Chapter CCC: Epilogue
"Mmmm!"
Chugging down on a big glass of sweet warm milk, Cait sith cried out, "Yeah mate! That really hits the spot there!" With that he wiped his chin and added, "That's what I call real divine!"
Laughing sitting beside him, Nozomi rolled her eyes and replied, "You would!" Then looking on, she watched as everyone continued their celebrations.
It was now later into the night and the lights were shining with warm radiance, as they revealed all the heroes together in the grounds of the Radiant Gardens. Everyone was so happy then, being reunited with those they'd forgotten, along with the fact that now, now it was finally over. Xehanort had been stopped, and Aqua, Terra, Ventus along with King Bertros had been able to move on, with the hope of reincarnation being granted to them all someday. Perhaps even their enemy, if he sought redemption, along with the mysterious friend to them all, Eraqus...
Thinking of them all again, as her friends danced to music that had been provided by some enchanted instruments with thanks to Merlin, along with Oralee and Serah providing them all songs dressed in their Songstress outfits. Nozomi was truly happy for Aqua and the others, imagining them being bathed in warm welcoming light all together. But inside her Heart, she still felt a little sad, for she never realised it, but there had always been a small light inside, that now wasn't there anymore. Feeling the small aching gap, where a gentle warmth had been since she could remember. She put her hand to her chest and smiled sadly admitting, "I can really feel it now..."
"Hm?" Turning to look at her as she said this, Cait sith asked, "Feel what lass?"
"The hole that's been left inside me," Nozomi replied. Then as the crowned cat looked to her puzzled, she explained, "The one that Aqua's left." Then her eyes brimming with tears, she remembered at various points when she'd been left alone without her Master Auron. When the pain had been unbearable, when she'd wept uncontrollably, or on worse occasions taking her frustrations out on objects left in the empty Dojo or the garden, smashing them to pieces... yet somehow, something had managed to eventually calm her down. A warmth, that had helped to overcome that lonely pain...
Weeping a little, she then said, "Now she's not here inside me, that warmth she gave me is gone, I didn't realise how much it helped me growing up." With that holding her mug in her hands tightly, she continued to say chocking up, "I'll never feel that warmth again now, will I?"
Quiet as she said this, Cait sith stared at her. Then as the tears poured down from her pained eyes, he sighed and putting aside his glass on the bench they were sat on, he lifted himself onto his legs and did one thing.
HUG!
"Huh?" Surprised by this one comforting act, as he put his arms around her. Nozomi didn't know what to say. For something like this, wasn't common coming from Cait Sith.
"Yer not alone here lass," Quiet as she heard him say this. Nozomi didn't understand what he meant, then he explained, "That hole ya have in there, it'll fill gradually cause ya got all yer mates here with ya." With that he detached from her, as she stared at him perplexed, she heard him finish saying, "We'll all be here to help ya, and get ya out of any lonely rut in the future, alright?"
Amazed, Nozomi was quiet. Then after a few moments, she wiped her eyes and replied, "Thanks, Cait Sith!" Then as she tried to recover some more, she admitted to him with a truly happy smile, "I'm really glad you're back now!"
With a hard nod, the pleased feline told her, "As ya should be lass!" Then looking really proud, he told her, "After all, where would ya be without me? I'm the only one who can straighten ya out when ya go all wonky!"
Laughing finally wiping away the last of her tears, Nozomi replied, "I guess!" Then she moved her hand and stroked the left side of his face and told him, "We're all lucky to have you, I mean it!"
This time it was the crowned cat's turn to be surprised! Then quickly becoming bashful, he told her, "Hey! C'mon, that's enough mush from ya!"
Laughing happily she asked, "You can't take it, huh?"
Quickly he became annoyed and asked, "Ya want another hair pullin'?"
Immediately Nozomi retracted her hand and replied, "Nope! Nope! Absolutely not!"
Nodding and crossing his arms, he told her, "It might be my job to be cheery lass and set you lads all straight, but you don't get a one up on me! The only one who does have that right is-!"
"Yeah, yeah I know! It's Oralee!" Nozomi told him, then with a sigh she told him, "You don't need to remind me again!"
"Good you get it lass! Now-!"
BBBOOOMMM! BBBOOOMMM! BBBOOOMMM!
Surprised, Nozomi asked, "Fireworks?"
"Oh blast!" Shocked by this cry, Nozomi then saw Cait sith take off and quickly she heard him cry out, "I need to be with me highness for this upcoming number!"
Seeing him go, Nozomi then after a moment released a chuckle and said, "Well there he goes, I guess?" Then quietly, she took another sip from her warm drink. Doing this, she knew Cait Sith was right, she wasn't alone anymore... she had everyone with her now, the hole in her Heart would gradually ease as she made more warm happy memories with everyone.
However looking up to the stars above, she then said with a small smile, "Aqua, Terra, Ven, Bertros, Eraqus... Xehanort, I won't forget any of you." Then grasping her cup, she said firmly, "I promise, we'll learn to do things better from now on, so no one has to suffer the pain of Heart Break like you all did."
Then as she looked on up, for a moment, she swore she saw one of the stars above twinkle a little more strongly. As she did, surprised she then smiled and wondered if that was a sign they'd heard her? She hoped that was the case...
"Nozomi?"
Surprised, turning to look behind her. She saw that it was none other than someone who made a warm smile come to her face, "Oh, hi Riku!"
He nodded happily, smiling too. Then as he got closer to her, she asked, "You finished telling your side of the story with Jiminy?"
"Just about," he replied. Though with a sigh, he said, "But it will probably take a few more sessions before he gets all the info he wants about what happened on my journey with you and what happened in the battle with Xehanort."
Nozomi replied, "I can imagine!"
Then as Riku looked to her, he was quiet as he stared at her.
Puzzled by this, Nozomi was about to ask him what was wrong when he he beat her to it, asking, "Your eyes are a little red, have you been crying?"
Surprised he'd caught onto this fact, Nozomi then said, "Um? Well I guess, a little! But it's nothing you need to be worried about! I'm not gonna go flying off somewhere or-!"
"I know!" As he cut her off, Nozomi became quiet again and then she heard him say, "You said so before, you'd never leave me no matter what." With a gentle warm look in his eyes, he asked her, "Right?"
Amazed hearing him say this, Nozomi didn't know at first what to say. Then feeling a comforting warmth light up in her, she revealed a happy blush and simply nodded.
It was clear that Riku was happy to see her this way, and then hearing the music that was now starting, looking to her he asked reaching his hand out to her, "You want to dance to this number together?"
Shocked, she asked, "You want me to?"
"Who else would I ask?" He told her with a small chuckle.
Quiet, Nozomi looked a little worried and replied turning down to her awkward feet, "Well, I'd like to, but I'm worried I'll trip up or something... I've never really danced with another person closely so-!"
"I'll be there to catch you, don't worry!" Surprised he said this, she looked up to him and then heard him say, "I'm strong enough to do it, plus I can easily cope with whatever you might try to throw at me!"
Puzzled, Nozomi then asked, "Throw at you?"
"Like your body," Riku replied, then with a cheeky smile he replied, "Cause I definitely wouldn't mind holding you closer!"
Her face turning scarlet, Nozomi cried out, "Riku, you dumb snowball!" With that turning her face away, she told him, "Don't make me feel weird right now!"
Riku only laughed more, however in a more gentle voice he told her, "C'mon Nozomi, dance with me! I really want to with you, please?"
As he asked this of her, though she was embarrassed... she couldn't ignore the sweet butterflies that were fluttering inside, looking to him and seeing his extended hand. She quietly moved, taking hold and as he brightened at her touch, the two of them went to enjoy the festivities with their friends, as the sky continued to be filled with fireworks and the atmosphere was filled with happy warm laughter...
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BBBOOOMMM! BBBOOOMMM! BBBOOOMMM!
"Wow! I need a break!" Landing himself on another bench that had been prepared for the festivities, Sora was taking in some deep breaths to recover himself. As he did, he looked to see the new song that Serah and Oralee were providing, with Cait Sith adding some extra notes with a small trumpet of his.
He enjoyed the show, as all his allies continued dancing away cheerfully, then he saw out there making him grin more, was none other than Riku, with Nozomi joining in too.
She looked to be a little flustered, as Riku pulled her with him in sync with the music, she nearly tripped up a couple of times. However, his reliable friend was there to catch her and looking on, it looked like her nerves were easing and gradually the two of them danced without a care in the world, enjoying the celebrations of the night.
Smiling, he then couldn't help but say, "I'm really happy for you, Riku." Then becoming more relaxed against the bench, he added, "Now I can rest a bit easier, knowing someone else can be there to keep an eye on you!"
"You're relaxed now, huh?"
Surprised hearing this voice, Sora looking up to his left then saw coming over to him was none other than, "Hey, Timbre!"
Smiling at him, as the pink haired Sphynx approached, he heard him ask, "You done dancing with Kairi?"
"For a bit!" Sora grinned, then turning to watching everyone again, he continued to say, "She needed a little bathroom break, and I just needed to rest my feet!"
"I'm not surprised!" Timbre replied, then he further commented as he sat down, "You do have big feet!"
"It's just my shoes!" Sora complained, however watching everyone he couldn't stay grumpy for long. For looking on, he saw someone else who was suffering awkwardness when it came to dance, "Anyway, at least I can dance well unlike-!"
THUMP!
Quickly he was interrupted by the person he was talking about, as Pete fell forwards and the people around him had fallen down too. Due to the rumble that his body made on impact. Leaving only two people standing upright, who clearly had been prepared for this, which was Hari who had caught Kagi in her arms before he could fully fall.
Staring on at the odd scene, Sora couldn't help but smile awkwardly and say, "See what I mean?"
"Yep I do!" Timbre agreed. Then with the Keyblade Master, they watched as Pete was gently lifted onto his feet, with a strong hand from Hari and a helpful push by King Mickey, who chuckled as the annoyed former villain complained about something they couldn't hear.
Watching this interaction, as Goofy and Donald quickly came to join them. Timbre then couldn't help but comment, "But hey, I guess he's doing his best?" Then seeing him calm down, as Hari said something to him, he said as Kagi patted him on his left arm, "And for the right people too."
"True," Sora agreed. Then looking on, he couldn't help but admit, "It's just crazy though, I didn't think Pete of all people could change..." He further added with a warm smile as they started to all dance again, "It's nice to know it can happen, that you can grow a warm Heart, even in the darkness."
"That's a cute way of saying it!" Timbre joked, to which he nudged Sora.
"Hey!" Then as he laughed feeling him do this, he decided to ask, "And considering change, what do you think you guys are gonna do?"
Blinking as this, Timbre asked, "What?" Then thinking to himself, he clarified asking, "Are you talking about myself and my crew?"
This Sora nodded to and added, "Yeah, and your sister."
As he did, Timbre relaxing against the bench himself with his arms behind his head thought for a moment and replied, "Hmm... not sure?" Then looking at his crew who were enjoying themselves, with Fran and Balthier dancing a waltz, Zidane entertaining Yeul and finally Noel, dancing with Raiyana in hand, he said, "Well if I'm guessing right, my boss will wanna get back to sailing amongst the stars ASAP."
"Doing pirate stuff again?" Sora asked.
"Partly, if we find any evildoers!" Timbre smiled, but then he added, "But mostly we'll just go out finding lost treasure, my boss wants our names to reach far and wide so we become living legends."
"Wow! That sounds so cool!" Sora exclaimed.
Smiling brightly wiping his nose, Timbre told him, "I know right! I got a cool boss and family!" Then looking to Noel and Raiyana who continued to dance happily, he couldn't help but add with a knowing smile, "And I think we might be gaining another member real soon!"
Turning to where he was looking to, Sora spied what was going on too. Then he agreed with a smile saying, "Looks like it!" Then as a moment of silence came, and he watched everyone, it then occurred to him, "Wait? How're you guys gonna do that exactly?"
"We're gonna have to make a Gummi ship!" Timbre replied, then looking unexpectedly irked, the Sphynx boy explained, "And that's gonna take ages... with loads of arguments about what will impress the audience and what won't!"
Hearing this, Sora seeing the annoyed look on his friend's face asked, "Has... this happened before?"
"Yep!" Then eyeing Balthier, he revealed, "We've had more than one occasion where we've lost a ship, and the boss takes forever to choose how the next one will look..." then with a sigh he added, "He can be so fussy during construction!"
"Sounds tough!" Sora agreed, however as he thought about things he realised, "So I guess, you guys will be staying here in the Radiant Gardens till then, right?"
"I guess so!" However Timbre became brighter in his demeanour and said with a smile on his face, "And that means I get more time to spend with the Princess!"
"Princess?" Sora asked, then looking to where his friend was gazing to, he then realised, "Oh, you mean Oralee?"
"Mm-hm!" Then with a blush on his cheeks, he continued on to say, "I'm gonna make her fall hard for me, just like I have for her!"
Silent, Sora then couldn't help but laugh saying, "You're not embarrassed at all saying that are you?"
"Never! When it comes to love I give one thousand percent!" Timbre grinned, then looking forward he pointed, "My sister's the same, I mean come on! Look at her!"
Sora did, and there he saw in the distance was Jona, who had managed to get her hands on Wairu and was now dancing with him. Though due to the rapid way she was moving with him, it was clear he was finding it hard to keep up with her.
Seeing her do this and knowing the warm feelings she had for him, Sora then smiled and said, "Well, I hope Wairu can keep up with her!" Then he said feeling a little bad for him, seeing him trying to keep up with her chaotic moves as she spun him around and around, "After all, she is physically the strongest out of you guys!"
"You got that right!" Timbre grinned, then saying this and seeing her happy demeanour, he said with hope, "And this time, maybe she might have got lucky." Then seeing the joy on her face, he couldn't help but say softly, "I hope she has at least."
"Yeah maybe..." Sora smiled, for having known Timbre from him being within his Heart. He knew his feelings were true, and he couldn't help but feel the same.
"Well anyway, moving on from that," Timbre then turned his heterochromia eyes back to the Keyblade Master and asked him, "What're you gonna do from now on, Sora?"
Surprised the question was being posed to him, he was quiet. Then folding his arms, he replied, "Hmm... you know, I haven't really thought about it yet."
Timbre asked him, "You haven't?"
Shaking his head, he replied, "No, well... I mean, Xehanort's defeated, we've got the Lock of Light, you guys are rescued... so I guess, my adventures are done for a while." However putting his hand to his Heart, he couldn't help but feel that wasn't quite true, as he said, "Though, there is something I have been thinking about."
"Something?" Timbre asked.
"Yeah, well no, I mean someone..." Then looking at the Nobodies who were dancing too, Ody with Araxne along with Heyner and Olette, Saria and Ori, then finally Meixeng along with Pence who were entertaining Scriptium with her monkeys Fuma and Uma.
Seeing them, he couldn't help but say, "Cause, we lost some people that I never truly got to know, Roxas and Naminé... they're-"
"Yeah, I know them!" Timbre interrupted. Then Sora stared at him dumbfounded, the Sphynx corrected himself saying, "Well, that Roxas guy at least, never got to meet the blonde girl, Naminé."
"Huh?" Sora uttered perplexed.
"He's your Nobody right? I met him, when I was within the realms of your Heart." Timbre explained.
"WHAT!?" Sora couldn't believe it and asked him, "Are you serious!?"
Nodding, Timbre then explained, "Yeah, I met him in there, me and Jona." Then with a calm smile he explained, "He's looking after you deep inside, so you don't fall apart because of what happened in Castle Oblivion."
Surprised, Sora asked him, "You know about that and... he's really doing that?"
"Yeah, him and someone else you don't know," Timbre explained.
"Someone else?" Now really surprised, Sora couldn't think of who else he could have missed, intrigued he asked, "Who are they?"
"A girl, her name's Xion," Timbre answered.
"A girl? Xion?" Sora didn't have any memory of such a person. He then asked Timbre, "Did she explain anything to you?"
Timbre looking up to the stars replied, "She did, though I didn't really understand most of it." With that scratching his head, he then tried to state as simply as he could, "Basically, she was created from your memories or something, to be used by the Nobody of that Xehanort guy."
Shocked Sora asked, "She was created from my memories?"
"Yeah, to be used as a weapon if they couldn't control you and Roxas in collecting Hearts or whatever." Then he continued on and said, "But she rebelled against those Organization whatever guys, because she wanted to save you and Roxas too somehow... but well, things happened and she's now helping Roxas in looking after you, so you stay healed."
Hearing this, Sora couldn't believe it. Then putting his hand to his Heart, trying to imagine what she had gone through and Roxas... it hurt, knowing that they sacrificed so much. Just simply so he could be whole again.
Timbre seeing him be this way, then looked over to the former servant to Maleficent, doing this he said, "She's like Hari in a way, both putting others before themselves." However he added, trying to lighten up the heavy atmosphere, "Though I think Xion's a little cuter than her!"
Sora remained quiet, sadness eating away at him. He couldn't help but ask with some fret, "... Are they unhappy where they are?"
This time it was Timbre's turn to look surprised. However with a small smile, shaking his head he told him, patting his shoulder, "Don't worry, Sora."
As he said this in a reassuring tone, the Keyblade Master turned to look at Timbre. As he did, he heard his friend tell him, "It's not bad being in the realms of your Heart." Then with a smile, he told him confidently, "I guarantee it!"
"Are you sure?" He asked still worried.
"Absolutely!" Timbre then told him, looking to the other Nobodies who still were dancing away with their Twilight Town allies he explained, "They're doing their best to look after you, so that you can protect the happiness of others." Then looking at them all fondly, thinking of Roxas and Xion's smiling faces, he said, "Though, I think deep down they'd love to meet everyone here, and probably that Naminégirl would too, I guess,butthey have a job to do..."
"I see," Sora replied, then clenching his hand tightly thinking of them doing this within his Heart. He couldn't help but feel grateful but sad, at the the sacrifice they'd both had to make for him. Then he couldn't help but ask, "Do you think there'd be anyway for me to bring them back to the real world?"
"I dunno?" Timbre replied, however he then stated, "But they did tell me and sis, that they can't just leave you without harming your Heart in the process, and that's something that they both don't want, no matter what."
Surprised, Sora asked, "Really?" Then as Timbre nodded his answer, he replied sadly, "I see..."
"But hey!" With that Timbre patted him on the shoulder again and told him, "Don't be depressed, as I said! Your Heart's a warm place Sora, its full of light!"
Looking up to him, the Keyblade Master asked, "It is?"
"Yeah! So I know they're happy where they are! For they experience what you do, so they're getting to live life just as much, so they're not entirely left out." Timbre reassured him.
Amazed by these words, Sora felt the pain in his Heart ease a little and as it did, he told his friend, "Thanks Timbre, I'm glad to know that! That they're not suffering inside me... I wouldn't know what to do if that was the case."
"Don't blame you!" Timbre said with a smile, then looking at everyone dancing again, he told him, "But, if there's anyway to help them both. I'll aid you in anyway I can, in finding it."
"You will?" Sora asked him surprised.
Nodding, Timbre then told him, "Yeah, it's the least I can do for you saving me and my Sis!" Then looking to him, he added, "So if we discover any treasures, or rumours or something that could help them, when we get our ship up and running, I'll tell you straight away, okay?"
Amazed hearing this, Sora brightened and nodded telling him, "Thanks Timbre!" Then he added finally smiling again, "And if I discover anything about some awesome treasure or I need your help in something, I'll let you guys know ASAP!"
Grinning hearing this, Timbre then told him, "It's a promise then!" With that he reached his right clawed hand up and quickly-!
CLAP!
Sora clapped it with his own hand, making a high-five and he declared enthusiastically, "Yeah, it's a promise!"
They both smiled, feeling the warmth of their friendship when-!
"Hey, Sora!"
It was then that Kairi came running towards them, Sora brightened instantly seeing her.
Seeing her too, Timbre then admitted, "Man, Kairi really does remind me of Xion!" Then as he got up, he added saying, "Though I think her darker shorter hair is the better look!" With that he walked away saying, "See ya later, Sora!"
"Later Timbre!" Sora called after him. Then as Kairi approached, he thought again of Roxas and this mysterious girl Xion. As he did... it was then, thinking of what the Sphynx had revealed to him, that he made a decision.
"Sora, are you okay?" As the Princess of Heart asked for him, he shook his head and simply smiled. Then taking her hand into his, he took off with her so they could dance again before she asked him too much.
He decided to discuss the idea he'd come up with her later, as it was now the time for celebration. He just hoped, that as he danced with his friends and her, that Roxas and Xion along with Naminé, could all feel the happiness that was in the atmosphere within their Hearts...
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"Haa! Haa! Haa!"
Collapsing onto the paved floor of the Radiant Gardens, Donald gasping tiredly couldn't help but admit, "I can't...I can't keep up!" Then breathing in some more comforting air, he finished saying, "I'm too tired!"
"Oh, you can't keep up with my movimientos de baile, Amigo?" Juan asked him surprised.
Walking up beside him, Alania told him, "Juan, I don't think there's anyone who can!" With a sigh, she then added, "How can anyone keep up when you dance around and even disappear into a hat at inhumane speeds?"
Blinking he asked, "That's not normal Señorita?"
"No!" She replied, with that she went to grab a drink with Shirma who laughed at her reaction.
Juan was left baffled, however coming over laughing was Snow who told him, "Hey, don't worry about it, Juan! You put on one heck of a show, and it was a real sight to see!"
Seeing he'd impressed his commander, Juan asked, "I did, Amigo?"
"Totally!" He replied pleased.
"Yeah I liked it too, dude!" Musashi grinned, then he added with his arms behind his head, "I'll never forget it!"
Juan then grinned from ear to ear and with that, he walked off with them to get some refreshments too.
Donald still on the floor, couldn't help but utter sadly, "I can't let anyone find out... if Panchito and José knew, I won't ever be a part of the Three Caballeros again!"
"Donald are you alright?"
"Huh?" It was then lifting his head up, he saw that it was none other than the florist of the group, Hanahime who looked down to him with concern.
"You look pooped!" It was then Ruby appeared on her left shoulder, back to his original small size (thanks to the Fairy Godmother), looking down puzzled, he asked, "Did you want help from me and my Princess?"
Quiet as he heard the question, the royal Wizard then replied tiredly, "Sure..."
Hana helped him up with a smile, by reaching her hand down and Ruby too, who flew up and pushed into his back lifting him back onto his feet.
"Thanks." He told them both as he stood upright again.
Nodding, Hana then said brightly, "It's alright!" Then reaching into her brown satchel bag, she picked something out and told him, "Have confidence, I'm sure you'll do better next time!"
With that looking at the flower, Donald saw that it was one thing. A blue Anemone.
Puzzled as to why he was being given this, he decided not to question it. He was too tired now anyway, so tucking it into one of his zip pockets, he told her, "Okay, thanks Hana!"
She brightened and the two of them went to join the others, who were gathering near to the Merry Go Round and cafe.
"Hockety pockety wockety wack! Odds and ends and bric-a-brac!"
FLASH!
Quickly in seconds, everyone watched on amazed, as Merlin worked his magic and made the instruments that had been playing the music, all shrink down and enter into an opened purple bag that-!
SNAP!
Closed tightly after it had swallowed them all up!
Quiet for a moment, Nozomi couldn't help but say, "You know, no matter how many times I see magic be done, I can never help but be in awe!"
"I can understand that feeling!" Riku smiled, then before they could discuss more-!
"There we are ladies and gentlemen, the festivities are now over!"
As Merlin announced this, everyone clapped loudly. Though there were some sad utters here and there, that it had to come to an end. However one other voice spoke up saying, "Now don't you all get too disappointed!"
It was then everyone saw that the one speaking now, was none other than the head computer tech of the Restoration Committee, Cid who then announced, "I got one last treat for ya before we call it quits, one that even this old coot can't match up to!"
Annoyed, Merlin then complained, "Who're you calling an old coot you-!"
"I hope we didn't keep you all waiting!"
It was then arriving onto the scene, it was none other than Oralee with Cait Sith on her shoulder and Serah beside her who were back in their normal attire. As they made it, the fiance to the leader of the ARCS then said as she stood next to her beloved, "Getting changed took a little longer than we expected!"
As they finally made it, before the argument could start up again, Cid announced, "Okay One, Zero! Showtime!" With that he pushed a red switch on a remote in his hand and-!
BBBOOOMMM! BBBOOOMMM! BBBOOOMMM!
Everyone saw more fireworks be released overhead, but quickly-!
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Longer trailing lights, flew into the sky and quickly-!
SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!
SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!
SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!
SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!
Dazzling shapes like falling stars began to rain down and sparkle everywhere, making everyone awestruck before-!
POP! POP! POP! POP! POP!
POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP!
POP! POP! POP! POP! POP!
There they saw four giant Heart shapes emerge from the popping rockets, each one coloured, red, pink, purple and finally a light blue! In seconds, the Keybladers realised these were symbolic of them, when they'd been wearing their armours and then-!
KABOOM!
KABOOM! KABOOM!
KABOOM!
They exploded brightly, revealing harmonious warm rainbow colours everywhere!
Everyone watching on, couldn't believe it and immediately as this light faded!
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
A single golden rocket trailed through the sky and immediately letters were formed that spelled out for all to see-!
! ! ! !
Everyone was amazed and quickly in seconds as it all began to die away, there were hollers of laughter and applause for the amazing display that had been created for them all!
Grinning widely, Cid then told his older colleague, "Looks like my light show has made a real impression, huh?"
"Hmph!" Merlin turned his head to the side and muttered, "You only went all out, because you were incapable in the final battle!"
"What was that!?" The older blonde man demanded, but before the argument could intensify-!
"Alright, alright fella's! That's enough now, break it up! Its peace time now!"
It was then that Mickey walked over and immediately stopping the argument as the royal peacekeeper, he turned around and said, "And I think we've all partied enough now," with that looking to his comrades and the Keybladers, he said, "So we really should be makin' tracks and get the Lock of Light to Yen Sid!" With that he held the glistening treasure in his gloved hands.
Puzzled, Nozomi repeated, "Tracks?"
Nodding, it was then Goofy spoke up and joining the King with Donald, he said, "Good idea there, Mick! Cause I-!" With that he took in a big yawn, then wiping one of his eyes said, "Am gawrsh tired now!"
Chuckling, Donald agreed and said, "You said it, Goofy! I'm lookin' forward to goin' home! Daisy and Minnie will be waitin' for us!"
Mickey smiled warmly at hearing their names, for everyone could tell he was looking forward to seeing them too. However looking in one other direction, he decided to ask, "Hey, Captain Pete?"
The former villain, standing with Hari and Kagi with drinks in all their hands turned and asked, "What?"
"Did ya wanna come back to Disney Castle with me?" The King asked him.
Shocked, Pete then uttered, "Huh?"
"I'd be willin' to speak with Minnie, I could have it that ya could come back to us and have a place back in Disney Town at some point, if you're interested?" Mickey explained to him.
Pete couldn't believe his luck and asked, "After all this time? Ya'd be willin' to-?"
Nodding, Mickey then told him, "Yeah, well ya've clearly changed and I think ya've earned the chance to come back, if you want it that is?"
Silent as this was put to him, no one knew what his response would be. As the suspense lingered in the air, it was then they heard him sigh and then say, "You can count me out!"
"Huh?" This time it was Mickey's chance to be surprised, then he heard his former captain tell him-!
"I ain't goin' back like some sad mutt! You guys kicked me out before, and I've got no wish to return cause of it!" Pete declared.
Hari hearing him say this though asked, "But did you not want to have your Steamboat back, Pete?" Then as he looked to her, she continued to say with some worry, "I thought very much you would want to return, to have it back so you could-?"
"There ain't no way those bozo's would have taken good care of her!" Pete said with a glare, clearly mad at the fact he was separated so forcibly from his beloved water vessel. To which Donald and Goofy looked at him irritated. However turning back to Hari, he did but one thing.
PAT! PAT!
He gently patted her right shoulder and said, "Sides, I gotta stick around and be there to look after ya now." He smiled gently to her. She looked at him astounded, and as she did, he continued, "I gotta make up for the lack of a childhood, that ya didn't have, y'know?"
As amazement entered her expression, Hari then simply nodded and then smiled gently to him, showing her quiet gratefulness at his care towards her.
Kagi smiled too, then he told him, "That's really sweet of you, Pete!"
Annoyed in seconds, the tall feline told him, "Don't call it somethin' so mushy!"
The green-haired boy laughed, however he then realised, "But wait, if I'm gonna be your apprentice for this water boat and you can't get it back, what're we going to-?"
"I'm gonna make a new one!" Pete declared.
Silent as he said this, Mickey asked, "Yer gonna make one, Captain Pete?"
Nodding, looking to his former ruler he told him, "Ya heard me, Mick! I'm gonna make myself a new ship, a real beauty!" Then smiling proudly he added, "And when I do it with Kagi and Hari with me, I'm gonna make a name for ourselves as we travel the worlds!" Then pointing to him he added, "And I'm gonna make ya regret real bad, that ya booted me out the way ya did, when I outshine ya!"
Hearing this new goal himself, Mickey was quiet. However smiling, he told him, "Okay! I'd like to see ya do that!" Then looking to Hari and Kagi, he added with a happy nod, "I bet you fella's will do real swell!"
"Oh, it'll be more than that!" Pete proclaimed proudly, and everyone smiled and chuckled, pleased to hear a new hopeful future was in the making.
Nozomi was glad for Hari and Kagi, that they had a real father figure and carer in Pete now. However, the happy feeling for her didn't last as-!
"Shall I go and get the Gummi Ship ready now?"
Sora spoke up, as he did and she looked to him. She then heard Mickey tell him with a nod, "Yeah! That'd be a good idea, Sora!"
The Keyblade Master brightened, and then, she heard Heyner speak up and ask for his group along with the Nobodies, "Can we hitch a ride with you guys again? Otherwise we can't get home too easily?"
With a thumbs up, Sora then replied, "No problem!" With that he took off and went to get the Gummi ship, with Donald and Goofy then following behind him.
However as they left, Nozomi could feel a terrible ache quickly spread in her Heart. For if the King was leaving, Heyner and the others too... then that meant Sora and Kairi would go too, along with-!
The sad realisation hitting her, all she could do then, was hold onto Riku's hand tight. Making him look at her strangely as their friends went to fetch the ship...
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WHOOSH!
Landing the ship nearby, Sora then smiling told them all, making it back, "Okay! On aboard guys! We're ready to go!"
Quickly, all of the Twilight Town Residents, Nobodies, Mickey and Kairi started walking forwards. As they did, Nozomi began to feel Riku move forwards with her, she then realised, "It's finally come hasn't it...?"
"Huh?" Riku was puzzled, but before he could question her. Nozomi had let go of his hand and took a few steps back.
As she did this, she was shaking... as she did this involuntarily, she heard him ask her, "Nozomi, what're you doing?"
Biting her lower lip. She knew she couldn't trouble him anymore, she needed to be strong then. So taking in a deep breath, she told him, "Well it's time now...isn't it?"
"Time?" He asked her, still confused.
"That we say goodbye now, right?" Nozomi smiled sadly.
He sounded shocked as he asked her, "Goodbye?"
Nodding, Nozomi explained, "Yeah, I mean... you're going home right? To the Destiny Islands, everyone's going to where they all belong now, so..." it was clear she was in pain having to admit this. She struggled and continued on to say, "I guess, I won't be seeing you for a long while now, huh?"
Riku didn't say anything, she couldn't look at him. So straining a smile, she told him, "I hope you have safe journey home, Riku!"
…
An awkward silence entered the air, it was clear that this brave act wasn't working.
Looking down to the floor, she wished she wasn't being so pathetic, and she apologised saying "I'm sorry, that was too casual wasn't it? I don't want to trouble you now...I've put you through so much, I shouldn't be acting so stupid like this, I-!" Her mind was racing, this was not the time for self pitying, so she tried desperately to continue, "I mean, you don't need to worry about me! I'll go back to Bamboo Town once its back to normal, so I'll find something to do here in the Radiant Gardens until-!"
GRAB!
Shocked feeling his warmth come around her right hand again, Nozomi looked up startled and then she heard Riku tell her annoyed, "You dummy, what're you talking about!?"
"Huh?" Nozomi didn't understand, why was he mad!? What had she done to-!
"You're coming with me!" Riku told her.
Feeling her mind freeze, Nozomi couldn't quite process this and then simply uttered, "...What?"
"I said you're coming with me, you're going to the Destiny Islands with us!" Riku revealed.
"Wha? Wha? Huh?" Then as it fully sunk in what he'd truly said, Nozomi cried out, "WWHHAATT!?"
Riku clearly didn't understand her reaction and told her, "Didn't you think I'd want you to come with me?"
"Well, I mean-!?" Nozomi's mind was racing, this was just too good to be true! She then said hurriedly overwhelmed, "Well, how could I?! I mean, well, I don't even come from there! And I caused so much trouble for you and the others so-!"
"Do you not want to come with me?"
As Riku said this, Nozomi looked up and then she saw him look at her so sadly, that immediately her thoughts stopped. Then racing again to fix things she said, "No, I do! I really do! I want to go with you all and-!"
"Then it's no problem!" With that he started to lead her away with him, as he did he continued on to say, "Honestly, you shouldn't be making a huge deal out of this!"
Stopping him though quickly again by pulling back, Nozomi annoyed told him, "Well how could I not!? This isn't easy for me you know!"
"How can't it be easy?" Riku told her, with that he reminded her as he turned to look at her seriously, "Do you really expect me to let you go back to Bamboo Town, a place where no-one likes you based on superstitions!" With that he gripped his hand around her hand a little more tightly and told her, "There's no way I'd let you go back to something awful like that!"
Amazed, all Nozomi could do was stare at him and then utter in awe, "Riku..."
Then with a sigh, a more gentle smile appeared on his face as he told her, "I want you with me Nozomi, I mean it... we all do."
Her Heart racing hearing this, she asked him, "All of you?"
"Me, Sora and Kairi, we want you to join us on the Destiny Islands, it can be your new home from now on."
"My new home?" This was too good to be true. Tears coming to her eyes, she had to ask, "Do I really deserve that though... I mean, how can I when...?"
"Geez! You really do take forever sometimes to make choices don't you?"
Surprised hearing this voice, Nozomi looked behind and there she saw making his way over to them. It was her best friend, with Jona hugging onto left arm tightly, seeing him she asked, "Wairu?"
Stopping a little distance ahead of her, the dark-skinned boy then told her, "Go with him, Nozomi, I know that's what will make you happy." Then with a gentle smile, he added, "And I want you to be, I don't want you left behind anymore."
As he said this, Nozomi felt her eyes water more. But worried she asked, "But what about you though? I'll just be leaving you behind again like-!"
"It won't be like with Maleficent!" He told her, halting her worries before they could grow. Then he continued on, and said as she looked to him, "I'm staying here by my own choice, after all... I need to become the best Wizard there is, to earn your forgiveness one day, and be someone you can be proud of!"
"Wairu..." Nozomi uttered remembering the new promise they'd made together.
"And to do that, I need to stay here in the Radiant Gardens and fix it up, learning with Merlin along the way, and hopefully making some new friends as I go too!" He explained, then he declared optimistically, "It's what you want, and what I want now, so don't worry about me."
Her tears leaking, Nozomi replied with a nod, "Okay, I'll try not to! I hope you make new friends real soon!"
"Oh! He already has one!" Jona smirked, then hugging onto him closer, she added with a wink to Nozomi, "It's me sweetie!" Then-!
NEIGH!
Quickly arriving onto the scene, flying from on high was the small black Pegasus, "Peter!" Nozomi saw him make it to Wairu, licking his right cheek making him laugh, before he settled onto his free shoulder.
Seeing this, her Heart was warmed. She couldn't help but say, "Looks like you're off to a good start, Wairu! You've got two friends now!"
"Yeah, well done!" Then Riku walking forwards, offered his hand to him and told Wairu, "I hope you succeed in your redemption, and that we can become friends too one day?"
Amazed he was offering this gesture, the Black Mage was quiet. But then reaching his free hand, he took the Keyblader's and told him pleased, "Thanks Riku!"
To which he nodded, but before they could say more-!
"Oi lass!"
It was then suddenly, the other remaining Vessels gathered around. As they did, Nozomi surprised asked, "Guys?"
"You don't get to leave us without hearing our goodbyes!" The crowned cat told her.
"Indeed!" Oralee laughed, then making her way over to the female Keyblader, she told her, "I hope you'll be happy on the Destiny Islands, Nozomi."
"Oralee..." Amazed she was saying this to her, she didn't know what to think when-!
HUG!
Quickly, the Princess of Alexandra hugged her, and she heard her say, "When you come here next, I'll make sure we can spend some quality time together, alright? So you can tell me all you've been up to!"
Hearing this, Nozomi then nodded happily, and with that she returned the hug and said, "Okay, I'll be looking forward to that Oralee!" Then as the princess detached from her, she said, "I hope the Alexandra Palace comes back soon, so you can both see everyone there again."
"Thank you, Nozomi," Reeve stated, standing next to his Princess. He added with a gentle smile, "I hope you settle there easily, it was great working with you."
"Same!" She replied, but before she could say more-!
"Nozomi..."
It was then she heard her, saying her name properly for the first time. It was none other than, "Hari..."
The long pony-tailed girl looked nervous, however as Kagi held her left hand reassuringly, she heard the former evil servant say, "Before you go, I apologise for the grief I caused you and everyone else here..." then turning her green eyes to everyone present for a few moments and then away to the side, she said, "I know you'll probably never forgive me for it all, but I at least wanted to say that to you now, so..."
Hearing the uncertainty in her voice, Nozomi could sense the pain that was there. As she did, she couldn't blame her... so after a moment, she sighed and said, "It's okay, I understand, apologising isn't easy."
Then Hari looked back to her, as she did this. Nozomi then continued, "And I know you weren't in full control of yourself, you've suffered way more than I can ever imagine." Taking in a deep breath, she then said, "I don't really know the full restored you too well yet, so I hope we can become friends one day as we get to know each other better." With that reaching her hand out, Nozomi told her with a smile, "And like Wairu, that you can earn that forgiveness gradually, and help everyone here."
Hari looked truly surprised at these words, then seeing her kind gesture. She looked hesitant, but with an encouraging nudge from Kagi, she took Nozomi's offered hand. Then she made a simple nod and said, "Yes, I hope to do it well."
"You will!" Kagi smiled patting her shoulder, then looking to Nozomi he told her, "Good luck out there, Nozomi!"
"Thanks Kagi!" She replied, then-!
"Hey! My little Chiclet!"
Coming out of nowhere, it was Timbre who flew straight down and quickly-!
HUG!
"Hey!" As Riku cried this out mad, everyone then saw the pink-haired Sphynx hug Nozomi tight dislodging her from Hari's hand!
"Timbre, what're you doing!?" Nozomi cried out not understanding!
"Just thought I'd get in one last squeeze before you go!" Stroking his head into her neck and shoulder, he told her, "So you don't get too down!" Then looking up to her, he said, "Cause you always look cuter with a smile, y'know!"
Sighing with a laugh mixed in, Nozomi told him, "You have an odd way of cheering someone up, don't you?"
Timbre grinned, but before he could continue-!
"Oh, we both do honey!"
"Whoa!" "Ah!"
Both Timbre and Nozomi were pulled into one last big hug by Jona, who told them, "There's nothin' better than a good old squeeze is there?" With that purring, she stroked her head onto the tops of theirs finishing with a smile, "Especially when its full of love!"
Quiet, Nozomi then couldn't help but burst out laughing saying, "I guess!"
Timbre though replied, "Yeah, but in your case, you do it a bit too tight!"
There was then chuckles from everyone there, and then after a little bit, Jona and Timbre let her go. As they did, the sorrow Nozomi had been feeling had all but gone and looking back to Riku, she saw him reach his hand out to her again and say, "You ready to go now?"
The female Keyblader nodded happily but before she could hold him-!
"Oi, lads!"
Turning at Cait Sith's call it was then-!
TOSS! TOSS!
Nozomi and Riku saw some objects come flying their way! Moving fast, they reached out and-!
GRAB! GRAB!
They both caught the items, looking they each saw they'd been gifted some familiar looking yellow badges with Cait Sith's smiling faces on them! Seeing them in surprise, they looked to the crowned cat and heard him say, "Now ya both along with Sora and Kairi, can stay in touch with us lass!" With that everyone revealed they all each had matching badges like them on, showing that they were now all connected and as they did, the crowned cat finished, "Now none of us will ever be too far apart contact wise!"
Amazed, Nozomi cried out, "Thanks Cait Sith!"
Laughing, Riku then couldn't help but say, "Always one last show before the end!" With that, he took Nozomi's hand again and they were on their way to leave, but before fully going he told them all, "We'll see you later guys!" The Vessels all nodded pleased, and glad that they each got to say their goodbyes.
As they moved towards the Gummi ship, Nozomi then couldn't help but ask, "I guess this is really happening now?"
"Yeah, we're going home." Then looking to Nozomi he added with a warm loving smile, "All of us."
To which she nodded to him, her eyes now shining with happiness as they went to join their comrades...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
WHOOSH!
The Gummi ship had taken off! As it did, Sora flew over the Radiant Gardens and cried out with his yellow badge now on, "See ya later Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, Cid! I hope you guys get this place all fixed up again soon!"
"Oh, we will don't you worry!" Aerith cried back!
"No doubt in that!" Leon replied, for looking he saw Irma and Gandrake were under Lightning, Hope's and Vincent's custody with their Chocobo's nearby who were being kept in line by Bonkers and Coco, so there was no worry of them causing more grief!
"Have a safe trip guys!" Yuffie added and quickly as everyone below bid them their happy farewells-!
FWOOSH!
The ship was off and away, to drop off everyone first to Twilight Town and then finally it would be time for the Keybladers to all go back to the Destiny Islands...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The ship had finally landed and as it did, Nozomi moved and quickly-!
SPLASH!
Her feet made it into the blue tropical waters, that were her first steps onto the Destiny Islands! Her Heart was racing and looking down, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow! The water's warm!"
Making it beside her, Riku asked with a smile, "That's your first thought?"
"Well, yeah! I mean, I never knew sea water could be warm like this! I thought it would always be cold like in Melody's World! But it's not! It's incredible and-!" With that looking around at the palm trees and the white sands of the beach that were bathed in the warm glowing orange and yellow colours of the light of the setting sun, along with the wooden tall giant green tree canopy and the rest of the exotic scenery that surrounded her, she could help but finish saying, "Its just so beautiful here, everything is!"
Seeing her excited expression, Riku couldn't help but laugh clearly amused.
"This is nothing! Wait till you see the rest of it!" Sora grinned.
"C'mon you guys!" It was then everyone saw Kairi, was a little ahead of them, puzzled they then heard her declare, "I'll race you all back to the shore!" With that the Princess of Heart charged on ahead, getting a head start on them!
"Hey! Kairi!" With that Sora went chasing after her!
Then seeing her go, Riku asked, "You want them to beat us?"
Nozomi was quiet, then she smiled and said, "Not that easily!" With that she grabbed a hold of Riku's hand and told him, "Let's go!"
He let her lead him forwards smiling, for it was still true. She was still the faster of the two of them!
SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH!
Making it towards the shore, it was then that finally everyone made it to the white beach! As they did, everyone was a little breathless from having to race so suddenly, however before a winner could be declared-!
"Hey, fella's!"
Looking on high, they then all saw-!
WHOOSH!
The Gummi Ship! There they saw now waving to them from the driver seat, with Donald and Goofy beside him. Was "King Mickey!" Nozomi cried out.
Nodding happily to her call, the Disney Castle ruler told them all, "You all take care now! If there's anythin' that comes up, we'll let you know!"
With a nod, Sora then replied happily, "Right!"
Mickey was pleased, then he added, "And Nozomi!"
"Yeah?" She asked curious.
"You take care! I hope you enjoy stayin' here with everybody!"
"Thank you!" Then she waved to him and said, "I hope you all have a safe trip! I'll be looking forward to seeing you guys again!"
"Same!" Donald and Goofy waved their goodbyes, as the other Keybladers returned the happy gesture and then quickly, "See ya fella's!"
FWOOSH!
They were all off, and they disappeared into the setting warm skies, becoming a twinkle that quickly faded out of sight...
As they vanished, Sora then said, "There they go!" Then rubbing his nose, he couldn't help but ask, "I wonder when they'll need us next?"
"Hopefully not for a while!" With that stretching his arms, Riku said, "I could use a little break!"
Nozomi nodded in agreement.
"Oh, wait?" Kairi spoke up, and as she did, everyone looked to her and heard her say, "Who won again?"
Quiet, no-one knew for they got distracted by Mickey and his friends... but then it didn't matter, and Sora proposed, "Um, why don't we just say we all won? I'd be happy with that!"
"Yeah same!" Nozomi replied, then looking around she continued to say, "But man, I can't believe it! I'm really here now with you guys, on your home world, the Destiny Islands!"
"Yep you are, well the Hideaway island!" Kairi smiled, then seeing Nozomi's excited state, she asked her, "Do you wanna have a look around the place?"
Nodding energetically, Nozomi's eyes were alive with stars and it was clear she couldn't wait to start exploring!
Kairi laughed, then looking to him, she asked, "Hey, Riku why don't you take the lead?"
Smiling and with a roll of his eyes, he replied, "Did you even need to ask that question?" Then walking to the new arrival, he told her, "C'mon Nozomi, I'll give you the star tour!"
Laughing, she then said happily, "Okay, thanks Snowball!"
In seconds, he uttered, "Man, I really wish you'd stop calling me that!" However, he didn't grumble any more, and instead took her by the hand again and began the tour of the island with Sora and Kairi following behind them happily...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Exiting the seaside shack, after visiting the cove where she discovered the amazing race course across the bay, that consisted of jumping platforms, more of the exotic palm trees. She'd discovered a wooden tower, that had a zip line that she couldn't help but want to try out, but sadly... it led to her falling into the water, becoming soaked after losing her grip!
This caused laughter to break out from everyone and some long moments of pouting grumpiness. But fortunately that had fled, when Nozomi saw the sight that was now before her. For ahead, she saw the dazzling setting sun twinkling upon the waves! It had turned the sea golden, making it incredible to behold!
Her smile returning in seconds, she cried out, "Wow!" With that she ran forwards across the wooden bridge, and quickly she arrived on a round white sandy platform that reached closer to the setting sun. As she got to the edge of it, with the tall palm trees surrounding her, she put a hand over her eyes and peered out to sea.
"What're you doing, Nozomi?"
"Huh?" Looking behind herself, she saw Riku looking at her oddly. Seeing him do this, she answered honestly looking out to the sea again, "I was just wondering how far the sea reaches out! It looks like it could go on forever!"
There was silence in the air, before she heard him chuckle and say, "I used to wonder the same thing too."
Surprised, she lowered her hand and asked him, "You did?"
Nodding, he replied with a gentle smile, "Yeah." Then standing beside her, he looked at the ocean too and continued, "It's one of the reasons that made us want to build a raft, and reach beyond here, to see what other worlds might be out there."
"I can imagine!" She smiled, then she added looking to him, "And you wanted to find out more about Kairi, right?"
Looking at her, he asked, "You remembered?"
"Of course I did!" Then looking about the palm trees again and the luscious flowers that were around them, she said honestly, "Ever since you described this place to me in Hercules's world, I always wanted to come here! You made it sound so amazing and fun!"
Surprise painted his features and then smiling he replied, "I see," then he couldn't help but ask her, "And is it as good I said?"
"No," then he lost his smile for a moment, but smiling herself still, Nozomi revealed, "It's even better than you described!" With that she held his hands and told him, "I'm so glad to be here with you right now! This is the best island ever, and I would never have known about it without you!"
As she said this so honestly and holding his hands tight, Riku blushed red and as he did, she stared at him puzzled. Then she saw him turn his face away from her, after a moment he uttered with some shyness, "Its, its nothing..."
She giggled at his reaction, and then said, "You really are cute, Snowball!"
To which he looked annoyed, but before he could make a fuss-!
"Hey, you guys!"
Distracted, they turned around and there they saw sitting together, upon a particular lowered long tree were Sora and Kairi, who were grinning at them with mischievous expressions. Nozomi was puzzled, before she heard Sora call out, "Are you done being all lovey dovey yet!"
Quiet, Nozomi then realised they had watched them both! Now it was her turn to be annoyed, in seconds she cried out red in embarrassment, "Oh get lost, Sora!"
To which he laughed loudly, then as he did this. Kairi called out, "Are you done exploring yet?"
Losing her annoyance for a second, Nozomi thought to herself and asked, "Is there anywhere else I haven't seen yet?"
"Oh, loads!" Sora said, with a wave indicating that what little she had seen was nothing!
Surprised, Nozomi then replied, "Then no! I wanna see everything else I can!"
"That's a good excuse for us then."
Puzzled as she heard this utter from him, Nozomi looked over to him and asked, "Riku?"
However he gave her no answer, instead he took hold of her hand again, and started walking with her. As she did, she asked surprised, "Hey, Riku? What're you doing, where are we going now?"
But he didn't answer her, instead he walked over to where Sora and Kairi were. As he did, he then reached out his hand and indicated quietly that he wanted something from it as he opened his fingers in and out.
Nozomi staring at him didn't understand, what was he doing?
However Sora looked surprised and Kairi too, but then smiling widely, Sora got up from the tree walked along its trunk. Then he picked out a yellow star shaped fruit that was growing out from its long green leaves.
Seeing this, Nozomi was quiet. Then she realised, "Oh, wait?"
"Hm?" As she said this, Kairi asked, "What is it, Nozomi?"
"I just realised, these aren't palm trees are they? Those grow coconuts, what're these ones?"
Startled, Kairi asked, "Wait, you don't know?"
To which she shook her head.
Kairi was quiet, but then she giggled and said, "This is a Paopu Fruit tree!"
Puzzled, Nozomi repeated, "Pao...pu?" It was clear she'd never heard of that before, and so asked, "Is it a native fruit here?"
"Yeah and-!"
"She doesn't need to know more!" Riku interrupted, then as he got the fruit from Sora who was grinning widely still. He was blushing with annoyance as he then said, "I'll be the one to tell her in a bit, okay?"
"Huh?" Nozomi didn't understand, what was the big deal?
Laughing Kairi replied, "Okay, my lips are sealed then!"
Riku nodded, clearly glad that she wasn't going to say more. Then as he looked to Nozomi, he told her, "C'mon, let's finish that tour!"
Baffled at the secret exchange that was going on, Nozomi then decided not to think too much more about it and replied with a smile, "Okay, lead the way, Riku!"
He nodded and with that, she and him walked away together to look at more of the island.
…
As they disappeared through the door that would take them back down onto the beach. Sora was quiet, and then he couldn't help but smile and say, "Looks like this is for real! He's really gonna give it to her!"
"Looks like it!" Kairi smiled, then the two of them stared out to the wonderful warm setting sun. As they did, the Princess of Heart couldn't help but say, "You know, I still can't believe it."
Curious Sora asked her, "Believe what?"
"That we've come so far now..." With that, she looked at the armlet that was on her left arm. As she did, she continued to say, "That we have these new powers, Xehanort's gone finally and," With that she reached up the yellow Cait Sith badge that would let her stay in contact with Oralee and the others, then smiling as she thought of her new friend, she finished saying, "That we met Nozomi, along with the rest of the Vessels... and that I got to help you guys finally."
As she said this, Sora was quiet. However moving himself closer to her, he put his hand to her shoulder and clutching it gently, he told her, "I knew you could always help us!" Then looking to the sun again as she looked to him surprised, he continued to say warmly, "I'm just glad you got your chance finally."
"Same!" Kairi smiled, then with a hand to her Heart she continued to say, "And from now on, I'm gonna do my best to continue giving you my support, in battle and during our off time!"
"I'll be glad for that!" Sora smiled, then as he said that. He looked down and admitted with a sigh, "I'm gonna need all the support I can, going forwards now."
Puzzled by the sad tone that was within his voice, Kairi asked, "Sora?"
The spiky haired boy looking ahead again, then told her, "Kairi, I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"...What I'm gonna do from now on, what my next goals are." Sora admitted to her.
Curious she asked him, "Your next goals?"
With a nod, Sora replied, "Yeah," then reaching his right hand to his chest he continued, "I know that I still want to reunite the worlds somehow, and open the Door of Light, but... there's something else that's come up."
Worried she asked him, "Something else?"
"There are some people I wanna bring back, so they can enjoy the happiness we're feeling too." He explained to her.
"People, what kind of people?" Kairi asked him.
"I mean, like Roxas and Naminé..." with that looking saddened, he told her, "I've been thinking about them a lot lately, especially after everything that's happened with Nozomi and the others."
Quiet, surprised by this. Kairi then looked to the sun herself and replied simply, "I see..."
Sora then continued, "I want to find a way to help them if I can, to bring them back... and this girl who's inside me, Xion."
Puzzled, Kairi asked him, "Xion? Who's that?" Then she was quiet, as she heard from Sora about what he learned from Timbre when they had partied in the Radiant Gardens...
As all the information sunk in, Kairi looked saddened herself and said, "Whoa... so much happened when you were asleep, I can't believe so much was sacrificed, and you didn't even know about it."
"Yeah," then as Sora looked at his hands, he said, "I'm supposed to be this great Keyblade Master, but I've realised throughout all this, I haven't really been able to do anything for them." Then looking to the far distance where he could see Nozomi and Riku entering the Secret Place beside the waterfall, he said, "And I was just barely able to help save Nozomi, Timbre and the others... I've still got a long way to go."
Hearing him say this, Kairi then said with a sad chuckle, "Well, you're not the only one," with that looking down she explained as he looked to her, "I've always felt like that, being helpless at not being able to be there for you guys, lacking power is something I understand all too well."
She then heard Sora release a sad chuckle as he said, "Its the worst isn't it?"
Kairi simply nodded, but looking to him she said, "But, its like Oralee revealed to me, when you're at your lowest, that's when you rely on your friends to help bail you out."
Surprised Sora asked her, "Oralee showed you that?"
"Yeah, she did, " then looking to Sora warmly, she told him, "She shared with me the memories of both you and Riku, that's when I realised that we're truly stronger when we stand together with our friends." Then reaching her hand over to him, Kairi took his right hand and smiled warmly as she said, "And I want to be your strength with everyone, Sora! To help realise your goals from now on, cause you're not alone now, in whatever it is you want to do!"
He looked at her amazed, then he smiled warmly and replied with gratefulness, "Thanks, Kairi! That means a lot!"
She nodded, then looking out again she asked him, "So, one of your new goals now is to restore Roxas, Naminé and Xion, right?"
"Yeah," however he then revealed, "But I don't want to get it wrong."
"Get it wrong?" Kairi repeated puzzled.
"Yeah, I don't want anyone to suffer anymore, I don't want anyone else to be sacrificed to achieve things... I can't do what Xehanort did before, I never wanna be anything like him!" Sora stated strongly.
"I don't blame you," she replied. Then squeezing his hand, she took a deep breath and then said, "But, you can't go too far the other way, otherwise you might make the same mistakes like Bertros did."
"Huh?" Sora uttered puzzled.
Kairi then explained, "Cause in the story we heard, the Warrior of Light sacrificed too much, he lost his friends and the Door of Light to darkness, and Bertros didn't want to sacrifice at all, which led to him not believing in Xehanort's words. His friend ended up suffering alone, becoming Broken Hearted at all the loss, which then led to him causing the Keyblade Wars and so much grief..."
Quiet as she stated the events of the past, Sora looked saddened and replied, "You're right," then with a sigh, he asked, "So what should I do?"
Kairi thought to herself for a bit, then taking in a deep breath she concluded, "Well, we can decide on that together."
"Together?" Sora asked her.
"Yeah," then Kairi explained with a smile, "Because, unlike the Warrior of Light and Bertros who both had to decide everything alone as leaders, you don't have to be like them, you have us to rely on! Me, Riku and Nozomi, we can all help out together to make those choices when you need to, even King Mickey can help us!"
"Really?" Sora asked her surprised. Then as she nodded to him smiling still, he asked, "But will it be enough?"
"I think it will balance things out, because we all fully believe in each other!" Kairi smiled, then she added clutching his hand gently, "At least I hope it will, because no one should have to make heavy choices like that all alone."
Quiet, Sora then looked more relaxed and calm somehow, as he replied, "Yeah, you're right! I'm not alone in this," then looking out to the light, he said, "None of us ever have been... and our bonds are all stronger now."
"Exactly!" Kairi confirmed.
"Okay!" Sora smiled, then realising his goals with more confidence, he said, "So that's what we'll all do from now on! We'll stop the Heartless together whenever they rise up, find a way to restore Roxas, Naminé and Xion. Then finally reunite our worlds, without having to sacrifice too much to get there!" Then as he stated this all, he asked her, "Do you think that's good enough?"
"Its a lot!" Kairi laughed, however smiling warmly to him, she said, "But they're really good goals! I'll be glad to help you in reaching them, Sora!"
"Thanks Kairi, I'll be relying on you!" He smiled to her.
Kairi nodded again pleased, then feeling her Heart pulse with warmth. She moved up to him and gently placed a kiss on his left cheek.
As the silence came between them, Kairi moved back and with a blush on her cheeks, she smiled and said, "Its a promise, right?"
Sora looked startled, then he blushed red madly and looked down. After a bit, he replied, "...Yeah, it is." However after a moment, it looked like he decided on something else, and quickly he reached up and pulled down a Paopu fruit.
Amazed at this, Kairi asked after a moment recovering from her startled pause, "Sora? You want to-?"
"You already shared one with me right?" He asked her, looking bashful as he gazed at her.
"I did?" She asked puzzled.
Nodding, Sora replied, "Well, in a drawing we did anyway."
Surprised that he'd seen it, she looked down and replied, "Oh, yeah... we did, didn't we?"
"Yeah," then taking the fruit in his hand, he broke a chunk off of it and said, "So why don't we make it for real now?"
As he said this and offered the fruit out to her, Kairi was quiet. Then blushing with a smile, and a few happy tears in her eyes, she said, "Yeah, why not? Its been long enough right?"
Sora chuckled, and with that, he let her take the piece he made for her. Then making one for himself, the two of them at last fulfilled the childhood dream and hope they'd both secretly carried. For now, the two of them would be a part of each other's lives forever.
Then as they silently ate and finished the same fruit together, Kairi was quiet. Then surprised, she felt Sora came closer to her. Then finally he leaned in and closing his eyes, she heard heard him say the words, she'd always hoped he would, "I love you, Kairi."
"Yeah, me too, I love you Sora." She replied softly, and then the promise of that love was sealed, as the two of them shared the sweetest kiss, as the joyful rays of the light silently shone on them...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Making it up the ladder, Nozomi now stood on the highest point that they could reach upon the Hideaway Island. As she did, she gazed out towards the sea putting her hands upon the wooden rails, and feeling the warm breeze upon her skin, she couldn't help but say after taking in a deep fulfilling breath, "I can't help saying it, but it's all so beautiful!" Then as Riku walked over and stood beside her, she finished saying with a dreamy look in her eyes, "You can see forever up here!"
Laughing, Riku then told her, "I don't think it reaches that far..." however, as Nozomi looked to him, he agreed on one thing, "But you're right, it is beautiful right now."
Pleased, she then told him, "Yeah, the sun is so warm and soothing here and the light... it's amazing, seeing it glittering on the waves!"
"True, but its not just that." Riku informed her.
"Huh?" Nozomi was puzzled, what else could make it be-?
"It's because you're here, right now with me, Nozomi." He smiled to her.
Her mind stopping in her tracks, she asked him, "...What? I'm making this amazing for you?"
With a nod, he told her, "Yeah," then looking out to the setting sun himself, he continued, "The fact that you're finally here in my home world, I never thought anything like this would happen..." then turning back to her, he said, "Or that I'd ever feel strongly towards you, like I do now."
Blushing as he said this, Nozomi became bashful. Looking down, to the rails she nodded and said, "...I'm the same, I never thought I'd end up coming to such an enchanting place like this, or meet you." However, looking up to him, she admitted, "But I'm glad I did, I'm glad I was able to meet you."
"Me too," Riku told her. Then reaching his right hand to her left cheek, he cradled her skin gently.
As he did, Nozomi was quiet and feeling warmth spread into her Heart, she leaned into his touch, enjoying the wonderful emotion that was growing inside her. It was so tremendous, that she could feel tears begin to build and then they flowed out before she could stop them.
"You're crying again?" Riku asked worried.
Nodding, Nozomi said, "Yeah, but these aren't sad tears... I'm just so happy now!" Then taking in a shuddering breath in, she told him, "I never thought any of this would be possible, that I'd make it here, that I'd survive through that chaos or even fall in love..." For then she told him a terrible dread she'd been carrying for a long time, "I thought I'd always be cursed, to be alone... because of what happened with my Master, and then when I found out I was a Vessel." She then took in a deep breath, remembering the pain of that day, she continued sadly, "A Broken Heart, that only existed to hold a Fragment, and failing everyone at that time... I felt like I had nothing to live for anymore."
Riku remained quiet, as he stared at her. As her warm tears trickled onto his hand, there was nothing he could say then at that moment to her.
However Nozomi continued, "But Riku, I've never got to tell you... how grateful I am, that you came for me... and everyone." Then closing her eyes, she told him, "I truly am, because despite being as broken and unlucky as I am, you still wanted me here with you and everyone else too... you don't know how much that means to me!"
"Nozomi..." As she said this, Riku did the one thing he could do then-!
HUG!
As his gentle warm arms surrounded her, Nozomi shook and then holding him too, she continued, "I wish I could be stronger and reliable like you, throughout all this time... I wanted to be someone people could count on, like my Master, but I'm still so weak... breaking down like this, I know I'm a pain and-!"
"Don't self pity yourself right now!" Riku told her.
Then as she stopped, he held her a little more closer and told her, "You're not weak, you never have been..." Then stroking her head, he told her, "You have been annoying sometimes, but that's normal, it's not a pain to me... not at all."
"Really?" She asked him in disbelief.
"Yeah." Then he was quiet, before he revealed, "And besides, you're not the only one who's felt weak... I mean in my case, I've always wanted to be stronger too, trying to do the right thing when it matters, doing my best to make up for the past mistakes I made when I fell to the darkness, but at certain points, I nearly went too far."
"Too far?" She repeated.
"Like with how I treated the Nobodies, because of what happened before with Sora involving Xemnas, and with Xehanort too... I hated myself, for letting him take control of me, and I even hurt you too because of him, which I never can forgive myself for."
As he explained all this, Nozomi couldn't think of a word to say. Instead she remained quiet and just held him in her arms.
"So you see, I'm not as strong and reliable as you think I am," then continuing to stroke her hair, he continued, "But Nozomi, despite my failings... you stopped me when I needed to be."
Amazed, she asked him, "I did?"
Nodding, he replied, "Yeah," then he continued, "You pulled me back, so I didn't add any more to the mistakes I'd already made and... you accepted me, despite everything to do with the darkness, even when I've failed you, you're still willing to hold me now like this."
"Well of course I would," Nozomi told him. Then feeling his warmth, she told him, "I never want to abandon you, and leave you in pain... I already know what that's like."
"Yeah, we both do." Then as he said this, Nozomi felt him pull back from her and as he did, she turned to look up at him and there she saw a sad smile on his face. She saw even he had some sad tears too. Amazed he could ever be this way, she felt him stroke her cheek again, as he continued, "We both have experienced Heart Break, in one way or another, haven't we?"
To which she nodded simply, looking sadly down.
"So you see, neither of us are perfect and you've been more reliable than you realise you have." Then as Nozomi looked back up to him, she heard him say, "And now, I'm going to promise you something."
"Promise?" She asked.
"That's right," with that he took a deep breath and told her, "I'm going to make sure that I stay with you from now on, so I can be there to catch your tears like this, and remind you always, that you're never alone, and you never will be again."
Gasping hearing this, Nozomi felt her tears come out more strongly. She couldn't help but ask, "Are you serious?"
"Of course I am!" He told her, then looking away he added clearly flustered, "There's no way I'd ever say anything like this to anyone else!"
Hearing him say this and act this way, she blushed herself. Then releasing a small laugh she replied, "Yeah, I guess you wouldn't..."
Sighing, Riku though looking to her again continued, "Anyway, I mean it right now Nozomi, its real, I want to be there for you, so I can help you when you need it and make sure that no one comes to take you. I'll never let anyone try to use you, to become the King-Blade again."
Her Heart racing inside as she heard this, Nozomi smiled overwhelmed with joy. She nodded and hugging him tightly, she told him, "Riku, thank you..." Then feeling her tears pour as he held her tight, she told him, "And I promise you, I'll always be there when you need me too, I want to continue to support you in anyway I can, so you never have a reason to fall into the darkness, I'll become stronger for you and all our friends."
"Thanks Nozomi," he told her, his voice full of gratitude for the support she was always going to give him...
As they held each other for many long soothing moments, they finally parted. Then Nozomi wiping her eyes told him, "I never thought I'd get so emotional, just saying thank you... it's crazy isn't it? How it can overwhelm you sometimes."
"True," he smiled to her. Then Riku looking to his side, he was quiet for a moment in thought.
As he was, Nozomi looking up to him feeling her eyes finally be free from tears asked him, "Riku, are you okay?"
He nodded and then said, "I'm fine, I just..." it was clear he was struggling with something. Nozomi couldn't tell what with, but before she could enquire more, she saw Riku bring out something. There in his left hand, was a star-shaped fruit, with green leaves. Looking at it quietly, she then heard him say in a nervous tone, "Nozomi, I want to share this fruit with you, can I do that?"
Hearing him say this, she blinked. She didn't understand why something like this was making him so tense? There must be something more to it, and so she asked, "Um... is there something special about it?"
"Yeah," He replied, then he explained after thinking of the right words to say, "I wanted to be the one to tell you about this," with that taking in a deep breath, clearly trying to ease the building tension, "Here on the Destiny Islands, if two people share the same Paopu fruit. Then their destinies will become intertwined, they'll remain a part of each others lives no matter what..."
Hearing the importance of the fruit, Nozomi was quiet, but her eyes widened in astonishment. Then looking at it, all she could do was utter one thing, "Whoa..."
Riku hearing her say this replied, "Yeah, its a pretty big deal... so, you can understand why I..."
"Yeah, I get it... its just, wow!" She told him. Then smiling, she added, "That's such a sweet legend, I never knew it could have so much meaning like that..."
"I know," he smiled. Then looking at her, he asked, "Nozomi, would you like to entwine our destinies together now?"
Forgetting to breath for a moment, she blushed red. Then putting her hands to her cheeks. She at first didn't know where to look, but after a moment feeling the pulses of her Heart race wildly at what they were about to do now, she took a few deep breaths and said, "Okay! Okay, hang on a minute!" With that struggling hard to take control, she looked to him and feeling that she'd mess it up with any words that might come, she instead simply nodded her answer hurriedly, before looking down again.
Seeing her react like this, Riku was quiet for a moment. Then he couldn't help but laugh and say, "I got you that overwhelmed, huh?"
Looking back to him still blushing red, she told him, "Well how could you expect me not to be!?" Then pouting, she added, "This is a big deal right now! I don't need to be teased!"
To which he laughed and told her, "I'm not trying to do that!"
Nozomi sounded doubtful and asked, "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely!" Riku replied, then becoming gentler in his tone. He broke a piece of the fruit off, and offering it to Nozomi, he told her, "I truly want you always to be a part of my life Nozomi, I can't imagine it without you, so please..." With that, he revealed a loving smile and finished saying, "Let's share this together and make our bond forever lasting."
As he said this with true warm sincerity, Nozomi could feel it. He truly meant it, and as she did, she smiled finally again and replied, "Alright, I will!" With that she took what he offered, but before she took a bite, she told him, "But wait a minute!"
"Huh?"
Riku was puzzled by her request, then he saw her come over to him and breaking a chunk off the main fruit herself, she offered it to him and explained smiling brightly, "This way, we get to share it at the same time, okay?"
Surprised by this gesture, Riku though quickly smiled and taking what she offered. It was then the two of them at the same time, ate their fruit!
Savouring it in her mouth, feeling its sweet juices, Nozomi then after swallowing told him, "It's delicious!"
"You think so?" He asked smiling.
Nodding, she then told him brightly, "Yeah! I think I might like it more than Watermelon now!"
Shocked he asked her, "Are you serious?"
"Maybe!" She joked, then smiling warmly she told him, "Well, to me its the best fruit in the universe right now, because I'm sharing it with you."
As Riku heard this, he blushed. Then he couldn't help but ask looking away, "Are you sure you're not the one teasing me right now?"
"I'd never!" She told him laughing, then taking another chunk from the fruit, she told him, "Now let's finish this, so we can always be together."
To which, seeing the piece she offered him, Riku was quiet. But smiling brightly seeing her sweet smile, he nodded to her request. Then he took it, and in turn made a piece for her again and with that, the two of them finished the Paopu fruit quietly together.
….
Finally finishing eating the sweet fruit together, Nozomi looked down, feeling more full than she could ever remember feeling. She didn't know at first what to say. But after a little bit, some words finally came to her mind that she wanted to say, then she asked him, "Riku?"
"Yeah?" He answered, turning to her.
"Thank you, for choosing to stay with me... thank you, truly." Then moving closer to him, she reached up and told him, "I love you." With that feeling her Heart pulse strongly with overwhelming warmth, she placed a gentle kiss upon his lips.
As she did this, hoping he could feel everything she wanted to give to him then in that moment, she made it last as long as she could... before she finally lowered herself back down, as he looked at her stunned. She smiled warmly and said blushing, "Looks like you let your guard down! My first kiss to you was that good, huh?"
Silent for a moment as she said this, Riku then recovering, realised and said, "That wasn't the first time you did that to me."
Perplexed, she uttered, "Huh?"
"Don't you remember?" Riku asked, clearly Nozomi didn't as she looked at him baffled, then he told her, "You gave it to me back in Yen Sid's castle, when we hid in the wardrobe and-!"
"Ah!" Nozomi then did remember! Embarrassed at her idiocy, she looked down and uttered, "How could I forget that! Oh, no! I just wanted to overwhelm you for once and...!"
Seeing her be flustered like this, scarlet red with her hands to her cheeks. Riku couldn't help but laugh at her.
Nozomi just felt like she wanted to sink into a hole! Had she just ruined the moment now? Had she-?
"But you are right about one thing."
Hearing Riku, she looked up to him and then she saw that he'd made it over to her. Quickly, before she knew it, he'd taken her hands from her cheeks and told her, "My guard was down," then leaning in, he added with a mischievous grin as he cupped her cheeks with his own hands, "I'm gonna have to get you back for that..."
Nozomi then felt him press his lips to her this time, then feeling the soft yet teasing sweet warmth that was him. She didn't fight it, instead as she recovered from her surprise, she smiled inside. Then she returned the kiss he gave her happily, and the two of them embraced as the sun continued to shine...
After feeling the warmth that was each other for as long as they could, Riku finally let her go, then with his hands to her cheeks, he moved his head down so their foreheads touched. Doing this, he then told her with a happy smile, "I love you too, Nozomi... and thank you, for deciding to stay with me always."
She nodded happily, truly full of love and happiness. With that, the two of them moved again and holding each other in a warm hug. They watched the sun together, until it set, sharing many more sweet moments together, before it was time to meet up with Sora and Kairi.
Then finally, a new future would begin to shine for all of them, when they would make it the place that the Vessel of the Seventh Fragment could truly call her new home, the mainland of the Destiny Islands...
