Navy Blue shorts on which had a black belt with a golden buckle on. Her legs too also had the same design as her lacy black arm gloves, however these were black stockings that covered her legs up to her knees with the lace peaking out over the tops.

In turn covering these stockings were her white veils with the golden rims along their top and blue gems in their centre. However these veils were not the free fluttering ones she had on before, instead these were tied down with golden beads on either end of her turquoise blue and red coloured trainers.

Her outfit was a huge upgrade from her previous outfit and she looked more than ready for battle. Unlike the way she had before and looking at her appearance overall, she was-!

"Are you surprised?" Nozomi asked as she noticed the expression that was upon his face. She wasn't given an audible response and seeing Riku like this, she guessed as she lifted up one end of her white waistcoat, "I guess you don't think this is really my style, huh?"

As her words came through into his brain, Riku then told her recovering from his surprise, "No! That's not what I think!"

Puzzled as she heard this, Nozomi then looking back to him tilted her head and asked, "It's not?"

"No," Riku responded, then uncertain of what to say he looked about himself for a few moments before he finished saying, "I think you...you look good, really good."

Now surprised to hear this, Nozomi felt her heart inside race a little as she replied, "Oh? That's good..." with that she turned to look away from him, feeling her shyness come back in full force.

Riku it was clear didn't know what to say himself now, as he looked about the room for a few moments before he turned his attentions back to her again. As he did so, it was then he finally noticed one last detail he should have paid attention to first. For where Nozomi's abdomen was exposed, for all the world to see was her keyhole with its glowing intertwining shades of turquoise and dark blue heart lines.

Seeing this, Riku then asked, "I can see it?"

"Huh?" Nozomi uttered, then as she did so. She looked to where Riku was gazing down to, as she did so she quickly realised, "Oh yeah, my keyhole."

Quiet Riku was in disbelief however as he had to ask her, "Why? Why have you got it exposed?"

Nozomi was quiet as this was put to her, then she replied deciding to be honest, "...It just feels right to, I guess?"

As this simple response came, Riku repeated, "You guess?" Then in seconds he couldn't help but feel angered. As he did so, he told her, "How can you just reveal something like that!" With that walking over to her, he demanded placing his hands on her shoulders, "Don't you understand what that keyhole signifies!?"

Nozomi with her head lowered then replied looking in another direction, "That I'm different to everyone else."

Irritated Riku then told her, "It's just not that though is it!?" Nozomi didn't respond to this and the white haired keyblader continued on angered, "It signifies that you're a Vessel! You've practically got a bullseye plastered on you!"
Nozomi gripped her right hand tightly hearing this, Riku though didn't seem to have an end to his outrage as he continued on, "Anyone could just come and eliminate you seeing this! Why didn't you think about this!? Didn't you think for a minute that you might-!"

"Don't you think I know all that!?"

As she cried out loudly like this, Riku looked down and he saw that Nozomi was looking up to him with tears in her eyes. As she did so, he became instantly quiet and as he did, he heard her upset yet determined voice say, "I know it reveals what I am... but I don't want it to rule me!"

Puzzled as she said this, Riku asked, "Rule you?"

With a firm nod, Nozomi explained as she tried to keep her composure, "As a Vessel, I know I'll probably have to live looking over my shoulder forever...but I don't want that fear to control me." Then looking to her curse she held a hand over it and said, "And with having this keyhole exposed... I want to prove I'm not afraid of my fate to the world, that I won't be controlled by what it means for me." With her words said, Nozomi looked back to Riku again and said with strength in her voice, "I will defy my fate and fight for the sake of all my friends, that's what I've decided on."

Riku was silent hearing this, then removing his hands from her shoulders he couldn't help but look down to the floor and said, "I can't believe you."

Nozomi looking uncomfortable, was clearly still annoyed. For she was hoping that Riku of all people would understand, but she might have been expecting too much. Annoyed she then said still upset, "I can't believe that's all you have to say to me!" Then angrily feeling herself tear up more from her frustration she continued on, "But then again I shouldn't be surprised should I?"

Riku said nothing, as he did. This silence only furthered her own pain as she said, "You think I'm an idiot for this don't you? That I'm being annoying making problems again right!?" Still nothing but silence came from the white haired young man and seeing this Nozomi continued with her frustrations as she demanded, "Why don't you just say something already!? I know you hate me for this! For not thinking about everything and-!"

GRAB!

Shocked Nozomi felt herself being pulled forwards, as she was she felt Riku hold her to himself closely and tightly. As he did this, she didn't know what to do but in another second-!

"I don't hate you..."

Really surprised to hear this, Nozomi then asked puzzled, "You don't? Wait do you mean this outfit or-?"

"I don't hate you at all for this choice of yours... it's just..." Riku was struggling to say his words, for the fear that was plaguing him had returned in full force, making him shake as he held Nozomi close to himself.

Quiet the female keyblader feeling a little uncertain didn't know what to do at first. However feeling Riku's shaking, she could take a guess at what was wrong... so gently lifting her own arms up, she put them around him and asked softly, "It's just what?"

Feeling her touch, Riku was silent for a moment more. However trying to swallow his fear, he told her the worst possibility that chilled him inside, "I don't want you to disappear, I don't want you to leave me."

Stunned into silence hearing this, Nozomi almost forgot to breathe. But in another moment, a sad smile graced her features and stroking her head against his chest. She told him, "I wouldn't leave you...no matter what happens, I won't do that to you."

Hearing her say this though didn't comfort Riku entirely, for he had to tell her, "But if you're Unlocked, you won't have a choice in it. Will you?"

Quiet hearing this, Nozomi couldn't argue that point and replied, "No I won't...but I'd still fight it, in whatever way I could."

"Huh?" Surprised by her words, Riku was not anticipating this.

Nozomi then explained herself, "Even if I am Unlocked, that doesn't mean I'd completely disappear... I mean I'm sure there must be some trace of myself that would be left." For thinking to herself, she had to admit, "Because if there truly was nothing left, why would I hold memories of those who've already been Unlocked?"

As this was said to him, Riku was quiet. However he told her, "But, you were told this... you're outside the normal plane of existence, that's why you-"
Shaking her head though Nozomi then responded, "I don't think it's just that...it just doesn't feel right to me to just label it so simply as that."

Riku then had to ask her, "Why do you think that?"

Hearing him ask this, Nozomi then removed her arms from around Riku for a moment. Doing so, she held her right hand over her chest and as she felt Riku's eyes gaze on her, she explained, "Because even though Wairu was reduced to a form of a Fragment... he still exists inside me, I can feel him, he's still here."

"Inside you?" Riku asked her.

Nodding, Nozomi then said feeling the faint light that was her friend inside her heart, "Yes, his presence has diminished greatly... but when I go to sleep now, I can feel him in my dreams... he's alive, as long as I hold onto memories of him, I think that will be his anchor that will keep him in this world."

Riku didn't know what to say to her as he gazed at her saddened expression.

Opening her eyes, with the sad smile still upon her face. Nozomi then continued to say, "At least that's what I'd like to imagine it is...I don't want to give up on him, or Oralee I don't want to believe they're both truly gone."

Hearing her say these words, Riku then decided to tell her, "...Then don't believe it."

"Huh?" Nozomi was really surprised to hear him say this, for it was so unlike him to dismiss the logical facts of everything.

Riku then told her, "If you feel he's still here and Oralee... there's no reason to say they aren't alive." For he had to also add with a small awkward smile, "Because we don't know the full facts concerning the Fragments or you as a Vessel right?"

Quiet hearing this, Nozomi then seeing Riku's smile couldn't help but reveal her own again as she replied, "Yeah that's true."

"There you have it then," Riku told her. With this said, he decided to ask her, "Now? Are you sure you want to stay looking like that, despite the dangers it'll bring?"

Nozomi then made a firm nod again as she replied, "Yeah I am... as I said, I don't want to live in fear anymore," then gripping her right hand she decided to say, "I mean even if anyone does come for my Fragment, I won't let them have it that easily."

Smiling glad to see that she had her usual spunk back, Riku told her, "That's a relief," then he put his right hand back into his pocket. Doing so, he then felt a familiar something and doing so he realised, "Oh that's right, I forgot didn't I?"

Puzzled, Nozomi then decided to ask, "Forgot what?"

Looking to her, Riku then told her, "There's something I've been meaning to give to you, Nozomi."

Curious the female keyblader then asked, "Give me?"

With a nod, Riku told her, "That's right, " with that he brought out his right hand, then doing so he told her, "Now give me your hand."

Nozomi quickly complied and brought out her opened right palm. Then in return, Riku placed the item into and as he took his hand back, Nozomi looked at the item that had been given to her.

As she did so, she was immediately surprised. For it was!? Looking quickly to him Nozomi asked, "Riku this is!?"

Smiling at her amazed reaction, he told her, "Yeah...your old hair broach, though with a slight upgrade."

"An upgrade?" She asked. For then looking back down to her restored treasure, she saw that it clearly wasn't the same as it had been. For she saw that the broach only had three full pink sakura petals from it's original design along with the original golden bead that was in its centre.

It had now two new petals smaller and white that peaked behind the main three blossoms. Then attached to its lower half were three smaller golden beads that had three different coloured ribbons trailing from it. One a gentle shade of blue, the centre a creamy yellow and finally the last was a light red.

Seeing it's overall design, Nozomi asked, "How did it become like this?"

"...I mended it with some help given to me, by Kairi," Riku admitted.

Really surprised asked, "You did this, Riku!?"

As she said this, the white haired keyblader responded, "Yeah..." then turning to see the look of disbelief on her face, he had to ask, "Is it really that strange to hear me do something this?"

Hearing this, Nozomi then replied, "Well yeah it is! You never do this kind of thing." With that looking back to the broach she had to admit further, "I mean also this... I think this is the first present you've ever given me!"

Really shocked hearing this, Riku then complained, "Wait no it's not! I mean-!" Then stopping himself he tried to remember anything he had given to her... when nothing came to his immediate memory he was about to admit defeat. However he did remember, "Well, there was that time I let you stroke my hair!"

Hearing this Nozomi was quiet. However after another moment, she looked at Riku unimpressed and told him, "That's not giving a gift to someone, that was a reward you let me have."

"Ah!" As she said this, he then realised... she was completely right. So he sighed and replied in total defeat, "Yeah...I guess you're right."

Seeing him look so dejected like this, Nozomi couldn't help but release a small giggle and say, "You really are a silly Snowball sometimes, huh?"

Embarrassed and turning his face away from her, blushing a little red Riku then told her, "I really wish you would quit calling me that."

"That won't ever happen!" Nozomi laughed, then looking to the broach again she decided to say, "But... thank you so much for this, Riku." With that she moved her hands and placed her new treasure into place. Watching her do this for a few moments, Riku then saw her finish and as she did so, she smiled brightly with affection and told him as the ribbons swayed in the light, "I'll treasure it always..."

Revealing an amused smirk of his own, he then told her, "Well you better." then before he could do anything else-!

HUG!

He was shocked as Nozomi walked over and again put her arms around him, holding him gently with warmth. Looking down to her startled, he asked, "Nozomi what're you-?"

"I'm grateful..." she told him holding onto him a little more tightly.

Hearing her say this, Riku then repeated, "Grateful?"

Nozomi then told him, "Yeah...that you think of me enough, to create something so beautiful out of something that was so badly destroyed." Riku remained silent as he heard her say these words, then he felt her shiver this time as she went on to say, "I'm just so glad that someone like you, cherishes someone broken like me."

Hearing her say these words and feeling her shiver, Riku felt his heart inside race. Then reaching his arms up, he held her gently to him again. Then with his right hand, he reached up and combed his fingers through her dark locks of hair. Doing this, he told her, "Of course I do..." for he had to remind her, "After all, you cherish someone who fell to the darkness like me."

Releasing a small laugh, Nozomi then replied, "Yeah," then as a small silence came between them...she cautiously decided to ask, "Riku, could I ask you to promise me something?"

"What is it?" Riku asked her quietly.

Shivering as she then imagined what might happen in the future, she asked him, "If...if at some point I am Unlocked by someone...could you please try to not forget me?" Then tearing up, terrified at that thought she asked him, "Could you please try and keep a part of me in your heart?" With that looking to him, with her tears falling from her eyes, "Could you do that for me somehow?"

Hearing those words, Riku felt his heart ache terribly inside. As it did so, even though he didn't know if he would even have the ability to fulfil that oath... he told her, "Of course I will... I'll try as hard as I can for you." Then he decided to also promise her, "And even if you are Unlocked, I'll fight and search for you until I find a way to bring you back... no matter what! I promise you, I'll save you from that fate!"

Smiling gratefully as she heard this, Nozomi then replied, "...Thank you!" With that the two of them remained silent... feeling the calming and reliving warmth of one another. No words were needed in that moment...

Feeling Riku's beating heart, Nozomi couldn't remember a time she felt this peacefully fulfilled and happy. Then feeling the gentle bittersweet emotion that was bringing her this happiness... she thought that maybe it was the time, "Riku?"

Hearing her speak, Riku replied, "Yes...?"

"I...there's something I've wanted to say to you for a really long time...and I know it might just cause more troubles," with that retracting herself from his arms, she continued on to say looking down, "I mean I originally wanted to tell you this back in the Radiant Gardens... and I'm a little nervous about saying this now... but!" Then feeling her heart race inside, she knew there was now no better time so she told him facing her eyes to look at him, "Riku...I've really liked you for a long time now."

Pausing as she said this and quickly blushing hearing this Riku asked, "What?"

Nozomi then decided to tell him, "...I, I'm in love with you, Riku."

Now these words brought his world to a complete stand still... stunned he didn't know what to do with himself. Or...what was he going to say in response. But in another moment he heard, "Um?"

Quickly focusing back upon Nozomi again, he saw her looked tremendously nervous still... looking about everywhere, she fidgeted as she told him, "Sorry for telling you this out of the blue like this...um?" Really struggling now, she told him, "I don't know what to say or do right now."

Silent hearing this... he then told her after a moment, "Well I don't either..."however feeling the emotions that were making his heart swell and beat furiously, he finally admitted, "But since you've told me how you feel... I can finally tell you this," with that he moved his hands to her cheeks. Softly stroking them as she stared at him with her widened lilac coloured eyes, he told her, "Nozomi...I've been... I'm in love with you too."

Surprised tremendously to hear this as her heart raced all the more quickly, she asked, "You do?"

With a single nod, he told her, "Yeah..." with that he reached forwards and in another moment, he kissed her left cheek.

Blushing tremendously red, Nozomi felt herself freeze in surprise. As she did this, she cried out, "Ri, Riku!?"

Then as he pulled his lips back from her soft red skin, he asked her, "Was that alright?"

As he asked her this, she looked down and uttered, "Um... I guess?" Then looking nervous, she looked back up to him bashfully and said, "It's just um... I never knew your lips were soft like that."

"Yours are softer," he joked. Then as he did so, he felt a heated desire inside himself and as he did... he pulled Nozomi's face gently towards himself.

Feeling him do this, Nozomi uttered, "Riku?"

"Shhh..." With that soft hush, Nozomi though startled knew suddenly what was going to happen next...so with no more words nor resistance, she gently closed her eyes as Riku did the same and in another moment. Her lips were placed gently against his...

It was a soft warm sensation one Nozomi had never experienced... no, she did once. When Riku had saved her from drowning in Atlantica, back then it was a rushed mess which she hadn't even been ready for. But this time it was something much more...much more special.

As the sweet moment lingered, for maybe forever. Or it might have been merely for a minute, but at last they had to part for air. As they did, looking to the floor awkwardly for a few moments...Nozomi held her hand over her mouth. As she did tracing one of her fingers over her lips, she decided to admit as her heart beat rapidly, "I think you're wrong."

Trying to calm himself against the rush of sweet emotions that was overflowing within the depths of his heart. Riku looking to her asked, "About what?"

Nozomi then told him, "I think you're softer," with that she laughed...then feeling immediately embarrassed she said, "Sorry, that was kind of dumb to say right now wasn't it?"

Smirking and releasing a small laugh, Riku told her, "Kind of..." but then stroking her dark hair, he told her, "But it's you, so I don't mind it."

Nozomi then in awe smiled happily in reply, "...Riku."

SHINE!

"Huh!?" Suddenly coming between the two of them, it was Nozomi's keyblade the Starseeker. As it floated in the air, she asked, "Why has my keyblade-!"

Then suddenly in moments, it transformed and quickly the weapon was no longer what it once was. Instead of it being comprised of stars and just angel wings, with a crescent moon at its end. It instead now had a heart being protected by wings as its main blade point, with red devil wings in its centre, with trails of blue between two jagged lines of silver and gold making it's central blade.

As the keyblade came to her right hand, Nozomi grasped its purple leather hilt with its protective angel and devil wings around her hands, she saw four gems leading up it which were the same hues of colour as her new hair broach. Gazing at it, she somehow knew its name, "It's the Unyielding."

"Unyielding?" Riku repeated, then he decided to ask, "Shouldn't it have a more unique name than that?"

As she heard this, Nozomi was silent...however after a little thinking she decided to say, "No, because isn't the word on its own strong enough... because I think it's a perfect fit, considering what it is we've promised between us right?"

As this was asked...Riku once more after a moment had to admit, "I guess so?" Then walking over to her, he put his hand on hers that held the blade and said, "Also, I suppose it matches us both in personality doesn't it?"

"I guess..." then as Nozomi admitted it, she decided to say, "Riku I-?"

"Hey where are you guys?!"

Suddenly spooking them both, Nozomi looking behind herself asked, "Sora?"

Hearing him, Riku was quiet... then as he was, impulsively he decided on something, "Quick come with me!"

"Wha-?" But Nozomi was cut off for in another moment she was grabbed by him and-!

SLAM!

"Nozomi! Riku! Are you in here!?" Seeing that the room he'd opened up to was clearly empty, Sora was quiet. Then scratching his head, he asked, "They're not in here either?" With that looking about the room quietly, he uttered, "Geez! Those two have gotta hurry up! The Gummi ship's gonna be here soon!" With that closing the door behind himself he went to carry on with his search.

In the meantime, hiding in a particular wardrobe that was in the room. Nozomi looking to Riku who was holding her close to him asked, "Hey? Why'd you do this? We've gotta meet up with everyone don't we?"

"I don't want to," he told her bluntly.

"Huh?" Nozomi then was about to ask him why when-!
"I want to be alone with you for a little more..." with that, stroking her right cheek he asked her, "Do you dislike the idea?"

Silent with surprise as she heard this, Nozomi then blushed red. Doing this, looking to her left side she couldn't help but tell him, "...I never knew you could be so selfish."

Smiling as she said this, he then told her, "There's a lot to me you still don't know about." With that stroking his thumb over her right cheek, he asked her suggestively, "Are you nervous to learn more?"

Embarrassed at this question, Nozomi looked away from him. But in another moment, she looked back to him and said with an annoyed expression, "...I'm not losing to you!"

"Huh?" Then suddenly before he knew it, Nozomi moved up onto her toes and-! "Mmm!?"

She quickly kissed him into silence! Then as she lingered upon this act for a few moments, she lowered herself back down. Embarrassed and all red she told him, "Don't try and act like you've got the upper hand on me... even I can surprise you too, y'know?"

Holding his right hand over his mouth, Riku was quiet for a moment. However quickly he couldn't help but laugh at her annoyed state as he told her, "Yeah it seems so..."

Nozomi with her hands on her reddened cheeks couldn't believe what she was doing with him... in fact, this was so not like her at all! But still, she'd meant what she just said. For it was so annoying that Riku could be so calm and collected, while she felt so madly flustered. Being in love like this was not easy!

Riku seeing her embarrassed state like this, decided to be more considerate and so reaching a hand forwards. He stroked her head and told her, "Thanks Nozomi, for enduring my selfishness...will you forgive me?"

Feeling his touch do this, the female keyblader uttered, "You dumb Snowball." With that she moved and hugged Riku, wrapping her arms around him gently.

Riku then decided then to do the same. For he knew with her, he didn't need to behave like something he wasn't, he just needed to be himself. Feeling this reassurance through her warm and honest actions, he enjoyed feeling the touch and warmth that was their love...

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Meanwhile in another part of Yen Sid's castle, a certain slumbering person turned over. Then as he did so, he stirred and opening his blue eyes he saw the unfamiliar ceiling that was above him. Doing so, putting his hand over his forehead he asked, "Where... am I?" For finally after his long, long sleep... the boy Kagi was finally awake and healed of the severing cut Hari had inflicted upon him...