After comforting Luz and ensuring everyone was in better spirits than before, everyone let go of one another and sat back down. Amity handed Luz some tissues to wipe away the remaining tears.
Kairi: I'm so sorry you went through that.
Luz: Thanks. It was...really bad back then. But again, the fact that I have you guys here makes it all better. Though, I gotta admit something...
Kairi: What's that?
Luz: Throughout my time here, getting to know Sora, whether by hanging out or going to school together, made me wish that I knew him as a kid.
That really caught the others' attention.
Sora: Like if I was born in your world?
[Play Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Destiny Islands]
Luz: ...Yeah. I know it sounds weird, considering how I told you what my early life was like, but—
Sora: No, I get it.
Luz: Huh?
Sora: If I were born in your world, we'd still be friends. And...if everything that happened...happened. I would do what I always do. Be there for you and *cracks his knuckles, smirking* teach those bullies that you're off-limits.
Before anyone else could react, Sora spoke up again.
Sora: Or better yet, if ALL of us were born in your world, we'd all do the same for you. Right, guys?
Amity then cracked her knuckles, followed by Willow while Gus crossed his arms, all smirking.
Willow: Sora's right. We'd do anything to keep you safe and be there for you.
Amity: I'd send them to the hospital.
Gus: Special delivery.
[Pause Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Destiny Islands]
King: DEATH TO ALL WHO ATTACK LUZ AND OPPOSE US!
Sora: *squinting* Mmmm...dial it back, King. Just make them tremble in fear...*stands up, poses like royalty* and make them bow before us!
King: Yes!
Eda rolled her eyes at King's usual antics but then felt proud of him and the teens for being their usual defender types.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Destiny Islands]
Kairi: Even better; what if Luz was born in our world?
Luz's eyes glimmered at that thought.
Sora: Oh, much better.
Luz: *to Kairi* Considering what life was for you and Sora back in your islands, I sometimes wished for that, too. Of course, that would mean eventually dealing with the mess Xehanort brought. I can honestly say I'd rather fight a madman than deal with all the crap back home.
Sora: Well, personally, I wouldn't want Xehanort to show up, period. But as for you being a Destiny Islander, I'd have no doubt we'd have a greater time. I bet you can blow Riku's stats away on the obstacle course with your energy.
Kairi: I think you'd have more fun in our library. In fact, I remember a small book series that's similar to your Good Witch Azura book.
Luz/Amity: Really?
Kairi: Mmhm. And I'm sure you'd love the local food we have there.
Luz: I bet I would.
Sora: Well, you'll know for yourself someday.
The others turned to Sora in slight confusion.
Sora: Remember. Master Yen Sid said they'll come to get us once they have this world's location. Once he does, we could plan a trip to the islands. You all could experience life back there. It'll be great!
The others then slowly gasped in excitement.
Luz: YES! I so wanna visit your islands!
Amity: I'd like to visit that library Kairi mentioned.
Gus: I wanna check the obstacle course!
Willow: I wanna check out plants and trees!
Eda: I'd like to relax on the beach.
King: I would make my glory known to the locals! And try out that yummy island food!
Both Sora and Kairi chuckled in amusement at their friends' enthusiasm.
Luz: Speaking of life...Kairi.
Kairi: Hm?
Luz: Since we told you what you about ourselves, now it's your turn.
The others agreed with that.
Willow: We've heard a lot about you from Sora.
Amity: And now we'd like to get to know you from your perspective.
Eda, King, and Gus hummed and nodded.
Kairi: Huh, you all have good points... Ok then.
[End Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Destiny Islands]
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Kairi- Extended]
The others became a little gleeful as they sat in silence, ready to listen to Kairi.
Kairi: Well, you saw from Sora's memories about the beginning about me first appearing on the islands in that spaceship, how I was adopted by the mayor, how I easily adjusted, made friends, and pretty much everything up to Heartless invading the island. So we don't need to go over that stuff.
Luz: Actually, there is ONE thing I'd like to ask about you on the islands.
Kairi: Which is?
Luz: Were you always popular there? Like boys smitten for you?
Kairi began to get a little flustered.
Kairi: Oh. Well...there were a few boys who liked me.
Luz: Ooh. I guess Sora had some competition.~ *looks back at Sora with a smirk*
Sora folded his arms behind his head, looking smug.
Sora: And yet...I won. Although, Tidus was the most persistent.
Kairi: Oh, don't remind me.
Luz: Tidus... That's the blonde kid who used a long stick whenever he and Sora sparred, right?
Kairi: Yeah...
Confused, Luz turned to Sora for a potential answer.
Sora: Nothing bad happened. Just awkwardness.
Luz: Oh.
Kairi: Anyway... One interesting thing happened with Sora.
Luz: Oh? What's that?
Kairi: You guys know how he went through his 1st adventure to save the world and find Riku and me when he first got his Keyblade while my heart was in his?
They all nodded.
Kairi: Well, what you may not know was that I actually saw and was aware of everything Sora went through.
The others were surprised to hear that.
Luz: You did?
Kairi: Yes. I already told Sora and Riku this, but I really enjoyed every moment of Sora's first journey. Sora was always so incredible. Despite what happened to the island, despite his self-doubt, he still managed to help people in need and stayed true to himself.
Sora rubs under his nose with his index finger, slightly flustered but appreciative of Kairi's praise.
Amity: Any favorite parts?
Kairi nodded with a giggle.
Kairi: My favorite parts were him rushing in wanting to save Alice despite Donald warning him about the World Order, him breezing through Olympus Colosseum, him finding the Dalmatian puppies, and him flying into Neverland. Oh! And when visited Atlantica.
The girls had a mischievous reaction to that as Sora turned away to hide his blush.
Luz: *smirking* Oh? Care to share?
Kairi: I know what you're thinking, and it wasn't like that at the time. When he first turned into a merman, I thought it hilarious. He just looked so weird in a funny way.
Luz: *smirking* I see... But what about now, in retrospect?
Kairi turned away with a blush.
Kairi: ...He did look cute, looking back then. Yes.
The girls squealed in excitement as Gus patted Sora's shoulder to comfort him in his flustered state.
Kairi: Anyway, it was nice seeing all the great things Sora has done for all the people in all those worlds he helps and the friends he's made. And eventually rescuing me.
Luz/Willow/Amity: Awww.
Luz: But wait...
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Kairi- Extended]
Luz: It wasn't always good, was it?
Kairi: Hm?
Luz: Well, if I remember correctly, Riku was...you know, taken by darkness. Ansem.
Kairi then frowned, recalling all the Riku had done when he gave in to the darkness.
Kairi: Yeah...that was also true. At first, I was confused as to why Riku wasn't acting like his usual self every time he and Sora crossed paths... And then... Came THAT day on Hollow Bastion. The day Sora lost his Keyblade to Riku.
The others tensed up a bit, silent and listening intently for Kairi's continued perspective.
Sora rushed to stop Riku and Beast from fighting further.
Sora: Stop!
Riku smirked.
Riku: So, you finally made it about time. I've been waiting for you. We've always been rivals, haven't we? You've always pushed me as I've always pushed you.
Sora: Riku...
Riku: But it all ends here. There can't be two Keyblade masters.
Sora: What are you talking about?
Riku: Let the Keyblade choose...it's true, master!
Riku extended his right hand outward. The Kingdom Keyblade began to move on its own towards Riku, but Sora tried to stop it before it disappeared in a flash of light and then appeared in Riku's hands. Donald and Goofy became shocked.
Donald/Goofy: What!?/Huh?
Riku: Maleficent was right. You don't have what it takes to save Kairi. It's up to me. Only the Keyblade Master can open the secret door...and change the world.
Sora began getting distraught.
Sora: But that's impossible. How did this happen? I'M the one who fought my way here with the Keyblade!
Riku: You were just the delivery boy. Sorry, your part's over now.
Riku then pulls out a wooden sword.
Riku: Here, go play hero with this.
He throws the wooden sword to him, letting Sora drop to his hands and knees in sadness. With a feeling of satisfaction, Riku turns around and walks away. Meanwhile, Donald begins following Riku but stops and turns around to Goofy.
Donald: Goofy. Let's go. We have to remember our mission.
Goofy: Oh! Well, I know the King told us to follow the key and all... But...
Donald: Sora. Sorry.
While Goofy was reluctant to leave Sora behind, he understood the King's orders at that time. Yet, Donald simply pressed on. Both followed Riku since he held the Keyblade at that time. A ghostly image of Kairi appeared as Sora remained behind on his hands and knees, letting tears fall. She knelt down and hugged Sora with falling tears of her own. She then lifted her head to look in the direction of where Riku went, revealing a face that showed nothing but anger.
Kairi: *snarling* Riku!
Kairi: Never once have I been so angry at someone. Much less at Riku. The way he belittled him for always doing his best and acting like he was superior in every way. Especially when he said HE'D be the one to save me? It made me sick. And later on, I felt conflicted. Sure, I was mad at him for what he had done, but I was still worried about him when I saw that Ansem possessed him.
The others frowned after hearing this. Sure, they know NOW that Riku felt guilty for all that he'd done, is no longer possessed by darkness, and did his best to make amends. But they still couldn't help but feel bad for both Sora and Kairi and maybe a tiny hint of contempt for Riku's actions.
Sora simply chose not to think about it. He made amends, and the two are still friends. And that's what mattered to him.
Meanwhile, Amity was having some internal debate in her mind. She knows she didn't exactly treat Sora well in the beginning either, but she felt that at least she wasn't as bad as Riku at that moment. Another thing that made her mad was that Donald was just willing to leave Sora behind. She thought to herself that, at the very least, she wouldn't have done that. Though she did remember that she did leave Willow behind once before, but that was forced upon her. She didn't do it by choice. So, she felt some higher ground in that regard. But she also felt all these thoughts were flat-out confusing at the same time. But ultimately, she'd have to get to know Riku for herself to come to a fair conclusion. Which made her initially nervous. Just then, Eda spoke up, making Amity return to the others.
Eda: Kai...
Kairi: Hm?
Eda: You were rescued by Riku when the organization took you to their castle. What were your thoughts then?
Kairi lowered her head.
Kairi: Conflicted...
Both Kairi and Naminé were running through the Castle That Never Was, trying to escape with Pluto, the dog, following them. As they continued, Saix appeared in front of them from a corridor of darkness and summoned two elite Nobodies behind him.
Saïx: Naminé... There you are.
Kairi: *to Naminé* Naminé...?
Saïx: Kairi. I'm afraid leaving is not an option. *extends his left hand* I'll take you to see Sora.
Kairi backs away.
Saïx: You don't want that?
Kairi: I do. More than anything. But not with you around.
Both Kairi and Naminé readied themselves to fight.
Saïx: If I had a heart, this would be where I die of laughter.
Suddenly, Saix turned around to hear and see a black coat eliminating both elite Nobodies. A black coat he seemed familiar with.
Saïx: You... Didn't Roxas take care of you?
Naminé: You can take it from here, Riku.
Kairi widened her eyes.
Kairi: Riku?
The back coat, now identified as Riku, un-summons his blade and shoots out a dark fire spell at Saïx, which he blocks by crisscrossing his arms. Saïx backflips to gain distance, but Riku rushes in, pushing and pinning Saïx against the wall. Needing to escape, Saïx used a dark corridor to do so. Riku proceeded to follow but was stopped by Kairi and Pluto calling out to him.
Kairi: Wait!
Riku slowly turned to Kairi as she approached him.
Kairi: Riku...you're really here...?
Kairi then removed the hood to see Riku's face, only to see Ansem's face instead. She was shocked by this and backed away.
Kairi: Ansem?!
Naminé stepped forward and calmed Kairi down.
Naminé: Kairi, it's ok. That's not Ansem. It really is Riku.
Naminé pulled Kairi's and Riku's hands and placed them together.
Naminé: Here. You'll understand.
Naminé takes both Kairi's and Riku's hands and places them together, holding them both with her hands.
Naminé: Close your eyes.
Kairi looks up at Ansem and then lowers her to close her eyes while Ansem looks at Kairi with no emotion on his face.
Everything faded to black, and Kairi began to see Riku wearing the Organization XIII coat. Truly seeing Riku in her heart, Kairi opened her eyes to see Ansem looking at him with a face that showed nothing but guilt.
Kairi: It IS you, Riku. ...I'm glad that you're free... But even so...
Kairi lowered her head and clenched her fists, her whole body trembling. Riku kept his remorseful expression and prepared himself for what he knew was coming next.
Kairi: How dare you show your face here after all you've done?!
With all her strength, Kairi slapped Riku across the face with her right hand, knocking him down to the ground. Seeing this surprised both Namine and Pluto.
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Missing You- Extended]
Naminé: Kairi!
Naminé approached them to try to calm her, but Riku stopped her as he sat back up.
Riku: Don't, Naminé. It's ok.
Naminé: Riku...
Kairi: Like heck it is!
Kairi lunges at Riku, grabbing his collar and pinning him to the floor.
Kairi: You met up with him several times! You were RIGHT there with him! Sora did his best to find and save us, but you didn't do a darn thing to help him!
Kairi, in her emotional state, began to violently shake Riku.
Kairi: Why did you side with Maleficent?! Why did you succumb to the darkness?! Why did you betray Soraaaaa?!
Kairi began to let tears fall from her eyes, which made Riku flinch. Kairi took a few breaths before finally breaking down crying.
Kairi: YOU JUST STOOD THERE AND SMILED WHILE YOU BROKE HIS HEART!
Kairi raised her right hand high and clenched it into a fist.
Kairi: ALL BECAUSE YOU WANTED PLAY THE HERO AND STROKE YOUR OWN EGO!
Riku, maintaining his remorseful expression, kept his eye contact when Kairi began punching him repeatedly.
Kairi: ACTING LIKE A HOT SHOT WHO LOOKED DOWN ON SOMEONE WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND! I HOPE YOU'RE PROUD OF YOURSELF!
Kairi continued punching Riku in the face to the point where he began to bleed. This made Naminé and Pluto frightened. The dog even began to step away, cowering and whimpering.
Kairi: SAY SOMETHING, YOU TRAITOR! WHAT!? NOTHING TO SAY NOW?! NO SMART REMARK?! NO EXCUSES LIKE YOU USED TO GIVE BEFORE?! HUH?! ANSWER ME, DARN YOU!
Not wanting this to continue, Namine ran up to Kairi and grabbed her arm to stop her.
Namine: Kairi! Please stop!
Kairi took deep breaths to try to calm herself down.
Naminé: I understand why you're angry at him. I really do. But please listen to me!
Kairi: Naminé explained to me everything that Riku has been doing since Ansem's defeat. He was free from his possession and darkness and from his own journey. How he felt so guilty about everything that he had done. Sora already knows this, and to the extent, the rest of you as well.
The others were taken back by hearing how Kairi reacted, but they ultimately understood her feelings from that moment as they would've reacted the same way—heck, Eda herself has reacted the same way. They then turned to Sora for confirmation that if he knew about this, which he gave with a nod.
Kairi: From the day he ventured to Castle Oblivion, he was trying to come to terms with himself by facing Ansem once more when Riku, according to Naminé, learned that Ansem still lived within him. Throughout that journey, Riku faced members from Organization XIII who constantly reminded him of his past actions through memories. There was even this event where he thought he finally found Sora early, only for it to be a memory and illusion cast by Zexion, now known as Ienzo, to trap him.
Gus, unnoticed by the others, narrowed his eyes upon hearing that.
Kairi: And sometime after that, he even fought a replica of himself filled with his dark memories. Another ghost haunted him.
Amity thought more and more about Riku's story so far. Thoughts mixed about while she continued to listen to Kairi.
Kairi: And ever since Organization XIII showed up worldwide, Riku was on a journey to help Sora wake upon restoring his memories when Naminé was helping Sora. Riku mostly helped from behind the scenes by hiding his face behind his coat, as he looked like Ansem. And when we were all close to going home, I overheard Riku expressing his guilt, wondering how he was gonna face everyone. Despite my anger at him back then, I couldn't stay mad forever since not only was Sora so happy to see him again when the three of us reunited, but learning that he genuinely wanted to make amends. It took a while, but I did eventually forgive him.
Upon hearing that, Amity almost dismissed her previous thoughts about him and was looking forward to meeting him more and more. After concluding, she glanced around at the others until she laid her eyes on Willow, who quickly glanced back. The two maintained eye contact and instantly knew what the other was thinking. The two simply nodded and looked back at Kairi.
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Missing You- Extended]
Meanwhile, with Luz, she was thinking more and more about herself. Wondering more about her own darkness, specifically her dark counterpart hidden deep inside her, yet never out of reach. The aforementioned inner darkness picked this up.
Dark Luz: We knew somewhat that Riku had trouble with his darkness...but I never thought it was that bad. ...Then again... It's not surprising that since Ansem, Xehanort's heartless, was involved, the whole ordeal would've been a mess.
Luz: I know... it's just crazy... He had trouble with his darkness...one of which I could assume is like you, its own sentient being, constantly provoked by Ansem and Organization XIII. Took a long time for him. And yet, here we are... We came to terms with one another in LESS than a day when you first manifested. On top of that, you were never used or born out of malice, manipulation, or evil. His was.
Dark Luz: Obviously, the circumstances and chain of events between him and you were vastly different. Though I do share the sympathy you have for him and that feeling. I hate to say it, but we were definitely lucky compared to him.
Luz: ...
Dark Luz: By the way, I noticed Amity and Willow deep in pondering. They're most likely considering having the chance to talk to Riku when we meet someday. You and I should do the same thing when we get the chance.
Luz: Right.
Dark Luz: I recommend changing the subject by asking Kairi another question. The current atmosphere is a bummer. Oh! Oh! Ask her about—
Luz instantly understood what her dark counterpart was thinking and nodded.
Luz: Good idea. We could all use a mood lifter.
Dark Luz faded away as Luz turned her focus on Kairi.
Luz: Hey, Kairi. There's one thing I'd like to ask.
Kairi: What is it?
Luz: Back at the castle bridge, you said you liked Sora since you were 12, right?
Both Sora and Kairi blushed a bit, which the others noticed with smirks.
Kairi: Y-yes.
Luz: Mmhm. What I'd like to know is...what exactly happened that made you realize your feelings for him?
Kairi widened her eyes ever so softly as she recalled what happened one night. That thought practically washed away the previous conflicted feelings and replaced them with happiness. Everyone waited as Kairi stayed silent and gave off a small smile.
Kairi: Birthday cake.
Luz/Witches: Huh?
Kairi: Birthday cake.
[Play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
Kairi: On my 12th birthday... I invited all my friends at our school to a party at my house. But no one came...
Luz: What!? Why!?
Kairi: It was just a case of bad timing. Everyone was too busy with other stuff that couldn't be put off. Not even Selphie or Riku could come...
The others, aside from Sora, felt heartbroken when they heard that. Given their pasts, they felt that they could all relate to it.
Kairi then turned to Sora.
Kairi: Except for one person. Or I should say two.
Everyone else slowly turned their heads to Sora.
Sora: Me. ...And my mom.
Eda blinked at Sora when he said that.
Kairi: Yeah, you were the only ones who came. You both brought vanilla cakes with you since your mom was the best baker on the island.
Sora: I even insisted on helping her with it by adding the frosting.
Kairi giggled.
Kairi: But before we ate it, we spent the whole night playing all the games that were set up for us while our moms talked and had fun themselves. And when we did eat it together, do you remember what I said?
Sora: *Kairi impression* "Mmmm! This cake is the yummiest I've ever had!"
The others snorted and couldn't help but laugh as Kairi shook her head before rolling her eyes and smiling.
Kairi: Yeah. That's exactly what I said.
Everyone then calmed down and began listening to Kairi again.
Kairi: That was one of the best cakes I've ever had and...one of the best nights in my life. But...right before we ate it, you and our moms sang Happy Birthday for me and told me to make a wish before blowing out the candles. When I was making my wish, I thought of you, Sora.
Sora: Good things, I hope.
Kairi: Well, duh. In my mind, I thought back to when we first met, when you found me on that ship. When I woke up, you were the first person I saw. My first impression of you was someone so...silly, cheerful, helpful. Just overall a great guy to be around with.
Luz/Witches: Oooooh~.
Sora didn't pay attention this time, as they could see him only focusing on Kairi.
Kairi: Ever since we met when we were kids, you have always been there for me. And not just me; you were there for everyone else on the island, too. Sure, Riku did his best to help here and there, but you always went the extra mile. Like that one time I scrapped my right knee when I tripped, I started to cry cause it hurt. But then, I heard and saw you running towards me. You even wrapped my knee with a handkerchief and held my hand to help me walk to the nurse's office.
Luz/Amity/Willow: Awwww.
Kairi: Which leads me back to the candles. I saw you looking at me with your goofy grin, waiting for me. *blushing* All I could think about was how you would always do your best to be there for everyone and me. And you coming to my birthday that night while everyone else was busy was a prime example of that. Seeing all that made me realize how much you meant to me. You're one of the most important people in my life. *blushing more* And well... I kind of, sort of, started to realize that you were...handsome...as well.
Sora blushed even more, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish smile. Seeing this, everyone else playfully jeered at him and at Kairi.
Amity: Look at you, lady killer.
Willow: Kairi's words didn't lie.~
Luz: They sure don't.~
Eda: It seems like you were blessed and cursed, kiddo.
[Pause Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
Gus: So, THAT'S how it is. You gotta be Sora.
Gus traces a light blue spell circle and casts an illusion of looking like Sora, except he keeps his original skin, eye, and hair color.
Gus: Ladies, do I look good?
The girls deadpanned with a tired smile.
Girls: Meh.
With a poof, Gus returned to normal with a small pout.
Gus: Gee, thanks.
Sora chuckles as he pats Gus's shoulder.
Sora: You're cool in your own ways, too, Gus. I'm sure you'll meet that someone someday.
Gus: Really?
Sora: *thumbs up* Yeah. Just keep being you.
Gus appreciated Sora's kindness and words of encouragement.
Kairi: But most importantly...
[Play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
Everyone went silent to listen to Kairi again.
Kairi: I realized my wish that night. I remember you asked me what it was, but I never told you cause I kept it a secret.
Sora: *chuckles* Yeah.
Kairi: But I think it's time I tell you.
Luz let out a tiny squealing gasp in excitement.
Sora: W-what was it?
Kairi: My wish that night...was to be with you...forever.
Sora felt choked up with sheer joy, even becoming emotional. But that stopped when Luz started to get emotional herself.
Luz: That was so beautiful!
The witches felt the same way while Amity tried calming Luz down. But Eda grew a mischievous grin.
Eda: Wow, kid. Kinda getting ahead of yourself there?
Kairi: Huh?
Eda: Be with Sora forever? That almost sounds like a proposal there.
The teens widened their eyes as Kairi's and Sora's faces became as red as tomatoes and even began steaming. Kairi, so flustered, waved her hands around erratically.
Kairi: P-p-p-pr-pr-pro-pr-pro-propose!? I wasn't thinking THAT far!
Sora: EDA!
Eda hummed while Gus snickered, and the girls daydreamed about such a day.
Luz: Willow and I would be the greatest bridesmaids.
Amity: I look forward to being the maid of honor.
Still flustered, Sora got slightly annoyed at the others.
Sora: Knock it off.
After which, Luz had a realization.
Luz: Oh, wait! Sora!
Sora groaned in response.
Luz: Kairi told us what made her like you. *smirks* NOW, it's your turn. What made you like her?
Everyone then looked at Sora with smirks and anticipation of his answer.
Willow: Actually... Now that I think about it... I don't think we ever knew why.
Amity: That's true.
Eda: Come on, kiddo. Lay it on us. What made your heart spark?
Sora got a little more flustered with all the attention on him like that. But then he saw Kairi's eyes. The two stared at one another as if they were conversing silently. After recomposing himself, Sora felt ready to speak.
[End Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
[Play Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX -Dearly Beloved (2 Final Mix Version)- Extended]
Sora: Actually...there was one consistent thing from Kairi that...got me.
Kairi fought hard to hold back a squeak from her mouth.
Luz: Which is?
Sora: I noticed it a lot when we got older... At our school, despite a few squabbles with the other kids here and there, Kairi always seems to bring out the light in everyone she can, like when she and Riku first met. Riku, while trying to be polite, was quite distant with her. Seeing as she appeared out of nowhere and knew for a fact that she wasn't a native of the islands. Naturally, I did my best for us to hang out together. Over time, Kairi managed to get Riku to open up. Which eventually made us the trio we are today.
Luz: Aw, that's nice.
Kairi nodded shyly.
Sora: And I noticed it much more when she and I hung out. I noticed that every time she saw me do something that hardly anyone else would've done, like helping out the other locals. She always shows that glimmer of joy in her eyes and smile. Something I never really saw in other girls before. It's like... whenever I was with you back then, Kairi...
Kairi gently clenched her shirt with a sweet smile.
Sora: I always felt like doing more. Doing more than my usual best. Giving it my all. Like back at Hollow Bastion, when I turned into a heartless to save your heart. You brought me back when I heard your voice. And when I heard you were taken to the Castle That Never Was and saw you on the upper floor, I felt a reignited drive to fight my way to you. And that time when I managed to rescue you and everyone else back at the Keyblade Graveyard when all those Heartless showed up. When you and I were flying towards that light. I always felt stronger with you.
Sora reached into his pocket and pulled out her lucky charm, the Oathkeeper keychain.
Sora: All those experiences, you always bring out the best in everyone and bring joy. Especially when it came to our friends and good people. You brought out my inner strength, prompting me to never give up and never want to let people down. And making sure I make my way back to you. You say I've done a lot for you, but you've done just as much for me. Just like you said when we shared the paopu fruit before the war, you said you'd keep me safe. And you did. Bringing out the best in me, that light is what made me like you, Kairi.
At first, everyone went silent. That was until they heard a sniffle. Everyone slowly turned to Kairi to see she was covering her mouth with her hands and was on the verge of crying.
Kairi: Do you *hic* really mean that?
Sora: Of course. Wait...why ask that?
Kairi was really doing her best to fight back her tears at this point.
Kairi: For a long time time...I always thought...I was a burden...cause I wasn't as strong as you...or the others.
Sora: *widened eyes* What?! No!
Sora stood up and quickly walked over to sit next to Kairi.
Sora: Kairi, look at me.
Kairi does so.
Sora: I promise you. You're not, nor will you ever be, a burden. All the experiences we went through to finally reach each other, I'd do it all over again if it means I get to be with you. And I mean that and everything else from the bottom of my heart because...I wanna be with you forever, too.
Right then and there, Kairi couldn't take it anymore and just fell apart in her tears. She hugged Sora and cried in his chest, speaking into his shirt.
Kairi: *muffled* I love you!
Sora gently returned the hug with tears in his eyes with a smile as he closed his eyes.
Sora: I love you too.
At that moment, Luz, King, and the witches couldn't say a word or move even if they tried. They all sat silently with tears streaming down, not only in awe but also doing their absolute best to keep their smiles from faltering or from breaking down. There was no questioning it. There was no denying it. What they were seeing right before their eyes was clear as day. The love between the two Islanders was whole and true. As this went on, both Luz and Amity inadvertently found their hands touching. The two noticed and glanced at one another. Not wanting to ruin the moment for the islanders, they quietly held each other's hands, looking back at their human friends. And so, they all remained silent, letting Sora and Kairi have their moment.
After a while, the two settled down, and everyone was surprised to find out that it was night now. Sora said he'd cook dinner now, but not before giving Kairi one last quick hug. By the time dinner was ready, everyone was excited as Sora had prepared pork cutlet rice bowls. And as usual, everyone loved and savored Sora's cooking, especially Kairi. After dinner was finished and dishes were washed, the witchlings decided it was time to head home. After saying their goodbyes, Luz and King decided to turn in their room early, and Eda stayed in the kitchen to indulge in some apple blood while Sora and Kairi snuggled together on the couch watching crystal ball shows.
Eda had just finished her 6th glass and began to feel a little tipsy, so she decided to hit the nest. As she walked into the living room, she noticed that Sora and Kairi were peacefully sound asleep on the couch. Eda couldn't help but let out a smirk, getting the warm fuzzies. But she also remembered that boys and girls must be separated at night. Those were her rules. So, she gently woke up the two teens. Once they did, Eda teasingly told them it was time to sleep in their own rooms, but they were too tired to respond and just nodded. After going upstairs, Sora and Kairi quickly kissed each other good night and slowly let go of each other's hands before they went into their rooms. After seeing that, Eda went back into her room.
Kairi's room was similar to Luz's and Sora's; both simply had big sleeping bags, but hers was pink.
As Kairi slept, she began to dream. She and Sora stood next to each other at the Paopu Fruit tree, gazing at the ever-beautiful sunset. Suddenly, Sora turned to Kairi, catching her attention. But what really got her attention was when he kneeled down and pulled out a box that revealed a ring.
Sora: I wanna be with you forever, too. Kairi...will you marry me?
With a smile, Kairi extended her left hand, allowing Sora to slowly place the ring on her 4th finger. Just as the ring was placed, a flash of white engulfed everything, waking Kairi. She looked around and became flustered.
Kairi: Oh, man... Get it together, girl. You and Sora JUST started dating not too long ago. ...And the teasing from Eda didn't help.
Kairi then blushed at her left hand, specifically her 4th finger.
Kairi: *mutters* Ugh. I'm hopeless. Although...NOPE.
Kairi then tried to go back to sleep.
Kairi: *thinking* Besides, it's not like Sora thought about that...right? ...Would he have the same dream? Nah. I mean, sure, the teasing from before didn't help. But it's not like he'd ACTUALLY let that get into his head and have the same dream, right?
[End Kingdom Hearts 2.5 HD ReMIX -Dearly Beloved (2 Final Mix Version)- Extended]
Sora looked at her left hand, specifically his 4th finger, and blushed before flopping back to sleep.
Sora: Man, I'm hopeless.
Turns out...Kairi was right.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep OST - Xehanort]
Meanwhile, at the Emperor's Castle, Belos, Maleficent, Pete, and Vanitas stand on the tallest roof of the castle under a full moon. While our heroes were getting to know each other, the villains were doing the same. As it stands, Vanitas revealed everything that happened recently to Belos. Other worlds beyond theirs, the Keyblades, The Keyblade War, Xehanort, and finally, Kingdom Hearts. Needless to say, Belos was highly intrigued. When Vanitas finished his story, Belos paused and said nothing as he stared into the distance.
Belos: Kingdom Hearts... Reshaping all of reality... You've spun quite a fascinating tale, Vanitas. Rife with exhilaration.
Maleficent: I am surprised that you are taking this quite well... Considering what you truly are...
Belos: I am a lot more than meets the eye... I have seen things that, what may seem common to you 3, is quite fantastical to me. *thinking* One thing that I find daunting about the very nature of Kingdom Hearts... Something of that kind of power... I had assumed it was only exclusive to the Lord of Heaven himself. I am not worthy of using such power...but...perhaps it may be the only way to accomplish my goal...
Belos lowered his head to look at his chest and placed his right hand on the center.
Belos: *thinking* For humanity's salvation...
Belos then raised his head.
Belos: Seven of light...thirteen of darkness...I shall succeed where Xehanort has failed. To create a new world...
Belos turns back to his allies.
Belos: However...I do not seek to rule...I only seek to accomplish my true goal. Once I do, the reigns will be yours to do what you wish. In exchange, all I want is for you to leave me be afterward. I simply wish to live a peaceful domestic life.
Maleficent: *grins* A deal I most certainly will honor with you.
Pete: Oh boy! I can't wait!
Vanitas simply stood there silently and nodded. Underneath his mask, he was grinning in a feral manner.
Belos: Excellent, though I find it deplorable that we are using the power of darkness. Then again... I can't exactly complain since it must be done in order to accomplish our goals.
All are in agreement. They will do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. From that day forth, the Dark Alliance was formed.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep OST - Xehanort]
(NOTE: And so ends the 1st arc of Season 2. NOW, the story will begin from here. However, I regret to inform ya'll that I'll be going a short hiatus. Wanna rearrange some plans around for the season, make sure everything's finalized to my satisfaction, and work on other projects for a bit. For example, I'm working on an original story that I hope one day will be published and read by many out there. But don't fret. I won't be gone for too long. Till next time.)