[Open to the outside of the Owl House]
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix -Friends In My Heart- Extended]
Luz, Eda, King, Amity, Willow, and Gus stood out at the front door, with Sora and Kairi standing before them. The two groups were facing each other with sad smiles.
Luz: So...this is it...
Sora: Yeah...
Tears formed in the eyes of everyone.
Sora: I really wanna thank you all...if it weren't for you, Kairi wouldn't be here. You guys are the best of friends a guy could ever ask for. I just wish...
With each passing second, they tried their best to not cry.
Sora: We could stay together for a little longer...but Master Yen-Sid wants us back.
They all began to tremble.
Luz: But...this doesn't mean we won't see each other ever again, right? You can still visit us.
Sora: *nods* Yeah. Of course, I can. Before I go, I'd like to say something to each of you.
Sora walked up to Gus.
Sora: Gus. You've gotta be one of the smartest kids I've ever met. You really saved me during those tutoring sessions.
Gus: Heh.
Sora: On top of that, you're a fun little guy. I'll never forget those illusion pranks we pulled on Boscha together.
Gus: Haha! Those were awesome! For me...you're one of the coolest. You helped me realize that no matter how many mistakes I made, as long I learn from them and keep my confidence in myself, I can still get back up and keep trying. I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for you. I idolized you for that. So, thanks.
Sora: I'm glad to have helped you.
The two high-fived.
Sora then walked up to Willow.
Sora: I remember when we first met. You were so shy.
Willow: Yeah, I was.
Sora: And yet, here we are. You've really...BLOSSOMED—
Willow: Ugh! Haha.
Sora: into a stronger and more courageous girl. You found your true calling in your plant magic, braved through fighting the Heartless, and stood up to Boscha and beaten her.
Willow: And it was all thanks to you. Your kindness, your compassion, and your heart saved me from my own despair. You're more than my friend. In a way...you're my hero. Thank you for coming into my life.
The two hugged tightly before Sora made his way to King. Sora knelt down.
King: Sora! You are my best warrior! You've always done your best to bail me, Eda, Luz, and the others out of trouble, no matter what enemy rose against us. And you always made sure we were well fed...and played with... As the King of Demons, I applaud you as the strongest member of my legion. As your friend, I...thank you so much.
Sora petted King.
Sora: It was an honor to serve you, your majesty. I hope that when you reclaim your power and throne, you'll lead the people fairly.
King: I will!
Sora then scooped him up for a hug.
Sora: You take care. OK, King?
King: *nodded* Mmhm!
Sora let go of King and walked up to Amity. But before he could say anything, she immediately hugged him tightly, already whimpering. Sora put up a sad smile as he hugged back.
Amity: I knew this day would come...I know you have your responsibilities, but I still wish you wouldn't have to go...
Sora: So do I...
Amity: *sniff* Every day...I regret being such a jerk to you when we first met. If it hadn't been for you...I...I...
Amity was trying to hold herself back from crying.
Amity: I...probably wouldn't have changed. You brought me back into the light. For that, I'm forever grateful.
Sora: Don't sell yourself short, Amity. Seeing the person who you truly are at heart...you would've found your light again. I just know it. And I don't regret meeting you. In the end, we became a family. Something I'll always treasure.
As he gently placed his hand on Amity's head, Sora brought her in for a closer hug, making her sob.
Sora: Promise me...you'll stay strong, lil sis?
Amity: I promise, big bro!
After letting go, Sora finally walked up to Eda.
Sora: Eda...I
Before he could continue, Eda put her hand on the boy's head. Sora, closing his eyes while trying really hard to not cry, was pulled into a gentle hug.
Eda: No need to say anything... I already know. *hic* And I want you to know...that no matter where you go, *sniff* you'll always have a home here. Baby Blight's not the only family you have, after all.
Sora: I know...thank you...
The two slowly let go before he approached Luz. The two just stood and stared into each other's eyes, not saying a word.
Sora: Luz...
Luz: Sora... every day... I think back to that day when we first met...if it wasn't for you, I don't know if I would be the person I am today.
Sora: I don't know about that... I feel like you always had the strength and courage inside of you. I was just there with you.
Luz did her best to hold back her tears.
Luz: Exactly. Because of you being there with me, I was able to discover the person I am. You reached out to me. You helped me. You befriended me. You became one of the many things I've always needed in my life.
Sora: You would have done the same thing for me.
Luz: You're darn right I would.
Luz immediately hugged Sora tightly. Sora felt her trembling as she tried her best to not cry. Luz then looked back at the others.
Luz: Get over here, you guys! One last group hug!
They all did so.
Luz: Make sure you come back soon.
Sora: Of course. Even though I have to travel far...know that I'm with you the only way I can be.
Luz/Witches: In our hearts!
Sora: Always.
Everyone slowly let go as Sora walked back to Kairi. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Star Shard. Both Sora and Kairi looked at one another and nodded before looking back at the others. They all did their best to put a smile while Sora raised the shard above him and Kairi and activated its power. The two began to brightly glow white, signaling their departure. The white aura glowed brighter to the point where it slowly engulfed everyone. As this happened, they all heard Sora say that he loved them all and goodbye.
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix -Friends In My Heart- Extended]
[Cut to black]
Luz suddenly opened up her eyes and jolted to sit up. She panted for quick, deep breaths as she looked around to see she was in her room. She calmed herself down, realizing it was all a dream. Luz then noticed she had tears in her eyes, as well as streaks down her cheeks. She immediately wiped them away before signing.
Luz: Oh, thank goodness. It was just a dream.
Luz suddenly smelled something. Something good and quickly realized that it could mean one thing. After changing into her normal attire, she went downstairs and into the kitchen and was surprised to see everyone there. Kairi, Gus, Willow, Amity, King, Eda, and Sora set up the table to eat breakfast together.
[Play Always on My Mind (1:18)]
Luz just stood there, unable to say a word until the others noticed her as Sora set up a plate for Luz. They all greeted her good morning until they noticed the expression on Luz's face. Sora was the first to approach her.
Sora: Luz, are you ok? What's wrong?
Luz whimpered a bit before hugging Sora tightly with a smile.
Luz: I'll tell you later... Right now...I'm just...happy to see you!
Sora was initially taken aback, but he returned the hug with a small smile as the others got up to console Luz in any way they could.
Sora: And I'm happy to see you too, Luz.
Luz giggled before she and Sora let go, and they all sat down to eat.
[End Always on My Mind]
After everyone ate, the dishes were cleaned up, and they ended up relaxing in the living room.
Luz: What are the odds that school would be closed for a whole week due to repairs.
Amity: Apparently, the plumbing needs renewal or something.
Gus: Eh, who cares. The point is, no school for a week! Which means...
Willow: We get to hang out more!
Sora: This'll be great.
Eda walks into the living room.
Eda: Not so fast.
The teens turn to Eda.
Eda: Sora. Remember the promises you made to me during the raid?
Sora: Oh yeah! I do. I'm ready when you are.
Eda: Great. Follow me.
Luz: Wait. What promises?
Eda: Oh. Well, shortly after Lilith's..."punishment" during the raid.
Everyone winced.
Eda: Sora, being the big-hearted softy he is, wanted to make up for it. So, he promised to help me out today. First, we're gonna organize my closet.
Sora: After that, I'm taking King to the playground.
King leaped onto Sora's shoulder.
King: Yes! And soon, I will conquer the playground for real this time! That snot nose fool won't know what hit him!
Sora: *chuckles* So, you guys are gonna hang out with me.
The other teens slumped a bit but understood.
Sora: I won't be too long. Besides, I'll be back in time to cook up lunch.
The others cheered as Eda and Sora went upstairs to her room. King leaped off as he went to the group to join them. Kairi then turned to the others.
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Kairi- Extended]
Kairi: Actually, I already have an idea of what to do.
Luz: Really?
Kairi: Mmhm. Based on Sora's memories that I've seen thanks to Namine and seeing you guys in action, I can tell you're all good people.
Everyone let a soft smile show on their faces.
Kairi: And as such, I'd like to get to know you all. That way, I'd be good friends with you guys from now on.
"Of course!" the rest of the group shouted in agreement.
Luz: Ever since Sora first mentioned you to me...
Amity: And when we first saw you in his memories...
Willow: We've always wanted to meet you...
Gus: And be your friends as well!
King: What they said!
Kairi smiles sweetly.
Kairi: Great! OK, fiiiiirst, Gus.
Gus points at himself.
Gus: Really?
Kairi: *nods* Mmhm. I know you're an illusionist, a smart student, and a bit of a jokester.
Gus: Heh, naturally.
Kairi: Yes. But I'd like you to tell me more about yourself. Tell me...who is...Gus Porter?
Gus: Ahh, yes. Well, first of all, I'm 13 years old and...
Gus stopped for a bit as he remembered his past.
Luz: What's wrong?
Gus: Oh. Well, Willow and Sora already know this, but...
Willow softly jolted from that, realizing what Gus meant by that.
Gus: My early life wasn't exactly a happy period, per se.
The others were slightly taken back like this.
Kairi: Oh, I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me that if you don't want to.
Gus: No, no. It's cool. As I've said, Willow and Sora are the only ones who know about that part of my life. And since I know a bit of your past, it's only fair that I share mine with the rest of you.
Kairi: OK then.
Gus inhales, then exhales.
Gus: Funny enough, my parents wanted to have me a year later than they planned but decided earlier.
Luz: Why's that?
Gus: Oh, my mom's a private investigator. A lot of times, she gets super busy on cases that require her extensive knowledge. And sometimes, she's on a case that takes months to solve and requires her to travel a lot. This is also how I got smart in my classes; my mom always made sure I studied a lot. She'd always say, "Knowledge is power."
Luz: Cool. Cool.
Gus: Anyway, during the year of my birth, my mom managed to secure a lot of vacation time from her work. So, my parents thought that was the perfect time. Having her around for the first 5 years of my life was great. But eventually, she had to leave again when her work caught up to her.
The others were a bit saddened to hear that. Like Gus said, it was great that his mom was around for those years, but they could already guess that they rarely saw each other after that.
Luz: I'm guessing you two rarely saw each other after those 5 years?
Gus: Yeah. Of course, she would ALWAYS make time for me and my dad the moment she gets any reprieve, especially on my birthday and holidays.
Kairi: That's good!
Gus: Yeah...
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Kairi- Extended]
Gus: Although, things didn't exactly get better when I got into Hexside.
Luz: What do you mean?
Willow: *thinking* Oh boy.
Gus: As you all know, I skipped a couple grades to reach the middle school level.
They all nodded.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Ventus- Extended [Redux]]
Gus: Well unfortunately, the reason why got the attention of many older kids. They'd approach me all friendly, like whenever we got partner assignments. At first, I always thought they were nice and wanted to be friends...
Amity: I'm guessing that wasn't the case at all.
Gus shook his head.
Gus: No. It turns out they only pretended to be my friends because of my intelligence. Every. Single. Time.
The others frowned in sympathy for Gus.
Gus: And one of the last assignments I did...was the last straw.
Luz: What happened?
Gus: I worked on an assignment about the dietician for the Titan. Researching the possibilities on whether the Titan was a carnivore or a herbivore. As I was finishing up, my "partner" showed up and bragged about pretending to be my friend, the "prodigy." I got sad and ran off to hide in another classroom to get myself together.
The others frowned again.
Kairi: What jerks.
The other girls nodded.
Gus: But...it didn't turn out bad in the end there.
Luz: How so?
Willow: I know.
Gus looked up and turned his head to Willow.
Gus: Yeah. It was the same day I met Willow for the first time.
Luz beamed up.
Luz: Oh wait! I know that day.
Amity: Me too.
Kairi: Huh?
Luz: Oh. A little while ago, during the memory incident, we saw one of her meeting Gus alone in that classroom before Sora, Amity, and I were fixing up Willow's memories. By the way, you looked adorable back then.
Gus: *blushes* Oh, come on.
The girls snickered a bit.
Luz: Also, it looked like you heard voices in your head.
Gus widened his eyes before calming down.
Gus: Oh...that. That was...something else... I'll explain that some other time.
The others nodded.
Kairi: I see.
Gus: And that's right. Willow taught me this calming breathing technique taught by her parents. After all, I've felt better thanks to her. And then she and I have become good friends ever since.
Kairi: Aww, that's sweet.
[Cut to Eda's bedroom]
Sora just about finished organizing almost everything in Eda's closet.
Sora: OK! Just about done.
Eda: Great. Thanks so much, kiddo.
Sora: No problem. Now, then, just the top shelf is left.
As Sora reached up top to grab the items there, a magazine fell on Sora's head from the top shelf. He grabs it to see what it is.
Sora: Huh? I wonder what kind of—
[Play Donkey Kong 64: Sassy Swing (Candy's Theme) HD]
Sora's eyes widened as he just discovered what it was. It was a centerfold magazine. But the real shocker for Sora was that the main spread was an image of two women in bikinis seductively cuddling each other. With a flustered face beet red, Sora yelped loud enough for Eda to hear.
Eda: Hey, you alright, kiddo—
Eda's eyes also widened as she blushed like crazy.
Eda: SORA!
Sora couldn't utter a proper sentence as he just murmured gibberish. It looked like his head was steaming like a pot of water on a stove set too high. Eda immediately snatched the magazine away and used fire magic to burn it. Barely regaining himself, Sora turns to Eda.
Sora: Umm...Eda?
Eda cut him off by leaning close and pointing at him with her index finger.
Eda: Nope! Pretend you never saw that! *looks at her wrist* Oh, would you look at the time? Now you gotta take King to the playground. So, why don't you mosey on over and get to it? Great?
Sora: Uhh—
Eda: Great!
Eda pushes Sora out of her bedroom.
Eda: I'll take it from here. See ya, Byyyeeee!
Eda slams her bedroom door shut. Sora just stood there, still processing what had just happened.
[End Donkey Kong 64: Sassy Swing (Candy's Theme) HD]
[Cut to the living room]
[Play Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Lazy Afternoons]
Kairi: I can't believe you were used like that.
Luz: That was so not cool!
Both Luz and Amity nodded in agreement.
Gus: It's OK now. *turns to Willow* Ever since I met Willow, there's been looking up. *turns to the rest* Then I met Luz and Sora and got to know Amity. Since then, I've never felt happier knowing I have real friends.
Everyone smiles as Kairi places his hand on Gus's shoulder.
Kairi: I'm happy that you've gotten that in your life. And if you wanna throw me into the mix, you get five friends with you.
Gus: Of course!
Kairi smiled sweetly as she and the others heard Sora walking down the stairs.
[End Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Lazy Afternoons]
They were all about to greet him but noticed the unusual expression on his face. The best way to describe it is as if his eyes were blank and frozen. He still had that beet-red blush, and he was sputtering incoherently. The others immediately grew concerned and went up to Sora.
Kairi: Sora! What's wrong? Are you sick?
Sora barely snapped out of it and robotically turned his head to Kairi.
Sora: Umm...
Kairi: What?
Sora: I need Naminé to erase a memory...
The others tilt their heads in confusion.
Kairi: Why? What happened?
Sora: I...don't...think...you...wanna...know.
Amity: Yeesh, that bad?!
Luz: Page Dr. Naminé. Sora needs immediate assistance.
Kairi: Alright. Sora, take my hands.
The two held hands.
Kairi: Naminé. Help Sora.
Naminé voice echoed in Kairi's head.
Naminé: I'll see what the trouble is.
After a while, Kairi heard Naminé loudly yelp in absolute shock before Sora immediately recovered. Sora even put up his usual smile.
Sora: King. Time to go to the park now, if you want.
King: Great!
King hopped onto Sora's shoulder.
Sora: OK. I'm off to the park with King. See you guys later.
King: Onward to my old battlegrounds!
The two walked out the door, closing the door behind them. Everyone besides Kairi was confused as to what happened to Sora.
Luz: Huh... *turns to Kairi* So, what happened to Sora, Kai—KAIRI?!
[Play Donkey Kong 64: Sassy Swing (Candy's Theme) HD]
Amity, Willow, and Gus turned to Kairi to see her doing the same beet-red blushing reaction Sora had earlier.
Luz: Kairi? What's wrong?! What did Sora see?!
Kairi wasn't the only one with that reaction. Naminé's face became red the second she saw what Sora saw. The two even felt like their heads were steaming.
Kairi slowly turned her head to the others.
Kairi: You...will...never...know...
At that point, all the others could do was stare at Kairi with a deadpan expression.
[End Donkey Kong 64: Sassy Swing (Candy's Theme) HD]
