Hey! Been a while!

Sorry it took so long. As a teacher, the last few weeks of school are chaos, and I traveled across the world, literally, and time zones suck. And sorry to say this chapter is kinda tiny.

Also, we are coming to the end of the story. This story will be 40 chapters long, unless something changes. I'm actually hoping to finish it before the summer ends.

Hope you enjoy the chapter!

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

Final Fantasy © to Square Enix!

All OCs © to their respective creators!

Chapter 34: New Years

"Happy New Year!"

Twilight Town cheered as the clock tower ticked over to midnight. Pops filled the air as fireworks, even in the light of the sunset, shot into the sky.

Xion hugged Roxas. "Happy new year! This will be our first full year we will live."

"Yeah!"

"Guys!" Hayner tackled Roxas in a hug as Olette hugged Xion. "You guys ready for the new year?"

"Absolutely!"

Isa smiled at the kids. "Did you guys sign up for your electives before the party started?"

"Yep!"

Xion nodded. "I picked drama again."

"Journalism again!"

"Shocker." Axel laughed as he downed a cream soda.

As people began to mingle, laughing and cheering. A banging filled the air, silencing the crowd.

"Excuse me." Scrooge McDuck stepped onto a ledge. "I have a few words to say." The crowd turned their attention to the duck. "This is a new year and a chance to start new things. I wanted to announce that I will be leaving Twilight Town."

"Huh?" Isa stiffened.

"Did you know?"

"No, I didn't."

The duck laughed. "You've all heard of the Sunrise Coalition at this point. I will be leading the trade business for the Coalition. But don't worry, I will not be ending my business here in town. I actually wanted to take the celebration tonight to name the new CEO of the Twilight Town branch of McDuck Industries." He took off his hat. "Isa, would you mind coming up here."

All eyes turned to the man in question.

Isa stared with wide eyes.

"What are you doing?" Axel shoved him forward, "Get your butt up there."

Isa stumbled, glaring back at Axel as he walked up to his boss. Scrooge chuckled. "Lad, you're the most capable and responsible employee I have. And I'd like to name you the new CEO of the Twilight Branch of McDuck Industries! Congratulations!" He held out a wing as the townspeople cheered.

"I don't know what to say?"

"Thank you would be a good start." Scrooge laughed.

"Thank you, Mr. McDuck."

"It's no trouble. You've earned it." He handed Isa his hat. "You've come a long way from that scamp that used to prank my shop."

Snickering, Isa looked down at the hat. "No kidding. I'll take good care of the business."

"You better," the duck winked, "or I'll be takin' it back."

"I'd expect nothing less."

They shook hand and wing again and the man went back to his friends. Xion immediately wrapped him in a hug. "Congratulations! This is awesome!"

"Yeah!" Grabbing the hat and putting it on Isa's head, Axel grinned. "Isa Leingod, CEO!"

Isa adjusted the hat, which was way too small for his head. "That will take some getting used to."

Around them, the crowd became quiet as people faced the sun, clasping their hands together.

"They're making the new year wishes!" Roxas clasped his own hands together. The others followed suit.

Making wishes for the new year.

They could be goals or just dreams for this year and beyond.

But they were secret, personal to the one who made them.

For Isa, he had none. He had everything he could wish for: friends, family, a new and even better job position, and he was whole again. He could wish for nothing for himself. He could only wish for Roxas and Xion to have the best lives they could.

For Axel, he had very little wishes as well. He too had friends and family. He was whole and living a great life with his best friends. The only wish he made for himself was to finish that film of his, which sadly would take a long time. Animation is delicate work after all.

For Xion, she wished to find Sora. But she also wished to expand her horizons; try new things and get better at the things she loved to do. She also hoped to figure out what she wanted to do with her life once school was over. The world lay before her, and she was excited for it.

For Roxas, he also wished to find Sora. And he wanted to make more friends. He wanted to do more lessons with Caden, and maybe… just maybe take a look at what being a teacher one day would mean. He kinda liked the idea of it. But, there were many options before him, and that was just one.

As their wishes left their hearts, mingling with the other wishes of the people around them, their hearts soared in that midnight sun.

A new year before them.

New paths to take.

And new things to explore.

And they were ready for whatever would come.

I know.

Tiny.

But I hope you enjoyed!