Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 1: Breaking New Ground

"If only he'd say what he meant........he is so confusing. Ughhhhhhh.....Kings..." complained Sora. "Aw, cheer up Al, uhm, I mean Sora, things will work out! I'm here every step of the way. Anything you need, I got it!" assured Genie. "Kairi......" Sora said. "Sorry Sora, but, Genies can't work that type of magic....ya know? I know you miss this girl, but, you will be together again." said Genie. "Sometimes I'm not sure, I want to know shes missing me too. Maybe she has forgotten about me." said Sora. "Look kid, don't doubt yourself, of course she does." he said. "I wish I could be for sure........" Sora sighed. "I have just the thing for you kiddo!" Genie exclaimed. "Oh yeah, and what's that." asked Sora. Genie suddenly pulled out a suitcase, and started rummaging, throwing things behind him as he went. "Ah ha!" he said. Sora stared. It was a radiant, gleaming crystal sphere, with a glow that shined like the heavens. It made Sora feel warm and comforted. "Come here kid." said Genie. Sora slowly walked toward the sphere taking caution. "There's nothing to be scared of." said Genie. "Just stare into it." he said. Sora gazed..............

"C'mon Kat! We're gonna be late for the volleyball game on the beach!" shouted Tidus from outside Kairi's window. "I don't think I really want to today. I have alot to think about." she replied. Tidus climbed up the vines that led to Kairi's window. He hopped in. "I'll let ya ride in my boat...." he winked. "Thanks Tidus, but, I just can't today." she sighed. "Look Kat, I know you miss Sora, and we all do, but if he saw you weren't having fun because of him, you know he'd be upset. He will come back, and bring Riku. But it's killing all of the islanders to see you this way. You haven't come out of your house since the island was restored." said Tidus. "I know, I know, but I just don't know if I'm ready yet....." she sighed. Tidus grabbed her hand. "Trust me." he said. "Okay, but just this once, I suppose." she said. "Okay Kat." Tidus said. "I'll be there in a mintue, I just have to grab a few things." she said. "Alright, you do that, we'll be waiting." he said. He walked towards her window. "Oh, and Tidus? Thanks." said Kairi. "It's all good Kat." He hopped out the window. Tidus had nick-names for everyone on the island. He always called Sora "Tike" because he was always shorter than the other boys, until he hit his growth spurt. And Tidus always called Riku "Cap'n" because he was practically the leader of the bunch. Kairi thought for a moment. Tidus must feel really bad for her losing Riku and Sora, so he is trying to be the best replacement he can. "Maybe I'm not alone...." she said to herself. She grabbed her sunglasses and towel. She stopped. "Sora, wherever you are. Come home. I miss you so much. Please don't break your promise." she whispered. She blew a kiss aimlessly into the air. She put on her sandals, and hopped out the window...........

The sphere dimmed. "You see? She misses you alot too kiddo." said Genie. "I know......I know......." said Sora with a tear rolling down his cheek. "Well, I have some business to do back in Agrabah. You remember where your tent is, right?" asked Genie. "Yeah. Thanks Genie. It really meant alot to me." said Sora. "You're welcome kid." Geni gave Sora a big hug, and said, "It's off to Agrabah! Please remain seated, and enjoy the ride, wait, I'm the only rider! Haha! See ya later kiddo!" Genie twisted and twirled into the crisp sunny sky. Sora walked slowly back to his tent. "Sora! Gorsh, we leave ya alone for a second, and you wandered odd!" said Goofy. "OFF." corrected Donald. "We need to get moving, The King sent us another letter, and he gave us directions to Slazare Village. It's about.....oh.....30 miles. We better get going!" announced Donald. Goofy walked over to Sora. "There's something in there for you." He whispered. Goofy smiled at him, and then walked away. Sora sat down on a nearby rock, and unfolded the letter:

Dear fellas-
How ya doin? Well I'm great, the heartless here are all in slumber, or I think they are. Well, anyways. Riku and I are trying to find an easier way for you to get us out of here, but for now, we will just walk this endless trail of Heartless. See y'all when ya get here! Bye!


-King Mickey

Sora folded the letter. "What's for me in here?" he said. He put the envolope down, and another folded piece of paper fell out. Sora unfolded it, and read:
Hey Buddy,
Just wanted to write and see how things are. It gets really dark and lonely here at times, but I just think of you and Kairi, and things are good again. Look, I know tings between us have been shaky, and I acted very foolish, but I just wanted to save Kairi. I figured when the door sealed, you would go back to Kairi, and live happily ever after. But here you are, tryin to save me. No rush, just take your time, Mickey always has food, and shelter for us here, and I hope to see you again soon. Well, got to go for now Tike, I'll write you soon.


Riku- A.K.A- Cap'n
Sora folded the letter. "He misses me too. I guess no matter how far we all are apart, we are still friends. Weird." he said to himself. Goofy walked over to him. "Packed!" he said. Goofy had the tent, the sleeping bags, and the cast iron pan. "Here Goofy, let me help you with some of that." chuckled Sora. He and Goofy headed down the road. "Come on Pluto, it's off to Slazare Village!" shouted Donald.

"Score! It's 14 to 3. You lose, in your face!" bragged Tidus. "Oh hush. I was gonna quit anyways. I have to go home and help my parents prepeare for the cookout. SEE YOU THERE!" snapped Selphie. "See you there, I'm so snobby." mimiked Tidus in a girlish voice. " Oooh the nerve!" said Selphie. "I have to get going too." said Kairi. "You going to be at the party tonight, yah?" asked Wakka. "Sure, why not." said Kairi. She walked down the sandy beach to Tidus's boat. "I guess I have to take her home, wait for me at the cove, okay guys?" said Tidus. He darted down the beach. "Ready?" he asked, about out of breath. "Yeah." said Kairi. She lightly stepped into the boat. Tidus pushed the boat out. He hopped in. "I'll row." he said. "Tidus...." Kairi asked. "Yeah Kat?" he said. "I just wanted to thank you for being a good friend. I wouldn't have done any of this today, if it weren't for you." she said. "No problem. I know you miss Sora and Riku, and you were so devasted, someone had to do something, so I did." he said. "I'm glad you decided that. I just hope they come back soon." she said. "Me too. Um, Kat, can I ask you something?" he said. "Anything." she replied. " Urhmm, will you uhm........go to th prt wh me...." he mumbled. "Speak up." she said. "Will you go to Selphie's party with me. As FRIENDS only. I don't want you to feel alone." Tidus said. "I'd love to Tidus. Well, there's the shore, I can swim from here." she said. She stood up. "Be careful Kat." said Tidus. "I will." She stepped forward. "And I know I'm not alone." she added. Tidus smiled. Like an angel floating graciously in the clouds, Kairi dove into the crystal clear water. Tidus slowly rowed away from shore.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 2: Lost Heart

"Come on Sora, let's take the raft, just the two of us! Why did I say I was kidding. Ugh, I can't beleive myself. Stupid, Kairi, stupid, stupid, Stupid!" Kairi said to herself. She stumbled out of bed, and sat on the window bed. She stared at the stars that had once shot up into the sky when the island recovered. "All I ever wanted was him." she said to herself. She gazed at the stars, and dreamt about Sora, and Riku, how they'd all be together again. "Psst!!" Kairi looked down to the backyard. "Psst! Kat!" whispered Tidus. "Tidus? What are you doing?!? It's 1:00 a.m!" Kairi said. "I just had to see you Kat." he admitted. "What?!? Tidus, you can see me tomorrow." she said. "Well, you told me you'd go to the party with me! You were a no show!" said Tidus. "Oh no......I'm so sorry Tidus, I completely forgot." Kairi said. "Bet you wouldn't have forgotten Sora....." He said. He looked at her, then walked away. "No, Tidus, that's not it at all. Please, don't leave." Kairi begged. "It's to late for that........Kairi." he snapped. He jumped off of the small cliff, and into the water. Kairi couldn't beleive he called her by her name. He always called her Kat. But, she knew he was hurt if he actually called her Kairi. "He was all I had left of a friend. He doesn't understand how badly I need him now. Stupid Kairi, stupid, stupid...." she said to herself. She went to her bed, and lay down. She fell asleep with thoughts of Tidus.

"You're friend, no, no....um, your best friend...no!" said Sora. "What is it you're writing there Sora?" asked Goofy. "A letter to Kairi." said Sora. "Well how ya gonna get it there?" smirked Donald. "For your information Mr. Rudeness, I had a visit with Genie yesterday, and he happens to be a very good mailman." said Sora. "Oh, phooey. He's a Genie, of course he's good at doin that. But hey, How'd he get here?!?" asked Donald. "He's a Genie, you don't think he can pass walls of Worlds?" asked Sora. "Well, hey buddy! Why are ya writing Kairi, when you can see her! Just call Genie, or how ever you got him here, and ask him to take you back to Density Islands." said Goofy. "Destiny." corrected Donald. "Well, that's ridiculous Goofy. We need him here." protested Donald. " Well Gorsh Donald, we don't need him when we are in town. We can relax, and so can he, at Density." explained Goofy. "DESTINY, wah-ah-ah-ah-ah!" Donald said in rage. "Please Donald, just a day or two. I promise, I will come back. I will. I have to get Riku, remember?" pleaded Sora. "Oh, fine, ok. But, wait till we get to Slazare Village." said Donald. "Thanks, it means alot." said Sora.

Kairi sat up in her bed, welcoming the new day. She paused. "Tidus." she thought. She went to her closet, grabbed her skirt and tank-top, and got dressed. She went downstairs, grabbed a piece of toast, and dashed out the door. She scanned the area for Tidus. She saw Wakka on the beach with his blitz-ball, practicing. "Wakka, where's Tidus?" asked Kairi. "Uh, I don't really know. Got a big tournament comin up man, going to go?" asked Wakka. "Sure, but I have to find Tidus." said Kairi. "Sorry, did you check the beach, yah?" asked Wakka. "I will check there, thanks Wakka." she said. She dashed to the beach. "Tidus? Tidus! Where are you?" shouted Kairi. Selphie stood up. "Oh, got a new boyfriend do we?" she giggled. "Not funny Selphie, I need to find him, because........because he's my friend!" Kairi said. "Well, excuse me! Attitude. Well, nobody has seen him all day." she said. Kairi said "Thanks anyways." She walked back up to the waterfall, and sat on a boulder. "Being friends with him is no big secret." she said to herself. "Secret." she thought. The secret place! That's where he was. Kairi made her way to the back of the waterfall. She crawled under the bushes, and went through the opening. She finally could stand up. She walked down the long tunnel, and heard a voice. "Do you understand? Do I make myself clear." a mysterious voice said. "No! Just let me go, please!" begged Tidus. "Ugh, you petty boy, one who knows nothing can understand nothing." it said. "Oh no." thought Kairi. She ran through the tunnel, screaming. "Leave him alone!" she yelled. She stopped in her tracks. It was him, in his dark cloak, holding Tidus by the neck. "What are you doing here, aren't you busy with something?" asked Tidus. "Tidus, I'm so sorry, please, just forgive me!" Kairi pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "Foolish children. Life is darkness, but you will never understand. Let me show you. "I for-cak-cak...." Tidus said. "Tidus!" shouted Kairi. His face turned pale, he was struggling for air. "Darkness? You never understood.!" Kairi said. She quickly hopped up the side of the wall. "I will show you the light!" she said. She moved to small pebbles blocking the sunlight. It pierced through the dark cave. The thing loosened it's grip. Tidus gasped. "Child! That doesn't hurt me, you think that does anything to me? It just cought me by surprise!" he chuckled. "No, No! Don't you kill him!" yelled Kairi. She leaped from the wall, and jumped onto the cloaked figure, knocking it to the ground. Tidus jumped up. "Run Tidus! Go!" pleaded Kairi. "I can't leave you here Kat." said Tidus. Kairi stared at the old portal behind her. She looked at the scribbles on the wall where her and Sora wrote. She pressed her hand against it, and let the all of the heart-filled energy flow inside of her. She quickly touched the portal. It opened slowly. "You will be sent back to where you came from!" she screamed. She jumped from under his grasp, and shoved him into the portal. "Noooo! I can't...let. GOOOOO!" he screamed as he was sucked into the vortex. Kairi felt her feet sliding out from under her. She ran from it, but it was jsut to strong. "Kat!" Tidus yelled. He grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards him. He held onto a crevese in a boulder. "Hang on!" he said. "I can't Tidus! I can't! Let me go!" she said. "No! I won't!" he shouted. Suddenly, the portal slowly closed, and the force lowered, until finally Tidus fell, and Kairi rolled onto him. "Kat, you're safe." Tidus said, releived. Kairi looked at his hand. It was bloody and blistered. "Why didn't you let me go! You could've died, but instead you rescued me, and hurt you're hand by holding on! Why Tidus?" asked Kairi. "Because. I couln't let you go, how would I have felt if you weren't around! I'd feel the same way you did when Sora left." he explained. She looked into his eyes, he had those deep blue eyes like Sora's that you could gaze into forever. He had that soft skin, and smile. He was built like Sora, and, the same age as Sora. No wonder she was friends with Tidus. "Forgive me" said Kairi, hugging Tidus. "How could I not." he said.

"Wow. This place isn't a village, it's a city!" exclaimed Sora. They walked into the town, hoping to find a hotel. They finally came accross one. "The Grand Royal Kin." said Goofy. "Inn." corrected Donald. They walked inside. "Leon!" shouted Sora. He ran over to him. "Sora? What are you doing here?" he asked. "Searching for Riku." said Sora. "Well, I can't stay. I have to go back to Hollow Bastion. It's fully restored now. It's the only portal that's open from here. Good to see you again Sora. Come visit me anytime." said Leon. "I will." said Sora. Leon grabbed his suitcase, and stepped into the orange blaze. He disappeared. They walked to the front desk. "The Grand Royal Inn, how may I help you?" asked the clerk. "Bedroom Suite. We need three beds." said Donald. "That can be arranged. It's....$75.00 cash." she said sweetly. "What?!? Oh alright, I need to relax anyways." said Donald, he handed her the money. And she gave him a key. "Room 267." she said. When they arrived at the room, Sora sat on the plush bed. He took out a piece of gold metal from his pocket. "What's that Sora?" asked Goofy. "It's a magic lamp shard." he said. He rubbed it lightly, and Genie apeared. "Hey there Sora? What do you need?" he asked in a cheerful mood. "I need you to send me to Destiny Islands for a few days. A vacation type thing." Sora explained. "I can't go with you Sora." he said. "Why?" he asked. "Against Genie policy, you must go by yourself." Genie said. "How can I do that?" asked Sora. Genie reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small leather pouch. He handed it to Sora. "It's magic Pixie dust. You just throw it into the sir, and say "Ala-maz". Sounds simple, right?" asked Genie. "Sure." said Sora. "It's not. This is your only bag. Don't waste it, because if you do, you will stay at Destiny Islands forever. Be careful, and aware of the consequences." said Genie. "Okay. I will. Well, here I go! Ala-maz!" he shouted. And just like that, he disappeared.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 3: Two Friends..One Heart

Kairi sat in the secret place next to Tidus. "Tidus, I'm glad we are friends, but you still know I'm in love with Sora, right?" said Kairi. "Of course." he said.The cave shook. "It's gonna cave in, let's go!" said Tidus. Kairi looked at the drawing on the wall. "No Tidus, I can't.. the drawing!" She said. "C'mon! We have to go." he said. She looked at the picture, and darted with Tidus down the tunnel. They crawled under the opening, and were outside. Kairi said "Tidus, look!" A silvery star was twirling down to the Destiny Islands. It landed on the beach. "C'mon!" she said. They ran down to the shore. Sora moaned. "Ugh....rough landing." and he crashed back to the ground. "SORA!" Kairi screamed. She tackled him while he was laying down. "You came back!.......Where's Riku?" she asked suddenly. Sora sat up. "Kairi......I missed you so much." "Where's Riku?" she asked again. "Oh, yeah. I'm only here for a few days, but I'm still on the quest. I just had to see you again." he said. He reached into his back pocket, and pulled out a little star with decorations on it. "My good luck charm." said Kairi, shocked. "I brought it back to you, just like I promised." he said. Kairi hugged him and squeezed him tight, as if he were going to leave her again.
Later on that evening, Sora and Kairi sat at his table laughing. Sora's mom brought them some soda. "Honey, do you have to go back? I mean, you can forget it all." she said. "Mom, I told you, It's my job to find Riku. Don't worry, I'll be safe." he assured her. "That's my little tiger." she said. "MOM! nt in frnt of kairi......." he said under his breath. Kairi giggled. "What's so funny?" he asked with a big grin on his face. "Just you. Just that thing you have, I can't explain it." she said. Sora smiled at her. "Let's go to the hang-out." he said. They walked to the small island where they used to always hang out. Sora sat on the paopu tree, and grabbed Kairi's hand, and helped her up. "It's been so long since I've been here. Just looking at the ocean, seeing the endless waves." said Sora. "I know. I come up here sometimes, just hoping, wishing that you and Riku would sail to shore, and stay here forever." she said, with a tear in her eye. "I'll bring him back, I promised didn't I? I just wanted to see you. You are what keeps me going." he said. "Sora, I don't know what to say. This whole time I thought that you were the one keeping me going. I guess we are just support for each other." she giggled. "Ouch!" Sora said. "What?" gasped Kairi. This thing fell......on my...head." he paused. He held it out for her to see. It was a paopu fruit. It was ripe, and fresh, just waiting for Sora to take a bite. "I haven't ate in days." said Sora, eyeing the fruit. "Do you think we are ready? I mean, this is a life-long deal Sora." said Kairi nervously. "Kairi, don't worry, trust me, I won't let you down." He squeezed the fruit, until it split into two pieces. "You try it first." said Sora. "We'll do it, together." said Kairi. "on the count of three. One, two.....three!" he said. Kairi took a bite, and Sora just sat there, laughing. "I told you to try it first, and you did!" he said. "We were supposed to do this together, it isn't funny!" she said. She spit the piece out. "It's sour!" she said. She threw the fruit down, and stumped off. "Kairi!" yelled Sora. "Forget it! Go back to where you came from!" she replied. Sora sat and stared at the ocean. Tidus walked up, and sat beside him. "You shouldn't have done that." he said. "We used to laugh about stuff like this, and now she gets all personal. It's like she grew up over night." said Sora. "No, she just has always imagined this. All she does is talk about you, and when you will come back, she loves you to death Sora." Tidus said. "Love?" asked Sora. "Yeah." said Tidus. "I never knew she loved me back." he said. "She does man, So, don't lose her, not again." said Tidus. "Thanks man, I think I'll go get her back." Sora hopped down, and shook the tree. He caught a paopu in his hand. He ran back to Kairi's. "Psst! Kairi!" he whispered. She looked out. She closed her window. Sora sighed. Then the front door opened. "What do you want?" she smirked. "To apologize. I didn't know you took it seriously. We always laughed about that stuff." he said. "Well, I wasn't laughing, was I." she said. "I'm sorry Kairi. Please, come with me." Sora grabbed her hand, and led her back to the small island. He picked her up, and sat her on the tree. He sat beside her. "I'm ready." he said. He pulled out the paopu fruit, and gently pulled it in half. He gave Kairi hers. "On the count of three." he said. "Wait. How about you give me yours, and I'll give you mine, and we give it to each other. That way nobody cheats." she said. "Okay. Ready? One, two....three." Sora and Kairi took bites at the same time. It seemed as if the world stopped turning. "Kairi, you said it was sour?" he said. "It was, but now, it's really, really sweet. Maybe we got a bad one." she decided. "Probably." he said. "Kairi?" Sora asked. "Yeah, what is it?" she said. "Promise me that you will wait for me, until the end of time, and always love me, no matter what." he said. "That's a promise." Sora put his arm around Kairi, and she cuddled close to him. They both gazed at the stars. Little did they know, Tidus was watching them closely. He didn't know why, but he was jealous of Sora. He just sat there, and watched, until finally, he fell asleep.
.


The next morning, Kairi got up bright and early, and ran down to Sora's house. She went up to his window, and knocked. She climbed in, and said "Wake up sleepy head! Today is the big blitzball tournament. Wakka's Team, against Tidus's!" she exclaimed. Sora wobbled out of bed, and Kairi was anxiously waiting. "I have to get dressed." he mumbled. "Okay." she said. He looked at her. "Oh, right, sorry." Sora met her in front, and they both walked hand in hand to the beach. Tidus was practicing with his 5 teammates, and saw Kairi walking down the beach with Sora. He glared, and Hit the ball as hard as he could. It hit one of his team mates in the stomach. "Talk about power!" said Luther. "Sorry, got distracted." he said. Selphie walked to the post, and yelled. "Let the games, begin!" Wakka and Tidus hogged the ball for a while, then it got around. The game went on, and on or about 2 hours, until finally, Tidus made the final spike, which won the game for him. "And the winners are...The Lions! Sorry Bears, maybe next month." said Selphie. To celebrate, they all walked to the hangout, and sat and watched the boys swim. "So, you got your boy back." said Selphie. "Yeah, for now." said Kairi. "I wish I had someone like that." said Marina, an islander. "Me too." said Jeebri, another islander. Sora climbed out of the water. "Tell me Sora, how do you plan to get back?" asked Selphie. Tidus climbed out. "Yeah, how do you?" Sora walked over to the side of the paopu tree, and grabbed the pixie dust. "With this." he said. Wakka suddenly climbed out, and bumped Sora. The dust flew out of the pouch, and into the water. "No! I have to leave, I'm Sorry Kairi!" he exclaimed. "Ala-maz!" he yelled, and dove into the water. "No!" Kairi yelled, and jumped, but Tidus grabbed her arm. "Let go of me! I need Sora!" she demanded. "Sorry Kat, but you can't, I can't risk you getting hurt." he said. "Who cares! I will be with him!" Tidus held her back. "You belong here Kat. That's all there is to it." he said. "I hate you!" she screamed. Tidus looked at her face. It was full of rage, and hatred. "Fine, if that's how you want it, leave me here, and don't come back!" he said. "I won't!" She jumped into the shimmering water. She plunged down, deeper, and deeper, something pulled her under. She couldn't hold her breath, and she wasn't where Sora was. She lost her breath, and drifted farther and farther down below, until she hit bottom. "I guess she made it." said Selphie. "Good. Let her be with him!" said Tidus. Suddenly, Kairi's belt floated to the top. Tidus knew she didn't make it. He dove into the water, and swam deeper, and deeper, until he found Kairi. He grabbed her arm, and swam, as hard as he could up to surface. He dragged her onto the beach. She was unconcious. "No, Kairi, no, you're not dead! You can't be!" he exclaimed. He did mouth to mouth, and finally got her to cough up water. "Sora? Is that you?" she said. Tidus was mad. Kairi dropped a piece of metal out of her hand. I golden shard............

"Sora, back so soon?" asked Donald. "I spilt pixie dust, and I had to hurry and leave." said Sora. "Well, get Genie to give you some more." he said. "okay, hold on." Sora said. He dug in his pockets, and couldn't find it. "The shard. It's gone....."

Tidus left Kairi lying on the beach. Kairi sat up. "Tidus, come back." she said, barely speaking. "I though you hated me, so I'll leave you alone." he said. "No, I don't, I just wanted to be with Sora....." she said. She fell over, almost lifeless. Tidus ran to her. He picked her up. "Kairi? Kairi!" he said. She woke up. "Tidus. I love Sora, but, I love you too as my best friend. I could never replace you." she said. "That's because I'm a replacement." He put her down on the grass by the waterfall. "Maybe we just don't need to be seeing each other. We will go our ways. Sorry it had to be this way.......Kairi."
Kairi started to cry. She watched the only boy who was almost as close to her as Riku and Sora, leave her there, and never to speak to him again. What had she done. "Stupid....stupid....stu--........." her voice trailed as she fell asleep.

Tidus carried the shard, and rubbed on it a bit. Genie appeared. "Sora! Wait, who are you?" asked Genie. "Ahh!" Tidus yelled. "Don't be scared I don't bite." Genie said. "I'm just Sora's friend, Tidus." he said. "Oh, why do you have his lamp shard then?" Genie asked. "I found it with his friend Kairi." he said. "Oh, well, I'll just take this to Sora then. Well, see ya later!" Genie said. "Wait. Can you do something for me?" he asked. "Well, um, fine, sure. One thing only though." Genie said. "Take Kairi with you." Tidus said. "I can't do that, unless she asks me to do so." Genie said. "Why not? She misses him, and I just want her to be happy." Tidus said. "Well, she belongs here, where she is safe. Be a good friend kid." And just like that, he left into the sky. Kairi ran up to Tidus. "I don't hate you Tidus, I really don't." she said. "I said, we don't need to talk about this." he said. "Please. I want to be friends, I love and care for you a lot." she said. "I care for you too. That's why I didn't let you go after Sora." he said. "I know, I know. Friends look out for each other." she said. "Do you want to go watch me and Wakka practice for our blitzball game?" Tidus asked. "Sure, why not......"

" What do you mean it's gone!" Donald shouted. "It just is! I lost it when I dove in." Sora exclaimed. "I'm back!" said Genie. " Here is the shard Sora, your friend gave it to me." said Genie. "Friend. What friend?" asked Sora. "I think his name was....uh....Tidus." Genie said, unsure of himself. "Tidus. Hmph, guess he is a good friend after all..." Sora said. Sora asked "Genie, send me back to Destiny." "It's not that easy kiddo. You see, that was Tinkerbell's pixie dust, and she was a good friend of Jasmine. But, the world's portal to Neverland is completely sealed, even I can't get to it." Genie explained. "Well, you're a Genie, can't you make some yourself?" Sora asked. "I can, but it will take months." Genie said. "Months. Kairi will forget me by then." he said. "Well, I can send her a letter." Genie suggested. "I'll do that then." Sora said. He walked over to the desk, and got stationary, and a pen. He started writing. Genie waited, and waited, and finally, Sora was done. He folded the letter, and gave it to Genie. "Be back soon!"

Kairi lay on the beach, and thoughts of everything around her filled her head. She saw a pearl white envelope floating from the sky. She sat up as it landed next to her. She opened it, and read:

Dear Kairi,
I'm sorry I left so soon, but, I had no choice. The dust was my only way home. I missed you so much, and now I miss you even more. Please forgive me. And do me a small favor, and apologize to my parents for me. I hope the legend of the paopu is true, because, I can't lose you, not again. I must go for now, but maybe next time I see you, I will have Riku with me. I really hope to see you again soon Kairi, take care until then........Oh, and Tidus is a good guy, listen to him, someone needs to be there for you while I'm gone........


With all the love I possess- I'm still yours truly,
Sora
Kairi neatly folded the letter, and put it in the envelope. She remembered how sweet Sora always was, and now, she misses him terribly. She felt so awful for what happened with Tidus. But things were good now, but she wanted Sora home. Where he belonged.

"Here Sora, you do the honors..." Donald said, and he handed him the letter from King Mickey. Sora opened it, and read:

Hey boys!
How's life treating ya? Well, me and Riku found a quicker way for you to find us. It's harsh, but fast. You will need to travel through the Kheuo Mountains. I know, I know, it sounds real tough. But, you all have the hearts to do it. Just ask any of the villagers where it is, they'll tell ya. Well, see ya real soon!


-King Mickey
Sora folded it up. "Mountains." Sora said. Donald and Goofy read the letter. "Goofy packed, and I took the liberty of getting food and matches to take along with us." said Donald, proudly. But Sora was still scared, he had always had fear of the mountains, ever since the movie he watched......"The Heartless Wolf." It gave him chills just thinking about it. "Well, come on boys, it's off to find these mountains." Donald said.
They went out into the village, and searched for directions, and they came across a fisherman outside of a local market. "Excuse me sir, but would you be as kind to tell us where the Kheuo Mountains are?" asked Sora. "Yer ready to lose your lives? And so young too. Yar, bloody me rutters, I can't believe someone so young, should face the fate...." the fisherman said. "Fate? Lives? What are you talking about?" asked Sora, nervously. "C'mon mates! Don't yers know about the mountains? Any man brave enough to go to them mountains, has never returned. But if yer willin....." he said. "Excuse me, but we just need directions." said Donald. "Okay Mr. Duck. Yar, can't believe it. Well, look fer yerselves." he said. The fisherman pointed to the tall mountains to the north. They were dark, and eerie, and Sora was scared. "Thanks." Goofy said. Donald and Goofy grabbed the bags, and started towards the mountains. Sora just stood there, wide-eyed. "Come on Sora, you're slower than me!" Goofy shouted. Sora forced his feet to move under him, as he followed the two to his death.

Kairi's head filled with thoughts of Sora, and the paopu. She went over to her bookcase, and grabbed a dusty old book that he had given her. She sat on her bed, and opened it. "The Legend of the Paopu." she said. She opened it up, and started reading.

Chapter 1: An Ancient Civilization

Long, long ago, on the Harmony Islands, lived a great and noble king. He had strong beliefs in what he stood for, and never let anyone prove him wrong. He had a beautiful daughter, Keiah, and she was waiting to be wed. One night, Keiah came to her father and asked, "Father, when will I find a boy to marry?" The King chuckled. "My sweet young Keiah, you are only 14 years of age. You are not ready to fall in love, and not ready to be wed." he explained. "But father, I am." she said. "When the time comes my angel." Keiah kissed her father on the cheek, and went back to her room. "King Juroh! King Juroh!" shouted a guard. "What business do you have disturbing the King? You must have a noble reason." The King demanded. "Sir, a boy was caught stealing potatoes from the market, and he threatened my life!" the guard explained. "Bring him to the dungeon." Juroh said. "At once my liege." he said. Two royal guards brought the boy in. "Your highness. Please forgive me, as I have sinned, but my family needed food, or we would starve." the boy pleaded. "It is not of my concern. Take him away guards." he said. The guards dragged the boy to the cold, empty dungeon. "Keiah, cometh at once!" The King shouted. She ran as fast as her dainty feet could carry her. "Yes father?" she said. "Take bread crumbs and some water to our prisoner at once." he said. "Yes father." she replied. Keiah walked down the dusty, and dirty stairwell which led to the dungeon. She walked to the last cell, and there he was. Chained to a wall, with great fear in his eyes. Keiah was surprised. She usually has to feed dirty men, with bad thoughts on their mind, but this was an innocent boy. He looked at her with sad eyes. She stared at the blonde haired boy. His eyes were a sky blue, he had flowing hair that reached almost to his shoulders. "My father told me to bring you food." she said. "Your father, Is the man who put me in here. You better not be like him, for you own good." the boy said. Keiah walked into the cell, and fed him the bread. He ate and drank quickly. "Why are you here?" she asked. "I was looting food for my family, so we wouldn't go hungry." he explained. "I'm so sorry. My father will only hold you here for a few days, I'll make sure of it." Keiah said. "What is your name, princess?" he asked. "Keiah. Please don't call me princess, that's only half of who I am. What is your name?" she said. "Rikue. I come from a small village in Harmony." he replied. "Pleased to meet you Rikue." Keiah said. She walked out of the cell. "I will be visiting you tomorrow." she said. "I will be looking forward to it." Rikue said.

Kairi closed the book. "Riku. What a coinsidence." she thought. She went over to her window, and gazed at the sea.
"Boo!" Tidus exclaimed, as he hopped through the window. "Tidus! Don't do that! You scared me half to death!" Kairi said. "I'm sorry Kat, I just cam here to tell you something." he said. "What is it?" Kairi asked. "I found a piece of golden metal in your hand after I saved you. Do you know what it was?" Tidus asked. "No, I don't. I remember I saw Sora swimming through the vortex, and I tried to grab him. I reached his pocket, and that shard fell out. So, I just held onto it, why?" Kairi said. "It was a piece of a genie lamp. And the genie took it back to him." he said. "Good, maybe he will visit sooner then we think." Kairi said, sure of her guess. "Well, Kat, it's a long ways home. I'll see ya tomorrow." he said. "Be careful please." said Kairi. "I will, sweet dreams." He hopped out the window, and walked to the small cliff. Kairi went to her bed, and suddenly, heard an awful sound. Her thoughts raced, and instantly she thought of Tidus. She ran to her window, and jumped out. She went to the cliff overlooking the ocean. She couldn't believe what she saw. A huge, monsterous wave was in the ocean. She saw Tidus's limp body being crashed into the wave. "Tidus!" she screamed. He was lost in the wave, unconcious. "Tidus!" Kairi screamed again, tears streaming down her face.. "Why can't I save him! He saved me from the cloaked man, and from drowning, why can't I help him now!" she said to herself. Suddenly, the wave rose, and twisted into the sky. "Tidus! No! You can't leave me!" Kairi screamed. He was gone. The ocean was silent and calm again. Tidus's boat floated to shore. "Tidus, no, I'm so sorry..." she said between sobs. Kairi sat and cried. She didn't know if it was real, or just a dream, she just wanted Tidus back.

Donald, Goofy, and Sora walked into the dark cave inside the mountain. "We should make camp here." Donald suggested. "Yeah, good idea." said Sora. They pitched the tents, and started a fire. Donald pulled out his cooking pan, and put some water from a nearby well in it. He put in some noodles, and started to boil them. "Sora?" Donald said. "What..." Sora replied. "Are you okay?" he asked. "......" Sora said nothing. "Look, I know you miss Riku, and Kairi, bt we will find Riku and the King, and things will be back to normal, I promise." said Donald, putting his hand on Sora's shoulder. Sora sighed. "Thanks buddy." he said. "It's okay. Nothing but smiles, right?" winked Donald. "Yeah..." Sora laughed. "Nothing but smiles....."

"Ugh, where am I?" Tidus said. "Riku, so good to have you on the team again...." said a voice. Tidus stood up. "Tidus?" the voice said. "Ugh, no, I wanted Riku!" said the voice. "Who are you?" Tidus asked, his mind shattered.
"My name is Maleficent. I was looking for Riku, do you happen to know where he is?" she said in a calm, sluggish voice. "He is behind the Door to the Light. Can I go home now?" he asked. "Soon enough boy....but first, I need a favor............."

Kairi say on the beach, staring. She was silent, and quiet. Why did Tidus have to leave? He was all she had left. Wakka came up beside her. "You miss Tidus, yah....." he said. Kairi nodded. "I just wonder what that thing was. Ya know? I don't really get it. He was my best friend, and I can't save him....." Wakka sighed. He stood up, and left Kairi to herself.

"Open up! Open! Ahh!!!" Riku yelled. "Riku, be patient, the fellas are on their way!" Mickey said. "I just can't wait to get out of here, it's so...horrid!" Riku said. He went over to Mickey, and sat down. "I'm glad you stayed here with me Riku. Ya know? I probably would have been miserable, but you stayed, so everything's okay." Mickey said. He pulled out his wand, and zapped it at the ground. Two salad bowls appeared. "Eat up, we could use the energy." Mickey said. Riku thought about the islands, and Sora, and Kairi. He wanted to see them both, he couldn't hardly stand it. If Sora and the guys didn't reach him and Mickey pretty soon, they would die there. Consumed by heartless, dead. But Riku made a promise, if he dies, he wouldn't let his spirit go to the afterlife, until he said good-bye to Sora and Kairi. Mickey looked at him. "Everything will be okay Riku. I have to go home to my friends too. And Minnie. I miss her so terribly." he said. "I just don't know how long I can hang on Mickey........."

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 4: Lost Heart

"What do want me to do? I just wanna go home...." Tidus whined. "Oh be quiet boy. The Door To the Light is being reopened! And the darkness will flow onto earth once again. But, we are missing one thing......" she said slyly.
"What's that?" he asked. "Human flesh......" Maleficent said. "What?!?! You don't expect me to do it, do you?!?!" he said, shocked. "Of course not! We need royal blood. Young blood......little miss Kairi's blood......" she said. "No! I won't let you take her!" he said. "I will release you, and I am giving you one month to fetch the girl for me. One month......one month.....one.......month..........one......" she said, as Tidus faded away into the darkness.

"Okay boys, lets go..." said Donald. They packed up, and headed into the cave. After like what seemed forever, they reached the end. It opened up into the mountains. "Well, gorsh! We get to do some climbing!" said Goofy. "Uh, this isn't Goofy's Extreme Sports!" said Donald. "Hey, I made ratings on that show!" said Goofy. "I'll show you rating!" said Donald, raising his shirt sleeve. "Guys! Guys! Come on! A little climbing never killed anyone.....I don't think..."said Sora. They headed off into the mountains, not sure of what they would find.

"When you walk away...you don't hear me say...please.....oh baby....don't go.." Kairi sang softly. She remembered how sweetly her mother used to sing to her. She always sang this one to Kairi. She looked at the stars, and hummed the song. She began to see shooting stars everywhere she looked. It reminded her of when the island was first restored. "Hold me....whatever lies beyond this morning....is a little later on...." "Regardless, of warnings, the future doesn't scare me at all.....nothings like before....." Tidus whisperd softly. Kairi turned. "Tidus!" she yelled. She wrapped her arms around him, and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you are safe!" she said. "Kairi, listen to me......Maleficent is after you. She wants to kill you. We have to leave!" he said. "How can we do that?" Kairi smirked. "The key of the heart. The portal door in the secret place, use the key to unlock it." he said. "Where do I get the key?" Kairi asked.
Tidus took her hand, and placed it over his heart. "No, Tidus no, that's crazy." she said. "It's your only choice next to death. Reach into my heart, and take the key Kairi...." he said. "Tidus, I can't lose you!" she exclaimed. "You won't, I'll always be with you in your heart. We'll always be together." he said. "Tidus, I can't.....I can't, everyone will wonder.." Tidus stopped her. "Who cares, you will be safe, and that's what matters. Take the key Kairi, please....." he begged.
"I'm going to miss you so much..." she cried. He wiped the tear from her cheek. "Don't worry Kat, I'll be with you, always." Tidus braced himself. Kairi plunged her hand into his chest, and retreived a key. Tidus's lifeless body fell to the ground. She cried. It reminded her of when Sora sacrificed himself, to keep her alive. "Two hearts are one..." she said to herself. She stared at Tidus's body. She knelt down, and stroked his blonde hair. She kissed him softly on the cheek. "We'll always be friends Tidus...." she whispered. She stood up, and ran to her bedroom window. She climbed in, and got her bag. She took clothes, soap, toothbrush, everything. And food. She looked around. She saw the book that Sora gave to her lying on the bed. She grabbed it, and hopped out the window. She whisped past Tidus, and ran too her boat. She rowed all the way to the other side of the island. She ran up to the water fall. She crawled under the brush, and into the cavern. She ran back to the door. She looked at the keyblade in her hand. She held it out, and stuck it in the portal. "There's no going back. I have to do it..." she said. She plunged her body into the portal.

Sora, Donald, and Goofy finally made it out of the mountains. "I was so worried. I thought I was gonna die in there." Sora said, releived. They walked. "Great, just great!! Wah-ah-ah-ah-ah!" Donald said. "What Donald?" Goofy asked. "More endless plains!" he shouted. Sora laughed. "We should be getting a letter shortly Donald." Sora assured him.
Genie appeared. "Sora, c'mere kid..." Genie said sadly. Sora walked over to him. He could tell by the look in Genie's eyes that this was bad. "What?" he quivered. "Maleficent is after Kairi. She took Tidus hostage, and sent him back to the islands to fetch Kairi." Genie said. "What?!? No! I won't let it happen!" Sora shouted in rage. "I'm not done kid. Tidus wanted Kairi to be safe, so he told her to go to the old portal by the waterfall." he said. "But you need a key?" Sora said, confused. "Genie looked at him. "No. He didn't..." he said in disbeleif. Genie nodded. "Tidus sacrificed his own life, to save Kairi's........" Genie said. He put his arm on Sora's shoulder. "The bad thing, I don't know where that portal leads to..." Genie admitted. Sora was in shock. Donald and Goofy looked at each other with a sad expression.
"Tidus........" Sora sighed.

Kairi finally made it out of the portal. She saw green grass as far as the eye could see. Then she saw a castle. "I wonder who lives there?" she asked herself. She walked all the way up the hill, and to the castle gates. "Hey, aren't you Kairi?" a boy said, guarding the gate. "Yes, yes I am.......why?" she asked. "So, you know Sora, and Donald.....and Goofy?" he asked. "Yes, they are looking for the door to the light." she answered. "Oh.." he sighed. "What is it? Why did you wanna know?" she said. "Goofy, he's my dad. Hi, my name's Max." he said. "Pleased to meet you, Max." Kairi said. "Let me show you to the castle." Max said. He lead her to the throne. "This is where King Mickey used to sit. He's a good King I'll tell ya what. And, my dad, one of the Royal guards....I miss him so much.....that's why I'm a guard now. I'm taking his place....." Max explained. "Yeah, I miss my friend Sora too......" Kairi said. "Max, who is here?" asked Daisy. "This is Kairi." he said. "Oh my.....it's really you. You must come with me at once!" Daisy demanded. She grabbed her hand, and took her down the hallway. They walked into a room, where there was a huge bed, satin sheets, and pillows. And a balcony, where someone was standing. "Queen Minnie? This yound lady here, is Kairi." Daisy said. Minnie walked from the balcony, and into the room. "Kairi. The one and only. Tell me dear, why is it oyu have come to the Magic Kingdom?" Minnie asked sweetly. "Maleficent is after me. I had to leave my home. My friend sacrificed his heart to let me open the portal. And the portal brought me here." Kairi explained. "Oh dear, well, you can stay here as long as you'd like. We have a stronger wall that keeps everything out. Maleficent can never come here. So tell me, this friend, did you care for him?" Minnie asked. "Yes, very much. I miss him alot." said Kairi, a tear in her eye. Daisy whispered something in Minnie's ear. Minnie giggled. "Good idea Daisy. Chip! Dale! Come here please!" Minnie shouted. The two chipmunks ran to the call as fast as they could. "At your service!" they said in unison. "Would you two please show Miss Kairi the guest roon suite?" she asked. "Certainly!" they said. She followed them down the hall to the bedroom. She was amazed. It was just like in her fantasy dreams. A huge bed, tons of windows, lots of space, and very comfortable. She plopped down on the bed. She missed all of her friends, but at least she was welcome here.

Hey fellas,
Well, I hope you guys made it through those mountains. If you have, just follow the dirt path, and you will come accross the edge of the earth. It will probably be a few months until you reach it, but from now on out, it's easy sailing! Good luck! See ya real soon...........


-King Mickey
"Well, at least all we have to do is walk down this road. I can see pleanty of gardens, and I'm sure there is a pond around, so at least we won't starve." said Sora. "Poor Kairi, all alone, and Tidus....poor Tidus..."said Donald. "I know, I know.....I can't beleive he did that for her though. He's a good friend..."Sora said.

Kairi lay in hey bed, letting the cool breeze come through the window. She dug around in her bag, and took out her book. She started reading.

Chapter 2: The Release

"Father, can you release him now?" asked Keiah. "My daughter, must you be persistant? I have built this kingdom on my authority. Come with me and see...." he said. Keiah followed the King out to the cliff. The kingdom was built on Islands made of rock, the stood above the ocean. You could see small bridges going over gaps between the islands. The palace in which she lived was made of rock and wood. It was very sturdy. This kingdom was not like most you hear in fairy tales, it was like an ancient ruin. But it was beautiful. Town's people were happily about.

Kairi imagined this kingdom to look like the place in her favorite movie, "Atlantis"

"Father, I know it's beautiful. But, when I am queen, I want this place to be fair, and nothing more, or less." she said. "Ah my daughter, you may do as you wish. But while I am ruler, I will make the decisions." he told her. "Yes father." she said. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a key. "Release him..." he said. "Yes father!" she said with excitement. She ran down to the dungeon, where Rikue was. She ran to him. "Rikue! You get to go free!" she exclaimed. He was silent. "Rikue, are you okay?" Keiah asked, concerned. She walked over to him. She looked at him. He was looking out of the cell window. "People shouldn't have to do this....it's a free world. I should be free to do as I please...." he said. "I'm sorry you had to do this Rikue." she said. Rikue looked at her. "Come with me Keiah." he said. "What? I can't, my father..." she said. "Who cares. I want you to see my world. Trust me......" he said. She unlocked the cuffs that held him down. He stood up, and took her hand. She walked with him out the back entrance. They were outside. "So, which island do you live on?" she asked. "Braska." he answered. "Braska? I never heard of this place...." she said. "The real name is Ska-luoni Island, but, we call it Braska, just to keep is simple." he explained. He led her down to a bridge that connected the royal island, to his. They walked across, and Keiah was scared to fall. Rikue was confident though. Once they got to the island, there where trees everywhere. They were very tall, and shaded the long pathway. "This is beautiful...." Keiah said. "I know, that's what I love about this place." he said. They walked until they came accross a shaded opening. Keiah looked up. There were house scattered among the trees. It was the most amazing thing she had ever seen in her life. "Promise me that if you leave, you will come back?" Rikue said. "Yes, I will come back to you, I promise." Keiah said. She walked down the path to the bridge. She bravely crossed it, and ran to the palace. She darted through the front door, and her father was lying in front of the throne. "Daddy!" she shouted as she ran to his side. She kneeled down to him. " Daddy, what happened!" she asked in panic. "Keiah, daughter, you must not panic. It's my time to go......I love you very much......take...car..e......" He died right there in front of the throne. "Daddy, no! Please, don't leave me!" she screamed.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 5: Friends Forever

Kairi closed the book. She lay down on her back and closed her eyes. "What's that ......book ya got there Kat." Kairi sat up. "Tidus! What, I mean, how..why??!?" she asked. He sat down on the bed beside her and held her hand. Kairi reached out with her hand and touched his cheek. She felt it, it wasn't a dream, it was real..... "How did you get here?" she asked, so confused, and relieved. "Well, do you know Minnie?" he asked. "Yeah." she said. "Well, she called upon this magic wizard, his name is....uhm...Merlin. Yeah, Merlin. Anyway, Minnie gave Merlin the key, the one from my heart. Merlin collected my body from Destiny Islands, and put my heart in place, so now, I'm back!" he said. "I can't believe it.......I thought you were gone forever, and now you're here, with me, again....." she said. She hugged him. "Tidus, don't ever leave me again." she said softly. "I won't. I promise......."
"Minnie! Minnie! Where are you?!" yelled Kairi. Minnie stepped into the hallway. "Yes Kairi?" she asked sweetly. "Thank you! Thank you! You brought him back to me!!" she said. "Your very welcome Kairi. I knew you probably felt guilty for him dying, and I hate sad endings...." she said. "Thank you so much, I will never forget this, ever!" she said. Kairi hugged Minnie as tight as she could.
Daisy sat by the fireplace thinking about Donald. "I miss you so much my little ducky-wacky-darling. Please come back soon......" she sighed. Huey, Duey, and Louie walked into the room. "Aunt Daisy, when is Uncle Donald coming home. We have a music gig, and it's gonna be huge! We want him to see it....." Duey said. "Soon enough boys...I hope."

"You know, I asked Tidus once, about the world he came from, he didn't really say much to me, as if, something was hurting him, you know? I asked Wakka, and I didn't get anything from him either." Sora told Donald. "Everyone has a past, that isn't really worth talking about in the present." Donald said. "Hmm. I guess you're right." said Sora. They all sat under a shaded tree eating cooked carrots prepared by the so called "Chef" Goofy. But the meal was worth it. They would need the energy.

Kairi walked back up to her room, and found Tidus on her bed reading her book she had brought from home. "This is uh, pretty good." he said. "Yeah, I'm only on chapter three." said Kairi. Tidus scratched the back of his head. "Can you keep a secret Kat?" he asked. "Sure." she said. "Well, I'm actually 18." he said. "Tidus, how is this possible?" Kairi asked, puzzled. "Where I came from, or where I thought I did, I was seventeen. And, I got devoured by a bringer of death to our world, it was called, The Sin. I ended up in a place called Spira. Where I met my friends Wakka, and Lulu, and Rikku. And...Yuna. I've told you about how I despise my dad for trying to make me a star blitz player, and calling me a crybaby, when he died being the guardian of Yuna's dad, my father became Sin. Well, anyway, my friend Yuna, was a summoner, just as her father was, and summoner's had to defeat Sin, but it would always come back. The guardians of the summoner, would protect them with their life. But when the summoner reached Zanarkand, to receive the final aeon, they would die. And I couldn't let that happen to her. So we found another way to beat Sin. Yuna lived, but I died. You see, the protectors of Spira, called The Fayth, we're just dreaming. Dreaming of the whole place called Zanarkand, in which I thought I lived, but in real life, Zanarkland was ruins from one thousand years ago. Confusing yes, but, since Sin was gone, the Fayth could rest, and stop dreaming. Therefore, I disappeared, because, I was just a dream of the Fayth. And so were my father, and my mother. But, on the journey for the aeon, I fell in love with Yuna. So, I couldn't....no....I wouldn't let her die. So, I sacrificed myself for the good of the people, and for the good of Yuna. And when I arrived at Destiny Islands, I was three years younger than I was supposed to be. Somehow, Wakka found me, but he had lost his years too.........and I'm hoping that Yuna will soon find me." Tidus explained. Kairi sat and looked at him. "So, you had a true love too Tidus?" she asked. "Yeah. I guess I did. And I know she's out there, waiting for me to save her. You know Kairi, you remind me of her so much. That unyielding power you possess inside you." he said. "So, I guess we are just support for each other. You help me survive while Sora and Riku are away. And I help you survive without Yuna." she said. "You have the better end of the deal....." Tidus remarked. "How is that so?" Kairi asked. "You will actually get to see Sora and Riku again....." he said. Kairi saw the sad look on his face. She gave him a big hug, and whispered in his ear, "We will find her...."

"I just don't know what happened to Tidus, yah?" said Wakka, shocked. "Well, nobody knows Wakka." Selphie said. Wakka looked at the shoreline. "What is that?" he said. "Oh goodness, I don't know. Let's check it out." she said. They ran down the beach, and found a body lying there face down. Wakka knelt down, and lifted it's head.
"Yuna?!?!?" he exclaimed. She moaned. "Who's Yuna?" asked Selphie. "Long story, I will tell you when I can, yah!" said Wakka. He carried Yuna up to the waterfall, and laid her down on the grass. "Are you okay, Lady Summoner?" Wakka asked. "I am not Yuna lady summoner......" she moaned. "Who are you then?" he asked. "Just.....Yuna....." she said. Wakka sat her up. He patted her cheeks, trying to wake her up. "Yuna! Yuna! You must speak!" he said. Yuna shook her head. "Where.......am I?" she asked. "You are on the Destiny Islands." he said. "Sir Wakka!" she exclaimed. "Yes, It is I. Where is Lulu, and Rikku?" Wakka asked. "I don't know....All that I remember, is going to see my father in the Farplane. He said, 'Go to him, my daughter." A bright light shined, and I end up here." she said, confused. "Oh, he must have meant....Tidus." Wakka said. "Tidus! He's here?! Take me to him Wakka!" she said. "That's the problem Lady Yuna. We don't know where he is....." Wakka admitted. "Then we will find him." she said. Yuna forced herself to stand, and stumbled down the beach. Wakka grabbed her arm. "Why did you come here Yuna?" he asked. "Because. The parting of us was unexplained. Everyone in Spira lives happily while I have emptiness in my heart. I miss him so much Wakka." she said. "Well, you do realize, you are three years younger than normal, yah." he said. Yuna looked at herself. Her wardrobe was different. She had her blue skirt on, with the star patch on the bottom. She wore a light yellow tank top, and had bracelets and chains. "Why? Why must I be defied of my age?" she asked. "Destiny Islands has a way of capturing the inner child in everyone, I guess that's why we all became younger." Wakka said. "As long as Tidus doesn't care, than neither do I." she said.

"Well, If Wakka came back from Spira, don't you think Yuna probably will too?" Kairi said. "Yuna, has a part inside of her that wants to lead the people of Spira. No love can keep her from that obligation." he said. "Love, can over-power anything." Kairi said. Tidus shrugged. "I want you to go back to the Destiny Islands, and wait for her." Kairi insisted. "No, I can't let you stay here alone Kat. That's the whole reason Minnie brought me here." he said. "No, she brought you here, to let me know you aren't dead. I felt guilty for your death, and that's what ate me up inside. Don't you see Tidus? You are in love with this girl, and if she feels the same way, she will come back to you." Kairi said. She got up off of her bed, and opened the door. "Destiny Islands is waiting." she said. Tidus walked towards the door. He stopped to confront Kairi. "Don't you ever forget me Kat." he said. Kairi smiled. "I won't..." she whispered.

Sora sat in the sunlight, as Goofy and Donald were napping under the tree. He took the lamp shard from his pocket, and gave it a rub. Genie appeared. But this time, he was quiet, and very cautious for some reason. "Good news kid." he said. "What?" Sora asked. "Kairi is at Disney Castle, well taken care of, and she is waiting there until you and Riku come back." he said. "Good. That's a relief. Kairi is alive and well." he said. "And so is Tidus. He is on his way from the Disney Castle to go home. Minnie summoned Merlin the wizard, and he took the key to Tidus's heart, and restored it." Genie explained. "Oh, that's really good. Everyone is safe, and now I can rest too." Sora said. Genie snapped his fingers, and wisped away into the wind. Sora lay down under the tree, and fell asleep.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 6: Destinies Intertwined

Tidus stumbled through the portal. He didn't understand how you couldn't go through it without a key, but you could get out without a key. He crawled under the brush. He searched for Wakka and Selphie. "Tidus! You're alive!" yelled Selphie. Yuna heard Selphie's echo from the beach. "What happened?" Selphie asked. "Long story, I'll tell ya later." he said. Selphie crossed her arms and pouted. "Nobody tells me anything." she said. Wakka ran up to Tidus. He put a choke-hold on Tidus. "Where ya been brudda!" he said. "Around..." Tidus choked. Wakka let go. "I have a surprise for you..." he said slyly. "What is it?" Tidus asked. Wakka led him down to the beach. "Go." he said. Wakka ran back up the beach, and spied on Tidus. Tidus walked down to the shore line, and looked around. He almost fainted. There Yuna was, skipping rocks across the ocean. He stared at her. She was so beautiful, and radiant. He approached her slowly. Yuna glanced. "Tidus!" she screamed. She ran to him. He caught her in his arms. He swung her around and around, and she buried her face in his shoulder. He stopped and looked at her. "You came to me..." he said. "After you left, I never understood why you did. There was a hole in my heart where you were, and it's filled again......." Yuna told him. Tidus just smiled. "And what about Spira?" he asked. "All is well. Sin, is gone....." she said. She jumped on top of a small boulder, and started twirling like a ballerina. She danced, and danced.
I never understood why she danced. She never would stop. But this time, she was dancing.....because she was happy.
Tidus just grabbed her, and hugged her tightly. "I thought you were gone forever, Tidus." Yuna said. She started crying. Tidus remembered, the first time they kissed, was because she was crying. He lifted her chin. "There is no need to cry." he said. "I'm just glad to be with you again....." she sobbed. He kissed her deeply, and she stopped thinking, stopped breathing, and concentrated on him. He pulled away. "How did you get back to me?" he asked. "Spira was rejoicing........and I was just sitting in my room pouting. Wakka, had came here at the very first, he told me he'd bring you home to me. A year passed, and you never came back.......So I had to find you, regardless of never seeing Spira again....." she explained. Tidus and Yuna hugged.
"So Rikku, and Lulu, do they know that you are here?" Tidus asked. "Yeah. I have no idea of what they are doing right now. Maybe they will come to Destiny Islands one day." Yuna said. "Hmm. Rikku is 15, isn't she?" Tidus asked. "Yes." Yuna replied. "Hmm. I'm thinking, Rikku meats Riku. Yeah." he said. "There is another Rikku?" Yuna asked. "Yeah, he is an islander. My friend, Kairi, loves them both, but she loves another boy named Sora. Riku got trapped behind the Door to the Light, and now, Sora is out looking for him. It's really complicated, let me explain." he said. "I have all the time in the world...." Yuna said.

Kairi sat on her bed, and opened up her book. She began reading:

4 years later...........
Keiah sat in her room , gazing out the window. Urthi, a royal servant walked in. "Lady Keiah, King Zejir wants to visit you." she said. "Tell him I do not wish to see him." she said. "Very well." said Urthi. She left the room. "I must see Rikue." Keiah thought. She went to her armoire closet, and pulled out a rope with knots in it. She reached out the window, and tied it to an old gargoyle. She slid down. She snuck down to the bridge. Rikue's island was beautiful, on the side, it had a pretty waterfall flowing into the ocean down below. Keiah reached underneath the bridge, and grabbed an attached rope. She held on, and swung on it into the waterfall. Behind the waterfall, there was a beautiful, sparkling cove. Rikue sat on a boulder, and whittled a piece of wood. "Keiah, you're here!" he said. He stood up, and gave her a small kiss. "I can't stay for long today, King Zejir was wanting to talk to me. He will find I'm missing if I don't go back soon." she explained. "As long as I get to see you, one last time before I go." Rikue said. "Go, where?" she asked. "Our family finds no interest in this kingdom, we are heading somewhere else. I'm not quite sure, but I think we are leaving for good." he said. "No! Rikue, you are the only thing that keeps me going, If you leave, I will perish for sure!" she said, clinging to him. He held her shoulders. "Come with me." he said. She looked away. "Come with me, and we will never, never have to worry about this place again." he said. "Never, is quite a long time." Keiah said. Rikue smiled. "Come with me." he asked again. "Okay. I will." she finally agreed.
Keiah ran back to the palace. She snuck through her window, and gathered her belongings. She quietly left, leaving no evidence of where she was going. She ran to Rikue's side. They both walked back to the village. "Rikue, who is your friend?" asked Daini, Rikue's uncle. "Keh, nu ka en ohr. Gir seh to?" spoke Rikue. Keiah looked puzzled. "My uncle doesn't understand normal language very well. I told him who you were, and if you could come along." he explained. Keiah nodded. "Uukia." Daini moaned. "Yes! He said you can come!" Rikue said. Keiah was thrilled. She was finally getting to see the rest of the world. See what was really out there. Later that evening, Keiah and Rikue loaded their things onto the hand-made raft. It was very large, and supported a lot of weight. Rikue helped Keiah on, and then untied the rope from the tree. He dashed to shore, and hopped on the raft. He sat down by Keiah. "Long journey ahead. Best get our rest" he said, laying back on all of the cargo. Keiah laid down, resting her head on his chest. They both fell asleep.

Kairi gently closed the book. Why did Riku risk his life to save her? She could never figure it out. Sora, was always just her friend that she could laugh with, or tell her problems to. Riku was always the one she could cry with, and he comforted her. But she loved them both very dearly. Kairi sighed. She figured since there was nothing to do, and since Tidus was gone, she mine as well read another chapter:

Rikue took Keiah's luggage, and unloaded it from the raft. Keiah looked around. It was like ancient ruins. Stone statues of Goddesses stood tall, and there were old, chipped off, stone steps, that led up to a royal throne. The throne was just stone, with sapphires decorating it. Keiah stared in amazement. "Who is King here?" she asked. "No, no. He isn't the king.......the natives call him Zihloh, lord of Crystasia. This is my birth home." he said. There were small rock platforms going across the water to other rock islands, in which the natives lived. It was even more ancient than the kingdom she came from. Rikue and Keiah walked up the steps, and saw and old man, with silver hair, and he wore a sapphire around his neck. The long haired man stood up. He was wearing just a blue skirt type cloth, and wore a leather band around his forehead. He wore beaded chains, around his wrists and neck, and had a tattoo on his left arm. He stuck out his hand. "I am Zihloh. Welcome to Crystasia, our free lands." he said. Rikue took his hand. He nodded, and bowed. Keiah stepped forward, and repeated what Rikue did. After the ceremony of graces, (meeting the Zihloh) Keiah and Rikue walked to the rocky shore. The crystal clear water lapped at their feet, and Keiah gazed out over the long stretch of water. "I wonder if I will ever see my home again." she said. "Only if you want to. But, your father has deceased, you have no reason to stay. And your uncle, he plans on ridding of you, doesn't he?" Rikue asked. "Yes. I heard him talking about my body being washed of it's spirit, and disposed of in the ocean. I couldn't risk dying." she said. "I couldn't bear to know you were dead, it would break my heart." he said. Keiah smiled. They walked across the stone platforms which led to another island. Once they reached the village, they began to notice that all of the people here were silver haired. "Why is your hair different Rikue?" asked Keiah. "Well, my mother was a Crystasian, and also the daughter of a great warrior. Once her father died, she took his place. She was a great warrior, with the spirit of a Goddess. My father, was an explorer. He came from your kingdom. He traveled here to find the mysteries of the Great Crystasian Sapphire. He never found it, but he did find my mother. So, to people, from two completely different worlds, became inseparable. Our tribes traveled back to my father's home, but the villagers thought us savages. So, therefore, my mother was held captive, as so my father, and were both executed. They caught many other villagers, but not our tribe. The Kethians. My uncle took me to that small island, the kingdom refers to it as Savage Isle. We were in exile. And we still are." explained Rikue. "So what is this, Great Crystasian Sapphire that you speak of?" she asked. "Legend has it, that there is a great jewel, hidden in the ruins of Crystasia. Nobody has found it, though many have tried. The ancient script says: "Those of Pure Heart, and seek the goal of unlocking great treasures, will find the sapphire. Those who have darkness within, will never seek the jewel. The Door to the Light will be opened once the jewel is found." Rikue said. He shook his head. "Whatever that means. Let us go to the feast." he said. Keiah nodded, and they headed off towards the Fruga Dining Quarters.

Kairi had her mouth wide open. "Kingdom Hearts was known of when the author wrote this book. Maybe, since this legend is supposed to be true, it relates to the recent re-opening of the door to the light." Kairi thought. She lay back on her soft bed, and fell asleep.

"Ah, I understand. This Kairi, has a spirit in her.....so strong, but, yet, so innocent it seems. Sounds to me like it was two little boys, fighting over the princess, and in the end, they get each other. Strange how endings go, isn't it?" said Yuna. "No, not really. Because there never is an end, so therefore, nobody has to live life knowing they can't keep fighting for what they want." Tidus said. He put his arm around Yuna. "I knew what I wanted. And even though strange it may be, you and I both knew it wasn't the end of us." Tidus said. "I suppose so. I couldn't let you just slip through my fingers like that. You defeated Sin, and saved my life. Knowing that, how could I have just let you die, when I was the one who was supposed to." Yuna added. Tidus just chuckled. "But that's what I'm supposed to do. It's my job to keep you safe, remember?" Tidus asked. "Yeah. And, I'm glad you did Tidus." Yuna whispered. They both gazed out at the endless ocean, holding each other tightly.

"What do you mean Rinoa isn't here!" shouted Leon. "I'm sorry Leon, she just, well, isn't! The heartless were only holding her captive, until they could find evidence of King Mickey. Rinoa was merely a tool. She possesses the power of adaption. Now that the heartless have finally found where he is, they sent Rinoa elsewhere." Yuffie explained. "All of this suffering, and pain. And I can't even see her beautiful face." Leon fell to his knees. "But, but she has to be here....I....won't leave without her!" he exclaimed. Yuffie shook her head. "Oh Squall! You, you came all this way just to see little ole' me!" Quistis walked into the room. "After all this time, I didn't think you cared, but, you're here, to take me home at last!" she said. "No, you don't understand..." Leon began. "Oh, but I do! You finally told Rinoa that she wasn't the one you wanted after all, and you came to me!" she said, excited. "Quistis, I didn't come here for you. I came for Rinoa. My one and only true love. I'm sorry, but I do not love you....." Leon said. "Oh, oh.......uhm, right. Well, don't I feel...feel silly." she said. A tear rolled down her cheek. "Excuse me for a moment..." she quivered. She ran down the grand hall, and slammed her bedroom door. Leon just scratched his head. "Oh great Squall! She was our only hope to finding the mystery of Hollow Bastion! Why didn't you be gentle!!" Yuffie shouted. Leon just threw down a piece of paper, and gave Yuffie a dirty look. He swung his sword over his shoulder, and walked out of the room. Yuffie stood with her hands on her hips. She walked over to the paper, and picked it up. She un crumpled the letter, and read:

My Dearest Squall.......
How I have longed to see you once again. Lost forever in a dreary gray world.....clouds and smoke surrounding my every step. Now that I have been found, and brought to life once again, I want you to see me. Please be swift, for I cannot stay here much longer. I will explain when you see me. Remember.....'Live long Destiny, and it will bring hope. Hope, pride, and self-wonder, shall bring the true essence of life.' I will wait for you.......


Rinoa
Yuffie stared at the letter. She thought for a moment. She ran to Aerith's room, and pounded on the door. "Aerith! Aerith! Open up, it's important!" she yelled. Aerith opened the door. "Hello Yuffie. Cloud and I were just about to have tea, come in please. Yuffie sat down. "Man, am I glad I thought of you!" Yuffie said. Aerith blushed. Cloud shook his head, knowing how Yuffie was always the first to interrupt. "What is it you need Yuffie?" asked Aerith sweetly. "Well, Rinoa. I need to know where she went. You know about that mushy stuff, and the heartless mumbo jumbo. So, I was thinking you could tell me where she went." Yuffie smiled. Cloud chuckled. "Mumbo jumbo. You were always the least bright Yuffie. The heartless have taken Rinoa to the chambers. They use the people of infinite mind, and pure heart, to create more heartless. Anyone in the chamber....dies." Cloud said. Yuffie gasped. "Oh no...then that means, Rinoa is..." Aerith nodded. Yuffie dashed out the door, and went to find Squall in the courtyard. He was sitting on the edge of the fountain, watching the rainbow fish swim around. Yuffie ran up to him. "Leon...Squall....whatever! I know where Rinoa is!" she said. He stood up. He grabbed Yuffie's shoulders, and shook her. "Where! Where! I must know!" he said. "The chambers, chambers of the heartless! My pops told me bout' em after I returned home. They are, some type of, chambers that they hold humans in. They are located ' Where the stars end, and the skies appear.' whatever that means. But, we will find Rinoa there! But we must hurry!" Yuffie said. "Let's go!" Leon exclaimed.

Sora sat on the grass, while Donald and Goofy were STILL napping. "I must get to Disney castle...." he thought. Suddenly, a letter floated out of the sky, and landed on his lap. It had the king's seal on it. Sora quickly opened it, and read:

Dear Fellas,
Get to Disney Castle quickly! The heartless are approaching my dearest Minnie, you must save her, and everybody else in the kingdom! I am countin' on you guys, and waitin' to hear from ya real soon!


Mickey
Sora ran over to Donald, and kicked him in the side. "Wake up! We have to go to the castle, the heartless are coming!" Sora said. Donald rolled over. "The castle, and how do we do that?" asked Donald, dazed. Sora took out his shard, and grinned. He rubbed it. "It's Genie...of...the lamp!" Genie shouted. "Get us to Disney Castle, quick!" Sora said. Genie snapped his fingers, and Mickey's gummi ship appeared. "But the worlds are sealed!" Sora said. "Don't worry, Mick already sent me a letter telling me to give you his ship, which can pass through the walls of Disney Castle!" Genie exclaimed. Donald and Sora lifted Goofy, and put him in the back space of the ship. Donald and Sora hopped in. Sora anxiously looked toward the sky. Donald hopped in the passenger side, and pushed Sora to the driver's seat. Genie snapped his fingers, and disappeared. Sora looked at him. "Seriously, I get to drive!" he said. Donald nodded his head. "Now first, you push the blue button." he said. Sora pushed it, and the engine started. "Now, you push the yellow button with the '2' on it." Donald explained. Sora pushed it, and they rose high off the ground. "Now push the green square button, and we are off!" he said. Sora smiled at him, and pushed the purple button with the jet icon on it. "Noooooo!" Donald shouted. The ship darted across the sky, and into space.

Kairi picked up her book, and couldn't resist but reading it........

"We feast!" Zihloh announced. Rikue and Keiah quickly ate their meals, and Rikue grabbed Keiah's wrist. "We go to Kunoh's house." he said. Keiah got up, and ran with him to the stone platforms going across the water. They quickly skipped across them, and were once again in the village. Rikue led her to a small hut, which was isolated from the village. They walked inside. Rikue whistled. A boy, about Rikue's size walked out from behind the sheer curtains. "Rikue, you join me again at last." he said. Rikue hugged him, and then said to Keiah. "This...is my brother. He is only one year younger than me, but lives on his own." he said. "Why do you come here Rikue?" he asked. "I need a place for Keiah to stay." he said. "What! No, I'm staying with you!" she demanded. "No! The nobles will surely find you if they decide to come here. They will think that you are with me, so, they will look for me in the Temple. I can't let anything bad happen to you!" he said. "But when, when will I live with you again Rikue!" she said. "Soon, soon. But lay low for a while." he said. "I have small room in back. Not girly, but you can put what you want there." Kunoh said. Keiah nodded. "Rikue, I need a bed, and something to put my belongings in." she said. "Do not worry. I know the wicker maker that lives here in the village. He can make you a bed, and a desk, and a small chest to put your things in. He weaves maple dipped strands of wood together to create furniture. It is called 'wicker’. And something to sleep on, he makes feather pads, made out of the finest cloth. I will give you my blanket to sleep with." Rikue said. "I just....want you here with me." she said. "I can visit occasionally, but, only at night, I must leave early morning." he said. He led her back to her room. It was decently big, and it had large leaves as the flooring. "Wait here, I need to go get a Shepard’s wagon to haul your furniture here. Kunoh and I will be back." he said.
A few hours later, Rikue and Kunoh returned. They unloaded her furniture, and put it in the back room. She arranged it how she wanted it, and laid down on her feathered pad. Rikue tossed her a blanket. It was warm, and fuzzy, and Keiah snuggled up to it. "You take care of this, my mother gave it to me." he said. "I will." she smiled. Rikue sat on her bed. "Promise me you will stay." he said. Keiah sat up "Promise me that you will always love me." she said. "That isn't a promise....it is a vow." he said. He leaned in, and kissed her on the lips. "If you need anything, just tell Kunoh. He will help you." Rikue said. "Okay, but please, come back and see me." she said. Rikue nodded his head, and walked out of the room. Keiah snuggled up to the blanket, and fell asleep.
Rikue walked into the temple. "Ah, the young man wanders. Tell me Rikue, what is it you are troubled about?" the Zihloh said. "My friend, Keiah, must stay in the village. She must stay safe from the nobles after her." he said. "Ah, follow me....." Rikue followed the Zihloh down a dark, dusty stairwell. They finally reached a mural on the wall. The Zihloh raised his staff, and the letters on the wall glowed. It was the language of Crystasia. Rikue looked puzzled. The Zihloh smiled. "It says 'He of noble heart, must fight the ones without one. He who succeeds, will have power beyond measure. He who doesn't, will suffer in endless darkness. The Door to the Light contains only the purest light, worthy of concealing the darkness." he said. "The Door to the Light?" Rikue asked. "Ah...yes. They say, a mysterious door holds the finest light. No body will ever open it, unless they have the key." he said. "Key. Key to what? And, the Door to the Light, does it have everyone's hearts inside?" Rikue asked. "Yes. Everyone's heart is born there. The key shall open the door, and defend it from heartless." Zihloh said. Rikue shrugged. "Guess we'll never know then, will we?" he chuckled. "Ah, but we will. And sooner......then you think." The Zihloh walked down the corridor towards the stairwell. "You will be the one who will open the door." he added. Rikue thought to himself. "How might I open it? I have no need to. I am happy here." he said to himself. He followed the Zihloh up the stairwell, and went back to the temple.

Kairi was shocked. "This is just like Sora's story.....or is it Riku's........I must keep reading." she said.

[neji]

Chapther 6 Continued

The rain pounded on Rikue's ceiling. He was thinking of Keiah, and this mysterious key. How would it effect him? Why was it him, and not someone else. These thoughts raced through his mind. "I must see her." he said. He went to the stone table, and grabbed his blue tunic. He raced out the door so fast, that nobody heard a thing. He skipped across the platforms, and saw the village. For some odd reason, he had a funny feeling, and knew he had to see Keiah one last time. Suddenly, a dark shadow arose out of the water. Rikue fell backwards. "You are the one." it whispered. Rikue tried to run past it, and get to the village, but it stopped him. It raised it's arms to the sky, and a glimmering light fell to Rikue's hands. The shadow twirled back into the water, and splashed Rikue so hard, that he fell back on the main island. He looked at what was in his hands. A key. No. Not a key. Some type of key-shaped blade. He slashed it a few times, and it shone like the sunlight. He skipped once again across the platforms, and finally reached the village. He ran to the small opening in Keiah's room that she used as her light source. He lifted the wool blanket that was covering it, and hopped inside. Keiah rose. "Rikue, you are wet! Why did you come here to see me at this time?" she said, smiling. "I had to see you once again. I don't know what is happening, but it's something bad." he said. Keiah stared at the blade. "What is that?" she asked. "I'm not sure. But it holds some type of mystical power." he said. He walked to her. "Don't you forget me, no matter what." he said. "I won't. But you shouldn't be so worried. There is nothing to be scared of. I have someth....." Suddenly a royal guard barricaded through her wall. The rain was pouring on all of her things. "Keiah, run!" Rikue demanded. She ran, and watched Rikue fight off the guards with his blade. "Rikue!" she screamed. He finally caught the guard at a weak point, and ran to Keiah. He kissed her, trying to make the moment last. Two guards grabbed them both from behind. "Rikue! Catch!" she said. She tossed him a piece of yellow fruit that looked like half of a star. "Eat it! I can't lose you now!" she said. They both took a bite at the same time, and sunlight hit both of their hearts. They were both dragged opposite ways through the mud. Keiah cried. Rikue looked at his true love being taken from him. Both of their worlds crashed around them.

Kairi closed the book. "It must have been a paopu. I wonder what happens next. Daisy busted through her door. "Hurry Kairi! They are here! The heartless are invading Disney Castle!" she squealed. It was her turn to be the hero. Daisy dragged her down the staircase, where Minnie was being held by the heartless. Kairi didn't know what to do. Minnie reached out her hand, and a gleaming crystal keyblade landed in Kairi's hands. Kairi nodded. She attacked the heartless with all her strength. They finally released Minnie, and vanished. Minnie sighed. "I'm sorry Kairi. I would have told you that you were also a keyblade master, but you were so peaceful, and carefree here." Minnie admitted. "What, I'm a....a..." she stuttered. "A keyblade mistress...." Max said, walking into the room. Kairi looked at him. "How did you know?" she asked. "I know a lot of things. I have known this for a while. I knew eventually, the key would choose you too. Pure heart. Bravery. Perfectly fit to bring peace to the world." he said. Minnie smiled. "Just like your father Max. Goofy may not be very smart, but he always knew when to say the right thing." she said. "Well, I guess I will get back to the post." he said. "Looks like you could use some pointers son!" Donald, Goofy, and Sora walked in. "Dad!" Max shouted. "Maxey!" Goofy said. Max ran to him, and gave him a big hug. Daisy ran to Donald, and gave him a big smooch. Kairi ran to Sora, and held him tightly. Minnie looked at the happy occasion, and wished it could be happy for her too. Kairi freed herself from Sora, and went to Minnie. "I will find the King." she said. Minnie smiled. "But that is Sora's job." she said. "He will find Riku, and I will find the King." she said. "Wha-? What are you talking about Kairi?" Sora asked. Kairi pulled out her keyblade, and giggled. "Looks like we are more alike than we thought." she said. "B-but.....how? Why!" Sora said. "What's the matter Sora? Afraid a girl might beat ya!" she laughed. "Kairi, listen. Don't leave this castle! Please, I can't lose you too." he said. Kairi stopped smiling. "Sora....when have you ever known me to give up..." she said. Sora scratched his head. "I will be fine." she assured him. "Then come with us." he said. She put her hand on his shoulder. "I have to do this by myself. Otherwise, I will always regret not knowing." Kairi said. Sora hugged her. He didn't want her in any danger. He kissed her on the cheek, and she pulled away. "Now get going you lazy bum." she giggled. Sora swung his keyblade over his shoulder. "Be careful Dad." Max said. "I promise I will come back." Goofy said. He messed Max's hair, and went to Sora. Daisy gave Donald another kiss on the cheek. "No whining, no complaining, no bossing, no cheating. No interrupting, and no other ducks!" Daisy demanded. "I will bring the King home. And I will come back to you. I don't want ya to kill me ya know!" Donald chuckled. He joined Sora and Goofy. They walked down the courtyard path, and to the gummi ship. "Kairi!" Donald shouted. She looked to him. He raised his wand, and penetrated her keyblade. "Just incase you need some magic!" he shouted. Kairi smiled. "Thanks!" she replied. They all loaded the Gummi ship, and took off. Kairi, Daisy, Minnie, and Max waved to them. "Do I get a gummi ship?" Kairi asked sweetly. "Of course! We already have one prepared." Max said. He whistled for Chip and Dale. They ran to him. "Yessir!" they said together. "Show Kairi to her ship after she packs her things." he said. "Ey' ey' cap'n!" they said. Kairi ran upstairs, and gathered her things. She ran down to the garage where Max, Daisy, and Minnie were waiting. Max helped her load her things, and Minnie walked over to her. "Have a safe trip. Daisy and I will be watching over you." she said. She hugged Kairi. "Please stay safe." Kairi nodded, and got into the ship. Chip and Dale instructed on how to drive it. Kairi listened carefully, and then started the engine. She was getting ready to blast forward, but then, suddenly, she dropped downwards. Max laughed. "I hope she will be okay." he said.

Kairi blasted the ship, and landed on some planet. She had no idea where it was, but she knew that maybe she would find Riku there. When she landed, there were plains as far as the eye could see. Until she saw a town. She decided to take a rest, and read the rest of her book:

Rikue kicked the dirt in the dungeon. Where was Keiah? Was she safe? All of these thought penetrated his mind.
Keiah struggled to free herself. "Let me go!" she squealed. "Hmph......foolish child. Do you not understand? Without a keyblade, you shall never free yourself. That is the only thing that can defeat me." Keiah gave up. She thought of Rikue. "Everything will be okay. I can’t let the darkness have me......not like it had mother. I will be free again, I am not afraid....." she thought. A keyblade appeared in her hands. He struck the guards heart with it, and he fell to the ground in pain. She ran from her uncle, who was now the king.....and kept running. "King Zejir will never have my spirit. She ran, until the guards captured her again, and threw her in a dark, dungeon.
3 weeks later......
Keiah sat in her dusty dungeon, staring. She couldn't hold on much longer. Rikue, who was in the other palace dungeon, was in the same condition. Rikue finally slipped to the ground........and took his last breath. "Keiah..." he said. He died right there in that dungeon. Keiah struggled to try and fit between the bars of the cell. She fell, with her arms through the bars. "Rikue....don't forget me..." she said. She disappeared into a radiant light. Rikue's lifeless body lay there, and at the same time, also transformed into a light, and he was carried off into the sky.
Keiah laid by Rikue on a pool of water that dazzled like gold. She stood. Rikue stood too. "Where are we?" she asked. They both turned around, and the keyblades were returned to their possession. They saw a tall, silver door. Somewhat, like a cathedral's door. "The Door to the Light..." Rikue said. "My mother, once told me about this place. It is where every heart is born........but nobody knows what lies in there. "Wait, how did we end up here......together?" Rikue asked. "Simple. You remember that fruit I gave you.....right?" she asked. "Yeah. Why?" Rikue said. "It's called a paopu. And whoever shares it with another.....well.....their destinies become inter-twined. So, we both have the same destiny since we shared that fruit." she smiled. "It's truly amazing.....so that fruit, kept us together until the end?" he said. "Well, maybe it's the end.....we will just find out.....together." she said. They both held out their keyblades, and unsealed the door. It's light shined out, and Keiah and Rikue covered their eyes. The keyblades disappeared, and Rikue took Keiah's hand. "This is our story...." he said. They both walked slowly into the light, and the door closed behind them. The rest they say.......is history.



THE END
Kairi closed the book. "So that's what the paopu means. Together forever. I must find Riku, and share one with him too, so we will be together forever." she thought. She laid out her blanket, and fell asleep under the tree.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 7: A Step Forward

"So, where do we start? Maybe the door is closer than we think..." Sora suggested. "Well, we know one thing. Kairi is all by herself with a keyblade. She hasn't a clue to what power it holds!" Donald said. They kept walking down the dusty path.....trying to think of simpler ways to get to the door. "Maybe Riku and Mickey will find a way out themselves." Sora said. "Impossible. For the door to be opened, there must be two keyblades!" said Donald. "Scuse me fellas....uhm...gorsh...don't I have a say in this?" Goofy said. "Oh yeah? What's that you big palooka." Donald smirked. "Let's trust the King, and just walk. Walk until we find the door. That's the only thing to do." he said. Sora looked at Donald. "He's right you know." he said. "I know....but I don't have to admit it...." Donald said. So they kept walking...not sure of what was in store for them.

Leon and Yuffie got into his space-craft. "We may never come back...and we may never see our friends again. But, I'm willing to risk it." Leon said. Yuffie nodded. "I'm with ya all the way Squall!" she said. They blasted off into the sky. Leon searched around for the planet of heartless. Yuffie spotted a sphere of dark purple smoke, and pointed it out to Leon. They headed towards the planet. When they entered the o-zone, the ship started to creek, and rumble. Yuffie and Leon held on tightly to the ship. It crashed down hard on the planet's surface. Yuffie had a bloody gash on her forehead. "Ouch." she moaned. Leon lifted her up. "You okay?" he asked. "Never better." she smiled. Yuffie stood up. "Whoa....what is this place?" she said. "I think this is where the heartless are...and Rinoa." he said. They walked down a path of muddy-purplish goo, and finally saw a large castle. "It looks like magic is holding it together....what a mess!" Yuffie said. There were pieces of black glass in the air, which formed steps leading to the castle. Leon and Yuffie walked up them slowly, being very cautious. They reached the castle doors. Leon pushed on them, but they wouldn't budge. They slowly opened, but not because he was pushing. It was because someone opened it. Before them stood a tall, dark, cloaked figure. "What business do you have at the Kingdom of Darkness?" it sneered. "I'm here for Rinoa!" Leon said. "Ah ha........you fool. Rinoa has been gone for quite sometime.....the chamber in which she was, is now vacant. Her soul is being cleansed right now. We have had her under siege....she now believes that darkness is life's true essence.....you can't free her where she is now. Try as you might, but you will fail. If you must test yourself, go to the ritual ceremony..." it said. Leon looked puzzled. "The corridor leads you there." Leon and Yuffie slowly walked past the figure. Once inside, the only light there was candles on the wall, lit by a purple flame. A ghostly figure went to Leon. "What room shall I escort you to?" it asked. "The ritual." Leon stared at him. "You look so...so familiar." he said. "Ah, but...you barely know me. Through Yuna." it said. Leon looked closer. "No...it can't be.." he hesitated. "Rikku?" he asked. The figure giggled. "Why yes. It is me. Have you come to serve darkness too?" she asked. "Rikku....you're....you're a ghost! But..how?" he asked. "The tribe members of the Al Bhed turned against me for leading the Heartless to Spira. So naturally, I took control of the heartless, and used them against my kind. The darkness swallowed me.....and I never have found the light...." she said. "Oh Rikku...." Yuffie said. "I dream of the day light will conquer, and take me out of this spell. I can not escape until that day. Once light takes my heart...I will finally be released to the farplane." she said. Rikku pulled back he hood. She was a pale green.......you could see through her completely. She had her ghostly hair pinned up just like she always did. She looked like she normally would......but this time...she was a ghost. "The ritual. Let me lead you there." she said. She led them back to a room where heartless were dancing around a large fire....Rinoa's body was floating over it. Leon walked in. "Rinoa!" he said. "She can't hear you." Rikku said. A heartless approached Leon. "Who have you brought for sacrifice Lady Rikku?" it asked. "Sir Squall Leonheart....and his fool." she said. Yuffie glared. "We'll see who the fool is!" she screamed. She attacked Rikku, but just swept through. Rikku floated above them. "Ah ha ha......so likely of you Yuffie. Too bad it's all over." she laughed. Leon ran to Rinoa. He grabbed her arm, but the force was so strong....he couldn't pull her down. The heartless surrounded him. He took out his blade, and slashed at them, until they were all gone. Only Rikku remained. "Let her go Rikku!" Leon demanded. "Or what...you'll hit me with your little blade!" she smirked. "Or you will never see Yuna or Tidus ever again!" he threatened. "You....know where they are?" she asked. Leon nodded. "Tell me!" she said. "Not until you release Rinoa." he said. Rikku crossed her arms. "Fine...take your little rag doll." she said. She thrust out her hand, and guided Rinoa to Leon. Leon held her in his arms. She was lifeless. "You won't have her heart unless you lead me to my friends!" Rikku said. "Fine. Let's go!" said Leon. They all boarded his ship, and took off to space. He headed for the Destiny Islands. Once they landed, Yuna, Tidus, and Wakka ran to the scene. Rikku floated out. She pulled her hood back. She put her hand on Rinoa's heart, and said, "She will need rest. Go." Leon carried Rinoa into the ship, and Yuffie hopped in. They left. Yuna approached Rikku. "Rikku....is it really you?" she asked. Tidus walked to Yuna's side. Wakka joined them. "I thought.....I thought I'd never see you all again...." Rikku said. "Why are you....uh... a ghost?" Tidus asked. "I am a puppet. Consumed by darkness." she said. "No. That isn't you....that isn't the Rikku I know." Yuna said. Rikku looked longingly at them. "I just wanted to say goodbye..." she said. A small tear dropped to the sand. The cloak came off of her, and her body rose high above them. "I love you all very much...." she whispered. Light shone from her body.....and small pyreflies fell to the ground. "Rikku! No!" Yuna shouted. "You can't go!" said Wakka. Tidus held Yuna. "Why...why did she have to leave!" Yuna cried. "Her heart was taken over by darkness....now she finally rests..." Tidus said. Wakka scratched his head, and walked back up to the waterfall. "I.....loved her...." he said.

Kairi walked along the path, humming a song. She arrived at the small town. She just walked right on through, not even stopping to get things. She heard a voice. "That's right Mulan....show them home boys what it's all about!" it said. Kairi approached them. Mulan dropped her shield. "Who...who are you!" Mushu said. "Kairi. Keyblade mistress." she giggled. "Mulan. Nice ta meet ya!" she said, as she stuck her hand out. Kairi shook it. "I'm training Mulan here to be a soldier. She has to fight in the war in place of her father....I'm her almighty guardian!" Mushu bragged. Mulan rolled her eyes. "Tiny...yes....almighty...no way." she said. "What! You betta not mouth off to me miss prissy! We have some training to do! And after that, we'll go kick some hunny-buns!" he said. Mulan laughed. "We are fighting the huns off from China." she explained. Kairi nodded. "I might have to seal a keyhole here.....sooo....mind if I tag along?" she asked. "Sure...if you're up for the job. I mean...you gotta be rough...tough...and fierce!" Mushu said. "I think I can live up to that." Kairi giggled. "Well, it's off to camp......oh...and by the way, if anyone asks...you are Mulan's......uh....his little sister, got that? Tell them you are just visiting." Mushu said. "Got it." Kairi agreed. "It's off to camp!" Mulan said.

"Mickey..please.....don't make me go on like this." Riku begged. "Riku! It's just a matter of time before they get here! Please...please don't die on me now! We have come so far!" Mickey pleaded. "Tell Sora.....that I'm sorry. And tell Kairi that I......I...lov......love........" Mickey ran to him. "Riku no!" He shook him vigorously. Mickey raised his keyblade, "Those who see the light........those who know the meaning......Show Riku the way...guide him to where he is supposed to be!" A warm glow covered the blade. Mickey knew that the Gods had heard him. He sat by Riku's lifeless corpse. "Before long you will be home again Riku.......just not the one you are used to. It is your decision whether to live or not."
"Where.....where am I?" Riku asked himself. He stood. There were clouds everywhere he looked. He stared at the mystic pink and orange sky......... there were stars shooting across it, and a man approached him. "Wha!" Riku said, as he jumped back. The man laughed. "Why have you come so early, Riku?" he asked. "You.....you know my name?" he asked. "Of course.....why wouldn't I know my little brother's name?" he smiled. Riku's jaw dropped. "A-a-Asher!" he asked. The man nodded. "But, you, you can't be...you are 8 years older than me, so how do you grow old when you died when I was five!" he asked. "Ah...but I am now a guardian. Doing good deeds, and helping the lost find their way back home. You...you have come to early little brother." Asher said. "No! I came when I wanted to. I will not stay trapped behind that door like some caged rat!" Riku protested. "But, you have forgotten something....you sacrificed yourself to save your friends...so now they are returning the favor. How do you think they will feel?" he asked. "I don't know........but...I don't...I don't care! I'm better off here. Asher put his hand on Riku's shoulder. "Come.... I have something to show you..." he said. Riku followed him. Asher stopped at a cloud floating about waist level. "It's just a cloud." Riku said. Asher reached into his cloak, and spread magic dust over the cloud. It rippled like water. Riku saw Sora. "What is he doing?" Riku asked. "Searching for the door. He hasn't stopped yet from finding it." he said. The scene changed to Kairi sitting outside of Mulan's tent. She had something in her hand. Riku stared. He looked closely and saw the snowglobe he had given to her when she first arrived at the island. "She...she still remembers..." Riku said, shocked. Asher nodded. "She is also one with a key....the keyblade mistress." he explained. "So...Kairi is looking for me too?" he asked. Asher nodded once more. "I must go watch over an old woman......she is on the verge of starvation, I must tend to her." he said. Riku nodded. "I will tell you my decision when I am ready." He said. Asher walked out into the mist, and faded away.

Kairi stared at the globe in her hands. Riku had carved and painted a scene of him and Sora, racing across the beach, and she was goal, as always. It wasn't really a snowglobe...more of a sand globe...when you shook it, bits of silvery-white sand covered the scene. When you twisted the knob on the bottom, it played a small song. Kairi hummed along. It sounded like something Tidus had played for her once. (Hint: For the readers........she means it's the prelude for Final Fantasy X...just wanted to make sure you knew!) Kairi set it aside, and waited for Mulan to come out of the tent. Mulan dashed through it. "Mushu, how many times do I have to tell you! You aren't coming! She is...." she smiled. She tossed Kairi a small suit of armor. Mulan took a comb, and pulled Kairi's hair back into a tight bun. She ran into the tent, and came out with a bottle of ink from Nepal, and splashed it on Kairi's hair. "That better wash out!" Kairi threatened. Kairi went into the tent, and changed into the suit. When she came out, Mushu laughed. "You look like a mini-soldier. They gonna be thinkin you is their play toy!" he chuckled. Kairi shook her head. They headed towards camp. Three men walked up to her. "Look at this chump....he doesn't even look like a real man." one said. Mulan glared. The tall, lanky man said, "Ha ha! And look! Junior chump!" he laughed. Kairi walked over to him, and deepened her voice. "Is that an insult!" she asked, sturdily. "Ha! You think you are a challenge for me!" he said. She kicked him in the shin. He pulled up his leg, and hopped around like a chicken. "Ou, ooh , aww!" he shouted. Everyone looked at him as he hopped through camp. "What are your names?" the short, stout one asked. "Uh..." Mulan said. She cleared her throat, and deepened her voice. "Uh....uh...Ping." she said. "And you?" he asked, looking at Kairi. "Uhm....uh...Sor....Sora!" she said. "Sora. Hmph, some name." he smirked. "Well, you two best get to the meeting, we are meeting our new chief!" he said. Mulan budged Kairi, and they both followed the man.

"I think I have decided." Riku said. "Well. We must follow through with whatever you may decide. This will be your final decision. So please choose wisely......." Asher reminded him. "Okay. I have made my decision. It has taken very much thought and concern. I wanted to stay here, with you, and live a perfect happy life. But, I died without saying goodbye to all of my friends. I was so selfish. I couldn't stand being behind that door......." he said. "Ah, I understand. But now, you may choose where you want to go. So, if you do choose to leave the heavens, then tell me where you want to be." Asher said. "I want to be behind the door to the light." Riku answered. "You can be anywhere in the world little brother. With Kairi, Sora, Leon, or, anywhere, even the Destiny Islands. Are you sure this is where you want to be?" Asher asked. "Yes. I'm sure. My friends will save me. That's what they want to do, and I can't let them down. Besides, who will keep Mickey on his feet?" Riku replied. "Very well then. This is your choice, and so it must be fufilled." Asher raised his staff. A bright bluish light beamed from the clouds, and covered Riku's body. "Oh yes.......tell mom and dad I miss them terribly......." Riku nodded. His body disappeared into the light, as he vanished.
Mickey was pacing back and forth. He didn't know what was to become of him. What if Riku was right? What if nobody can open the door again. He shook his head and sat down. "Aw shucks. Why does the world have to be this way." He kicked at the dust. Riku moved his hand slightly. Mickey glanced. Riku began to wiggle his fingers. "Riku! Am I just dreamin! Or did the Gods send ya back to help me!" he exclaimed. Riku sat up and rubbed his head. "It was....ah...I just, don't know how I can explain it. Right now, I just need some rest...." he mumbled. Mickey nodded. "We have all the time in the world." he said.

"Walk, walk, walk! Where is the action! The fighting!" Sora exclaimed. "Calm yourself. You know there are no heartless left because of the door. Actually, I'm relieved." Donald said. Sora pouted his lips. "Well......I wanna fight! I want to feel like I'm getting something accomplished!" he whined, slashing his arm through the air. "Only smiles Sora. You know that you are getting your friend rescued, and your other friend is helping you. You have to work with what you got!" Goofy said. Sora scratched his head. "I got nothin." he said. "You have friends that care, and a strong heart, what more can you possibly ask for!" said Goofy. "To go home, and be happy, and forget all this ever happened. Ever since I have had the keyblade, I've thought to myself...........Why me? I mean, why not someone else. I was just a normal boy, on a normal island, seeking to know the unknown. But, I guess my dream world just collapsed around me." he said. "Well, not really. You do know the unknown. You have traveled farther than anyone could ever imagine. As long as you have your friends at heart, you are always home." Donald said. "I know, I know. But, it just doesn't seem real." Sora said. They just walked and walked down the endless path, trying to make sense of everything.

Tidus and Yuna sat atop the waterfall, gazing out at the island. "It's weird. How you can only get up here from the other side of the island. But, it's beautiful." Tidus said. He looked at her. "You miss her still. We all do, but, she can finally be happy now." Tidus said. Yuna had a tear running down her cheek. "Tidus, forgive me. I can't do this anymore." she said. "Wha....what do you mean?" he asked. She sloughed his hand off of her shoulder. "Sin is lurking somewhere on this island. And this time, you can't stop it. Only I can. I came here to do my work, and I was not supposed to let anyone get in my way." she admitted. "But Sin.....it's gone. It, it's never coming back! Jecht, he is dead!" Tidus said. "I know. But, the form of Sin. It's inner soul, cannot be released by just anyone. It must be a summoner, no matter what." Yuna said. Tidus shook his head. "No. No Yuna. I have you back again! We are so happy! Why were you hiding it again! Why didn't I know?!" he asked. Yuna stood. "Because this is how you would react. I must save the people. But, this time, it's not for Spira. It is for the world Tidus! If I don't do my job, the Sin will devour every soul, and nobody will ever reach the door to the light!" she said. "Well then. Who might be Sin this time!" he asked. She turned. She started to walk down the cliff, but Tidus stopped her. "Tell me.......who is Sin?" he asked for the final time. She showed her tear flushed face. "Me..." she whispered. Tidus's jaw dropped in amazement. "No Yuna.....no. It can't be!" he said. Yuna slowly nodded. "This time......you can't save me Tidus. I have the final aeon, and it is now my time to go." she said. "But, no. Yuna, please. I beg you." Tidus pleaded. "Tidus, do not beg! This is already hard enough!" she said. "But. How can you contain yourself? I thought once you are Sin, you forget who you are, and forget who the people you loved were." he said, falling to his knees. "Only...if you wish to forget. But, I had to say goodbye, and know that we will always be together." she quivered. "Yuna..." Tidus whispered, his voice shaking. She held the final aeon above her head, and let the darkness completely eclipse her body. Tidus watched, trying to crawl to her, but he was weak, and he couldn't save her this time. As Yuna's body rose into the sky, she looked upon Tidus's face. "My heart resides with yours. I love you." she said. Tidus heard her voice being carried away in the wind. He brought himself to stand. "I love you too Yuna!" he tried to shout. But she was gone, never to see another world again. Tidus fell. He never did get up. He just laid there, almost lifeless. Almost, as if Yuna had taken his heart with her......

Kairi collapsed beside Mulan on the soft pillows. "Man that leader is tough!" Kairi said. "Well.....since you are supposedly my little sister, he made you see the hard work of a man. Little does he know..." Mulan chuckled. "Okay. Tomorrow I help you Mulan. You must have action! Spunk! Everything! You the man! Well......sorta.." Mushu said. Kairi just laid her head back, and tried to close her eyes. Suddenly, a man tore through the tent. "Training is not over sir Ping." He stepped into the tent. Mulan stood straight up, and saluted. "Yes sir Li Shang." she said, in a deep voice. "That's captain Li Shang." he said. He stomped out of the tent. "Yeesh. Talk about a rough buggy." Mushu said. Mulan slipped her armor on, and went down to camp. Kairi and Mushu followed right behind. "Gentlemen! Behold the medallions!" Li Shang announced. He pointed to a tall pole behind him. "You must climb the post." he yelled. He took his bow out, and shot an arrow to the top. "Retrieve the arrow. Who will be the first to try?" he demanded. The short stocky man stepped forward. "I will try captain." he said. "Ah, sir Yao. So very brave." he smiled. Yao began to climb the tall post. "Yao, aren't you forgetting something?" Li Shang asked. Yao hopped down. Shang held out a medallion. "This represents discipline." he said. He gave it to Yao, and the medallion fell to the ground, and Yao's arm went with it. "And this...represents strength." Shang said, handing it to Yao. Yao struggled to lift them both, and tried to climb the post. His body was sliding down. He crunched his teeth into the pole, as if trying to stop himself. Shang shook his head. Ling, the tall lanky one, was next. He took the medallions, and climbed a few inches up the post, then fell. Chein Po, the large, round man, took the medallions with ease, and tried to climb the post. When he fell, it was almost as if the post itself had come out of the ground. Chein Po laughed. Mulan was up. "Sir Ping, prove to me you are worthy." Shang said. Mulan lifted the medallions, and climbed the post. About half-way up, she was weak, and couldn't carry on. She slid down the post, and hit the ground where Shang was staring down at her. When Mulan, Kairi, and Mushu arrived back at the tent, Mulan was exhausted. "Tomorrow I prove my strength." she said. Kairi covered her up. "Tonight you sleep." Mushu said. Kairi laid down and fell asleep.

Rinoa sat up, and looked around. "Squall?" she said. Leon walked around the corner. He ran to her embrace. "Rinoa. I was so scared I would never speak to you again." he said. " But you are. And always will. I was wondering what was to become of me." she said. Leon stared at the black haired girl. "I saw a girl. At the Destiny Islands. She looked so much like you. And then, I knew, that I had to let you rest, so I could once again hear your voice." he said. "Oh Squall..." she whispered. She sat up, and stroked his thin, brown hair. "Your hair has grown. I like it this way." she said. He chuckled. "Just, don't want to worry about that pretty-boy stuff anymore. I stopped dressing in those weird clothes, and went to this stuff. Makes me look more....I don't know, intimidating." he said. "As long as you are still you, I will still be in love." she said. He hugged her tightly. "Just call me Leon. That's what everything has led up to." he said. She nodded. She rested her head on his shoulder, and quickly fell asleep.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 8: A Restless Journey

Yuna walked across the clouds. She was searching for Rikku. She knew that Rikku would be here. Asher walked to her. "Ah, lady Yuna. I was expecting you would arrive soon." he said. "Who are you?" she asked. "A guardian. A protector of some sort. I am Riku's older brother." he explained. "Rikku has an older brother?" she asked, shocked. "Not the blonde haired little girl you know. I am quite sure Tidus has told you of Riku and Sora. Best friends. Has he not said anything?" Asher said. "Oh. Riku. The one behind the door." she said, remembering the conversation. Asher nodded. "Well, I just sent Riku back, because it wasn't his time to go. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for you. This is your time, and you can never go back to earth." he said. "But, that means......I will never see him again..." she said. Asher once again nodded. "Tidus will always be with you. In fact, I have a report from the pit of sins. They say you have commited a crime." he told her. "What? I assure you. I have not commited a crime." Yuna assured him. "Ah. But you did. You have stolen Tidus's heart, and he can not live without it. I must extract it from yours." he said. Yuna clasped her hands over her chest. "But, if I give him his heart, he won't be with me anymore." she said. Asher walked over to her, and held up his staff. "Don't worry. It will always be inside if you look for it." He struck her chest with a warm pink ray, and Yuna didn't see it, but Tidus's heart was being returned to him. Yuna fell to her knees. "I....I can't go on without Tidus. There is no way for me to return to him?" she asked. "Not physically. You can be his protector, and watch over him. You can speak to him through his dreams, and protect him from danger." Asher said. "I will do it! I must speak to him somehow..." she said. "Very well. I must clear this from the other guardians as well. I will tell you the answer when I return." he said. Yuna stood, and nodded. "Yunie!" Rikku ran up behind Yuna, and hugged her tightly. "Oh Yunie! I thought it was the end. But you came up here, just for me! All because you finally realized that you loved me and not Tidus!" she exclaimed. Yuna escaped from her grasp. "Love you? No....I do not. Only as my friend. I still love Tidus very much, and I still won't let him go. I came here because I was Sin, and I was destroyed." Yuna explained. "Oh....I thought that you came here for me. That you loved me with a passion the way I love you." Rikku said. "You disgust me. You were a faithful guardian, and we were best friends. You know I love Tidus, how could you ever think these things about me?" she exclaimed. Rikku frowned, and walked away. Yuna felt awful for being mean to her, but she had to understand what she meant. Yuna laid down on the endless clouds.....and felt like she was drifting. She missed her little star blitzball player....

After Tidus had finally brought himself to go home, he thought of all the people he had lost. "I've lost Sora, Riku, Kat, another Rikku, and now Yuna. Why is it always me...." he sighed. He marched straight up to his room, and plopped down on his bed. He began to feel a bit drowsy, and didn't want to fall asleep. But, he couldn't help himself. His eyes clamped shut, and his blanket was quickly wrapped around him, as he felt the chilly air breeze past him. In the heavens, Yuna looked down on Tidus, and was ready to go into his dreams. Asher finally came to Yuna, and gave her the go-ahead. She dove out of the clouds in her angelic form, and wisped across the ocean. She flew through Tidus's window, and saw him sleeping. She felt like crying right then, but knew she had to be strong. She put her hand to his forehead, to see if he was dreaming. She felt instantly that he was. She made herself into a single swirly wind, and went into his head. She stood in an open field. "Tidus!" she yelled. He was nowhere. She ran across the fields, until suddenly, the scene changed. She felt as if she was falling through an endless dark vortex until she landed on the beach. All of the islander's homes were warped, and damaged. She spotted Tidus fighting off something strange. "Yuna! You can defeat yourself without leaving! Just try harder!" he yelled. Yuna's mind was struck when she saw herself inside Sin. She had never once thought of the consequences of seeing herself in Tidus's dream. Once again, the scene changed. They were at moonflow. The waterfalls rushed down off of the cliffs, and stars gleamed high above her. At the water's edge, she saw Tidus sitting down, skipping small stones across the glimmering water. She knew at that moment, he was thinking of her. He had a horribly sad look on his face, just as he had when he was wisped away from her on the airship. Yuna focused on her voice, and sang "If you dream....of lovely vast oceans.....and great jeweled cities.....with vast horizons....dream of me." Tidus looked around. He had a pleasant and comforted look on his face as her voice carried to him. "If only you could be here with me Yuna.... I can even hear your voice." he chuckled. He shook his head, and once again sagged down. Yuna skipped across the water, and sat next to him. "Yuna!" he shouted. He hugged her....but she felt no sensation.
She realized once again.....this was only a dream. "Yuna.....how did you......" Yuna pressed her slim finger against his lips. "Shhhhh." she whispered. Tidus couldn't help but smile. "Now Tidus. I have alot to tell you, so just be quiet. I am still in the heavens, and I can not come back to earth. But, I can be in your dreams, and that's the best I can do. I will be with you, no matter what it takes. I will remain by your side always. Don't forget what I have told you. For when you wake, this will all seem unreal. But please listen to me. This is beyond real. And, I love you very much, and I want you to always know that." she explained. "But Yuna, this is a dream. How do I know for sure that you really have the abilities to do these things?" he asked. "I don't know. I can't explain. Riku.....his brother is in the heavens, coaching me on how to be a guardian. So this time....I protect you." she said. Tidus shook his head. "But, why can't I see you while I am awake?" he asked. "I don't know. But, I will try and find out. Just stick with me until then." Tidus had a solemn look on his face. "I'm not ever going to see you again....." he said, in a low voice. Yuna shook her head slowly. Tidus put his hand on hers, and she felt nothing from it. The love and feeling, was no longer there. The ground where Tidus was sitting began to crumble. He fell into the darkness. "Tidus!" Yuna yelled. He kept falling, just like a puppet falling from a counter top. Yuna dove after him. When she grasped him, he vanished. Yuna started twisting and spinning, until finally she ended up in Tidus's room again. She looked at him. He was sitting up in bed, wide-eyed. "Maybe.....if Yuna really is doing this........nah. It's just a dream. But, I wish it wasn't." he said to himself. Yuna felt a tear roll down her ghostly cheek. It hit Tidus's floor. Tidus glanced. Yuna kept crying. She had no clue that Tidus had noticed her tears. "What are you!" he asked. Yuna looked. Can you...see me?" she asked between sobs. "Yuna?" Tidus asked. "Oh! You can hear me!" she said, suddenly feeling happy. "Why are you crying? I can't see you, I only see your tears. But, what's wrong?" he asked. "You didn't believe me in your dream." she cried. Tidus had a shocked look on his face. "So...it was real...." he said. "I want to see you. Why can you not show me?" he asked. "I'm a ghost Tidus. I'm dead. I can't do that anymore, remember?" she said. Tidus frowned. "For a second there, I almost forgot you were really gone...." he said. "Oh Tidus....I'm sorry." Yuna said. She floated to his side, and tried to wrap her arms around him. They went right through his solid body. She started crying more, this time her tears dropping on Tidus. "Yuna. Don't cry. I know what you just did. Even though I didn't see it, or didn't know where you were at, I felt you pass through my body. I just, know it was there, and it was you." he said. Yuna wanted to hug him and squeeze him so badly, that she couldn't stand herself. "Tidus. That doesn't help. I can see myself trying to hug you, but I feel nothing." she sobbed. Tidus reached out for her, but nothing was there. "Why did Sin pick you......" he asked. "I have to leave Tidus, I can't bear not to touch you anymore." she said. Tidus shook his head. "But, don't leave. I want you here, with me. Body or no body. As long as I know you are safe, and back with me again." he said. Yuna smiled. "Okay. But, just this once...." she said. She tried to lay beside him, but kept seeping through the bed and wall. Tidus moved his hand, and put it by hers. "I can feel you. I know you are there, and that's what counts..." he said. Yuna wanted to cry again. She couldn't feel him. He was just another thing to pass through. She tried her best to comfort him, though she felt her effort was meaningless.

Mulan and Kairi sat in their tent on the snowy mountain tops. The training was finally done, and Mulan had been wounded. "They can't find out about this." Kairi said. Shang's assistant came into the tent, and caught Mulan. "A woman!" he exclaimed. He grabbed Mulan's arm, and swung her out of the tent. "How do you explain this captain!" he said. Shang looked at her. One of the men handed him his sword. "You have broken every rule against this team. A woman....what a disgrace. You know the consequence." he said. Mulan nodded. She knew she would be killed for her wrong doing. She shivered on the cold snow, hoping this would be over soon. Shang dropped the sword in front of her. "You saved my life. So I will spare yours......" he said. He walked away. "Pack camp men! We have to keep moving!" Mulan ran inside her tent. "We have to go home now....." she said. Kairi sighed. "Well, I guess we can go back to the village now. The huns aredead, supposedly." she said. Once they were packed, they headed pack towards the village. "It's gonna be a long journey. I think I'll need a few pit stops..." Mushu grinned.

"Why can't I be real again!" Yuna protested. "You are real. In spirit..." Asher said. "I want to be able to feel Tidus! To touch his body, for him to touch mine, and make each other feel safe again!" she said. "There is only one way, and you can't do it." he said. "What! I can do anything!" she said. "You must tell him not to love you. And that you don't love him. Selfish love forbids you to return to earth. So, if there is nothing to return to, I can't see why you couldn't go back to earth. But, I will be watching. He must stop loving you completely. And you can not love him. You can't have him try and fool me." he said. Yuna frowned. "Not love each other. But once the spark..and..and..the magic is gone, it will never come back.." she said. Asher nodded. "That is the only way you can go back. You best decide." he said. Yuna was thinking of countless ways to make it work. She finally decided. She had a perfect plan....
Yuna was atop the clouds again, and she started to search for Asher. "Guardian!" she called. He was nowhere to be found. "Guardian! I seek your advice!" she yelled. She walked across the clouds, hoping to see his face again. He finally appeared, leaving Yuna relieved. "Asher, I have a way to go back to the Destiny Islands, if you will hear my plea." She said. "Hmm. I suppose I could listen to your theory. Speak." He said. "Well. What if I send Tidus back to Zanarkand?" she asked. "Go on." Asher said. "Well, if he is in another place, completely different from where I am, we can not be together. So I can still love him, but not see him. It isn't selfish, I think it is wrong of you to ask for me to stop loving a boy who I care about so much. Don't you agree?" she asked, crossing her arms. Asher paced slowly. "So...you have passed my test. I was waiting to see if you would really stop loving Tidus so you cold go back home. But, instead, you wanted to go home, and love him. And you found a way to do so. Congratulations Yuna..." He said. Yuna gasped. "You. you mean I can go back home, with Tidus?" she asked. Asher nodded. Yuna started to dance around the clouds, completely eclipsed in her own world. Asher smiled. He cast his hand out to her. "Farewell.." He whispered. Without her noticing, Yuna was beginning to drift towards earth. She was just swirling, and dancing, praising to be released again. Yuna's feet lightly touched the hot sands of the Destiny Islands. She looked around. "I made it. I actually made it!" she said. She ran up the beach, where Wakka was kicking a blitzball up against the side of the wall. "Lady Yuna...err..I mean, Yuna! You have came from the dead!" he exclaimed. He went to her, and lightly punched her on the shoulder. "Hey! It really is you!" he said. Yuna nodded, and smiled. "Where is Tidus?" she asked. "I don't know. These past five weeks have been nothing but miserable. All he does is scan the shorelines, and search the jungles. He's searching for something, I know." Wakka said, with a sad look on his face. Yuna started to frown. "I will find him. And we will be happy again." She said. Wakka continued with his practice, and Yuna headed towards the jungle. She made her way through the trees, and saw a sight so amazing, that she could hardly stand up straight. It was a rushing waterfall, and glittering water. Beautiful green plants surrounded the small base against the mountain wall. She saw Tidus sitting at the edge with his shirt off. Yuna knew he was trying to restore memories, because this place reminded her of their first kiss. And, since it was night on the Destiny Islands, it really brought back the feeling. She smiled as she watched Tidus dive in. When he stood, he was about chest deep. He looked up at the stars as he floated on his back. Yuna smiled, and then whistled as loud as she could. This completely took Tidus by surprise as he quickly looked over. He stood there, staring at Yuna. He rubbed his eyes gently, and she waved. She took of her shawl and over skirt, and she was left in just her baby blue shirt, and jasmine green pants. She rested her staff against a tree, and dove in. She swam underwater towards Tidus, and popped up right in front of him. Tidus had a grin on his face. "How...how did you come back." he said. "I..had to pull some strings." She replied. He looked away. He started to walk slowly with a sad look on his face. "You look sad Tidus. What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing. Just, I don't know..thinking about my old man again." He said. Yuna put her hand on his shoulder. "Whether or not you want to believe it, Sir Jecht was a very good man." She said. "Maybe to you..I just, can never bring myself to say the same." He said. Yuna giggled and said, "Wanna scream?" Tidus smiled. "I don't think that will work. But, I know of something that will help." He said. "What's that?" she asked. Tidus waded slowly towards her, and grabbed her waist. He pulled her closer to him, and leaned closer to her. "Ring any bells?" he asked. Yuna nodded slowly, and kissed him. It seemed as if time had stopped just for that very moment. Tidus slowly pulled away. "Don't you ever leave me again." He said. Yuna shook her head. "I won't." They continued to kiss, and Wakka was spying on them. He laughed. "Just when I think I know those two...I couldn't be more wrong." He said to himself.
Wakka walked back to the hut, when he saw something. "Selphie? Nauvo? Somebody?" he asked. He didn't know what it was. He walked around the corner to get a closer look. He jumped back, and landed on his side. "Lulu!" he shouted. She was a crystal-like ghost. "Are..are.are you dead?!" he asked. "Shhhh!" she said. Wakka nodded. "Don't be so loud. Lady Yuna can't know I am here! I'm not a ghost, I just used some magic to get here. Tell Lady Yuna that all of Spira is in need of her. They want to worship their summoner who slayed Sin and brought eternal calm. Just deliver this message. Do not tell anyone about this meeting, just say that I sent moogle to tell you." She explained. "But, you can't leave now! I haven't seen you in a year! Can't you stick around some more?" he asked. Lulu shook her head. "Deliver the message to Yuna." She said. She snapped, and water whirled around her. She disappeared. Wakka was still dizzy from seeing the sight of her again. He always knew she was bossy, and when she told him to do something, he had better do it. He started to walk towards the secret waterfall. "I sure hope Yuna takes this okay..ya." he said to himself.

"The town is celebrating. Sure wish I was in that parade.." Mulan said. Kairi nodded. "Deep down, surely the army knows you were an essential part. Don't worry about it." She said. Mulan sighed. "I guess...I really did make some friends there. Yao, Chein Po, and Ling. We had some good times." Mulan giggled. "Yeah. I miss my friends too." Kairi said. "Alright, alright. Enough with the mushy stuff. Let's just go see the big party, and get home. I just want to get my punishment over with so I can rest again!" Mushu said. "Soon Mushu..soon." Mulan said. She patted him on the head, and made her way through the crowd. Shang was walking up the steps, about to receive his award. Mulan stared up at him, and waved faintly. He glared, and bent down before the emperor. "Hello all of my citizens of China. Today, we celebrate the victory of our Army in defeating the Huns!" he announced. Mulan wished so badly to be rewarded. All of that work, just for nothing? Suddenly, Mulan spotted the leader of the Huns army. He and his soldiers jumped down, and grabbed the emperor. The crowd gasped in amazement. Mulan grabbed her razor-sharp sword from her case. She raced up the steps, as if trying to fight them off herself. Shang held her back. "What do you think you are doing?" he asked with an evil look on his face. Mulan released her arm from his grasp. "Woman or not, our emperor is in grave danger. I will do whatever it takes to save him!" she protested. Shang's mean look began to turn into a slight smile. "No. I won't let you." He said. Mulan tried to run past him, but failed. "You won't do it without me." He said. Mulan smiled, and they ran up to the palace doors. "They won't budge. We'll have to take a different way in." she said. Shang nodded and followed Mulan down to the crowd, and they found Chein Po, Yao, and Ling. "Okay, here is what we will do..." Mulan whispered the plan to them, and they all said "Right!" Mulan ran up the stairs, and Yao and Ling went straight to the to the maidens' shop. They came out, and ran to the palace doors. Yao tossed Shang a red sash, and he and Ling had make-up on. They quickly put some on Chein Po, and dressed him in a long gown. "What is this mayhem for?" Chein Po asked. "We must disguise to distract the guards inside." Yao explained. All of them looked at each other, and Mulan nodded. They twirled the sashes around the grand base cylinders, and started to climb, using the sashes as support. Once inside, Shang and Mulan headed for the emperor's royal bedroom. Yao, Ling, and Chein Po went straight to find the guards. A guard said, "You have no business here." And withdrawed his sword. Ling took out his Chinese art fan, and started to fan it around his face, giggling. The other three guards gathered around. "You others..go! She, may stay if she wishes." The guard said. Ling giggled, and said, "But they are my brothers..." Yao nudged him. "Uhm..err.. I mean sisters." He giggled. One of the guards whispered to the other, "I see no family resemblance... " Chein Po stepped forward. "That is not very nice, not at all. Do not judge based on appearance. It's the heart that matters." He said. The guards had an awkward look on their faces. Yao held out an apple. "Let us go to the restroom, and we will offer you this apple." He said sweetly. "Fine, go." He said. The guard stood, and the other three escorted them to the restrooms. They followed them in. "Ahem. Can't a lady get her privacy?" Ling asked. The guards nodded, and stood about face. Yao grabbed his sash, and choked the guard. The guard fainted, and Ling and Chein Po took on the other two. Once that was done, they all headed back for the first guard. Meanwhile, Mulan and Shang were rescuing the emperor. They headed for the outside. The leader of the Huns was still sitting atop the roof, waiting. Mulan ran up to the north tower where Mushu and cricket were sitting with fireworks. They shot of the smallest ones, and took the remaining guards out. Mulan turned around, and the leader was there. Mulan stepped out, careful not to lose her balance on the small beams. Mulan fought him off. Once she had him almost finished, Mushu tied the biggest firework to the leader's back. "So long! Nice ta see ya! Wouldn't wanna be ya!" he laughed. The rocket took off, and took the leader with it. Mulan went to the palace doors, and walked down the steps with Shang. Shang's assistant, Chi Fu came out and said "What a mess! How can this happen! I have had it!" Shang, Yao, Chein Po, and Ling protected her. "Do not protect that worthless thing!" Chi Fu said. "She's a hero!" Shang protested. "She's a woman!" Chi Fu replied. "You listen here you pompous..." The emperor walked down the steps. Chi Fu stands with a sinister look, getting ready to write down the emperor's words on his notepad. Mulan bows. "I've heard a great deal about you, Fa Mulan. You stole your father's armor, ran away from home, impersonated a soldier, deceived your commanding officer, dishonored the Chinese army, destroyed my palace, AND...you have saved us all." The emperor said. He bowed. Chi Fu had a profound look on his face. To her surprise, Mulan turned to face the crowd. They were all bowing in unison with the emperor. "My little baby's all grown up, and savin' China! You got a tissue cri-kee." Mushu said. "Chi Fu." the emperor said. "Yes your Excellency?" he said. "See to it that this woman is put on my council." He said. "B.b-bu-b.but sir! There are no open positions on the council!" he said. The emperor turned to Mulan. "You can have his job." He said, pointing at Chi Fu. Chi Fu was wobbling, almost falling to the ground. "What.my.." he said, as he fainted. Mulan turned and bowed to the emperor. "With all due respect your Excellency, I have been away from home long enough." She said. The emperor nodded, and took off his pendant. "Then take this, so your family will know what you have done for me." He said. Mulan bowed, and let him slip it over her neck. "And this so the world will know what you have done for China." He said. Mulan wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big hug. "Is she allowed to do that?" Yao asked. Shang, Chein Po, and Ling shrugged. Mulan walks over to her friends, and Yao and Ling hug her. Chein Po wrapped his arms around all of them, and lifts them off the ground for a big bear hug. Once Mulan was released, she walked to Shang, and stopped. "Mulan." he said. Mulan said, "Yes?" While anticipating something good. "Um.you...you fight good." He said. "Oh. Thank you." She said, her anticipation turning to disappointment. Mulan runs down the steps where Kairi and Mushu are mounted on Khan, Mulan's horse. "Let's go home." She said. Mulan hops on, and they ride off to her house. Once there, Mushu goes straight to the Gods to prove what he has done. Mulan and Kairi sat in the garden, talking. "Well Kairi, thank you so much for all of your help." Mulan said. "Oh, it was nothing." She giggled. "Here, I want you to have this." Mulan said. She reached around her neck and unclasped a necklace. "It was mine to have until I found a way to honor my family. I have no use. So maybe, it will bring you luck on your journey." She said. Kairi hugged Mulan, and said, "Well, I better get going. Don't want to stray too far from my mission." She said. Mulan nodded. "I hope you find your friends. Just remember, be strong. Never give up. Have strength." She said. "I'll remember that." Kairi said. She was walking out of the garden, and heard Mushu said, "Hope ya find what you're lookin for! Don't forget us all!" Mushu shouted. Kairi waved, and turned back to see that Shang had came to see Mulan. Kairi smiled, and kept walking. "Mulan. Uh..you, you forgot your helmet. Or your father's.uh.." he said. Mulan stood up. Her grandma was telling her mother, "Sign me up for the next war!" Mulan smiled. "Would you like to stay for dinner?" she asked. Her grandmother said, "Would you like to stay forever!" Shang smiled. Mulan shook her head. "Dinner would be great" he said. Kairi was once again walking down the path very lonely. What a fun time she had. I guess Sora felt the same way when he helped others. Kairi stopped in her tracks. She saw a shadow. She walked quickly towards it, and stopped just in time. The ground plunged into a deep darkness. There was magical purple dust floating around. "Maybe.." Kairi thought. She looked around and jumped into the hole. She knew Riku was near.

[neji]

Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One
Chapter 9: The Last Prophecy

Sora, Goofy, and Donald kept walking. "I'm so sick of this." Sora moaned. Goofy stopped and said, "Look." Sora and Donald turned their attention to the glowing sphere. "The door to the light." Sora thought. Sora started running. "Wait!" shouted Donald. Goofy and Donald chased Sora as he jumped into the portal. They looked at each other. They both plunged in after Sora, not sure of what was going to happen.

Tidus walked down the beach. He suddenly thought of something. "I sure hope Kat is safe at the castle. I don't want that sorceress to get her. After all, it has been far past a month already." He thought. He kicked at the sand. "I understand why Yuna had to go back to Spira, but..is she ever coming back? I mean, I thought she came back for me." He said. Wakka ran up to him. "Hey brudda!" he said. Tidus just kept walking. "Hey. Yuna had some business to do! And, now you both know that you are happy, then everything's okay! She can go home happy." He said. "I wish I knew where my home was." Tidus sighed. Destiny, Spira, Spira, Destiny. Where was he supposed to be? "Is she coming back?" Tidus asked. Wakka looked around. He shook his head. Tidus kicked the sand as hard as he could. "Why! Why choose Spira over love!" he said. Wakka walked over to him. "She cares for the people there. The eternal calm has begun. You don't think she wants to see the people rejoice of her accomplishments?" he asked. "You mean, my accomplishments?" Tidus corrected. Wakka scratched his head. "Oh, right." He said. "But, you know why you can't return to Spira." Wakka said. "Because of the fayth. I was their dream. They don't dream of me anymore, so I don't exist in their world. But, I do exist here." He said. Wakka nodded. He decided to let Tidus have some time to himself.

"But, Yunie went back! Why can't I?!" said Rikku. "I just don't think you are ready." Asher said. "I am! I am!" she screamed. "I'll make you a deal..when my brother returns to Destiny, you can go there too. But, not to Spira. You were a thief Rikku, and the Al Bhed have turned against you." He said. "Fine. I'll go to Destiny! But, the other Riku won't be saved for a really long time!" she complained. "Then I suggest you don't hold your breath." He said, walking away. Rikku stomped her foot. "Oiu pek sayhea!" she shouted to him. "Excuse your language, but I am not a big meanie. Hey, I'm only four years older than you, so don't treat me like a gramps!" he said. Rikku crossed her arms. "Everyone thinks this 'Riku' is so great. I'll tell him who's great! He'll be sorry that he took my name!" she said.

"Mickey, where are they?" Riku asked impatiently. "They'll be here. But Kairi has to be careful." He said. Riku turned to face him. "What do you mean." he said. Maleficent is after her. She is in trouble, but as a keyblade mistress, she can make it. I just want to avoid it." Mickey said. "I wish I could protect her." Riku said. "What do you expect to do when you get out?" asked Mickey. "Marry Kairi. Haha, no, I'm kidding. I love her, but, deep down I know somehow that Sora and her need to be together. So, for now, I can just love her as much as possible. But, I truly want her with Sora." He said. "Ya know? It takes someone with great dignity to do that Riku." Mickey said. "Thanks. Although, I don't really feel that way right now." He said.

"What is this place?" Kairi asked herself. She walked in the purplish goo that was surrounding her every step. She searched, and saw a small glimmering light. She started towards it. Maleficent appeared in front of her. Kairi jumped back, almost slipping. "Foolish little girl. Playing swords are we? Isn't that nice. Hmph. Well, you know that the game is over princess. Your daddy lost it, and so will you. But, you have something different about you. You father studied the heartless, and let them consume his heart. Therefore, when he was searching for darkness behind the door, he found nothing. So, as well, you will find nothing, because you will not reach the door!" She said. Kairi held her sword in battle position. Maleficent laughed. She whipped out her staff and began to cast spells on Kairi. After a while, Kairi finally got her weakened. But, Kairi was weak to. Maleficent laughed in her face. "You should have known. You can never defeat me." She said. Kairi lay on the cold ground whispering. "I'm sorry S-S.Sora.. I tried..." She curled up by her keyblade, and wanted to give up.
Something caught her attention. "Giving up already Kairi? I could swear you and Sora are related." Kairi looked up. "Riku?" she said. He was standing above her, reaching his hand towards her. "You can do it. Have faith." He said. Kairi reached for his hand, and he pulled her up. He was in an opaque form. Kairi reached to touch his face. Maleficent stared, because she thought Kairi was crazy. But, nobody could see Riku but Kairi. When she touched his face, there was nothing there. The wind carried his body away from her. "Riku!" she shouted. "Riku? You really have lost it." Maleficent said. Kairi pointed her keyblade towards Maleficent. "May you never see the light of day again. Or, the darkness of your heart." The keyblade sent a ray of piercing light straight into Maleficent's chest. She froze, and Kairi watched. Her body started to shake, and suddenly shattered into tons of tiny crystal like shards. Kairi ran to the light, and jumped in. This was it. Riku was going to be free at last.

Sora looked around. "Man, this place is creepy." He said. Donald and Goofy nodded. They followed Sora through tunnels, until finally, Sora saw a light. "Whoa." he said. He walked slowly towards it, and stepped on a piece of glass. He picked it up. "This is weird." He said. Donald took it from him. "Aww, phooey. Just a hunk of junk." He said. Sora touched the light gently, and it began to glow. He slowly stuck his head in for a peek. But the light force pulled his whole body in. Donald and Goofy dove in after him.

"My people of Spira. I have come one last time to bid you farewell yet again. I have found my true home, and my only calling. I wish you all the best, and the eternal calm be rewarding." Yuna announced. She walked back behind the curtains. "Yuna, you don't have to leave." Lulu said. "But I must. Tidus is waiting for me." She said. Lulu nodded. "Whatever you wish. But I must stay here. I will take over your duties." She said. Yuna nodded. "Thank you so much." She said. She hugged Lulu, and took out her magic dust. "I can get there safely." She said. She threw the dust, and vanished. Lulu knew that once Yuna was gone, there was no way that she could ever come back. "Travel safely Lady Summoner." She whispered.
Yuna ended up on the beach. Tidus was resting on a nearby boulder that was overlooking the sea. From what she had told Wakka, Tidus thought she wasn't coming back. She jumped onto the rock silently. She blew a light breeze in his face. He slowly opened his eyes. He yawned. "Yuna, not now. I'm really tired." He moaned. She giggled. Once he realized she was home again, he flipped over so quickly, that he fell off of the rock, and hit the sand. He jumped up, and hugged her as tightly as he could. "But, Wakka said.." Yuna put her hand over his mouth. "Who cares what Wakka said. I'm home, am I not?" she smiled. Tidus nodded. "For good?" he asked. "For good." She replied.

Riku banged on the door, as if trying to force it open again. "Just give up Riku. I'm sure they will be here soon." Mickey said. "That's what you always say. But, how soon? I think we are way past soon here Mick." He said. Mickey nodded. "I suppose they are taking longer than expected, but hey! If they come while the heartless rest, then we can get out of here scott-free!" he said. "Hmm." Riku sighed. He sat down. "All I know is, they had better hurry." He told Mickey. "Riku. You know that once all of this is over, the worlds will be sealed. You will go back home. I will go back to the Kingdom. We will never see each other again. Everyone had better get to where they are going, because once the door is re-sealed, the worlds will be forever locked. That is, until there comes a time when darkness rules again. But, we'll be gone by then." Mickey explained. Riku thought about how they would once again be on Destiny. Mickey would be home. Donald and Goofy would be home. Leon, Aerith, Yuffie. Everyone, separated forever. Why was it that way. It just makes things worse. Like, as if, none of this was worth going through. "I just, don't know what to think. Everything the way it was. But, maybe, I can extend our world. Make it, bigger. Stronger. Yeah. That's what I'll do." He said. Mickey patted Riku's back. "That's the spirit." He said.

Kairi stumbled over herself. She stood up. There it was. The Door to the Light. After all this time, it just seemed so unreal. The keyblade glimmered in her hand. She walked across the crystal waters that were glimmering with silver. She looked down. But, instead of seeing her reflection, she saw her, Riku, and Sora, racing on the beach. She smiled as a teardrop hit the water, and rippled. She walked forward. She touched the door. It glowed with a radiant light. She pounded on it. "Riku! Are you there!" she shouted. There was no response. She stepped back, and guided her key to the door. It started to move, but, nothing happened. "Some keyblade mistress." Sora walked up behind her, and put his hand on her shoulder. "So, let's do this. You and me." He said. She smiled. "But, I wonder. How did we both manage to get here? Why both of us?" she asked him. "Kairi, Kairi, Kairi...didn't you read that book I gave you?" he said. Kairi's mind was refreshed. "Oh yeah! Yeah! The paopu! The legend is true after all.." She said. "I was, so worried about you Kairi. I, was hoping you'd be here, and you were. You never have let me down before." He said, grinning. Kairi blushed. "Well Riku, get ready to see us again." She giggled. Sora and Kairi held their keys forward. The ray of light shot straight to the door. From the other side, Riku and Mickey looked at the small light through the crack. "They made it!" Riku shouted. He danced around with joy, and hugged Mickey. "They did it! They did it!" Mickey said. Sora and Kairi were standing there, hoping the keys would work. "It isn't working Sora!" Kairi said. "Don't give up! Keep trying!" Mickey pulled out his keyblade, and guided it to the door. It rumbled. The door slowly opened, light shining in from both sides. Kairi and Sora were standing there. Riku and Mickey stared. Donald and Goofy had finally made their way to Sora, but stopped in their tracks. "Your highness!" they trembled. They ran to him as quickly as possible. Mickey had a look of relief on his face. "It's so good to see you again fellas." He sighed. Riku smiled at Kairi, and held his arms out. She ran to him, and he hugged her so tightly, that nothing could take them apart. He swung her around and around, holding her still. He finally let her feet rest on the ground. "Kairi...it's been too long." he said. "I know." She replied. Sora was standing back there, scratching his head. He felt as if this happy moment wasn't apart of him anymore. Riku walked over to him. "Sora, thanks man. You did a lot. I, just, really don't know how to say thanks." Riku smiled. They held their hands out, and brought themselves together tightly. Then Sora gave him a friendly hug. "It's over. It's really over." he said.

Rikku was dancing in the clouds. She was so excited. "It didn't take that long! I'm surprised!" she said. Asher was watching her smiling. "I wish..I wish I could go home too." He thought. "Kay! Can I go now, Pleeeeeease!" Rikku begged. "Be patient. They'll get there eventually." He said.

Kairi, Riku, and Sora were at the Disney Castle, enjoying the happy reunion. Mickey stepped forward. "Well, I knew we'd have to do this sometime or another. So, let's say our goodbyes." Mickey said. Sora nodded. Everyone said bye, and gave hugs. This wasn't one of the happy parts in the story. Sora, Kairi and Riku walked down the steps towards the gummi ship. "Remember! Get home as soon as you can! The worlds are getting sealed!" shouted Donald. Sora was going to miss them so much. But, he had to go home. Where he belonged. They boarded the ship, and Riku got to drive. Sora taught him. Riku learned quite fast. They finally reached the Destiny Islands. Tidus, Yuna, Wakka, Selphie, and all of the other islanders came running. Sora and Kairi stepped out of the ship. "Still no Riku.." Selphie whined. Sora motioned his arms in a 'Tah-dah!' type way. Riku stepped out. "Hey!" he said. Everyone ran to him. "Hey! Hey! I'm fragile!" Riku joked. Sora laughed. Everyone was so happy again. "Big Party! My house! Tonight!!" Selphie announced. Riku looked over at Sora and Kairi, who were standing far apart. He turned to them. "Well if it isn't the little love birds." He laughed. This time, Sora didn't get mad, because, well, it was true. Riku stood between them, and took both of their hands. He clasped them together. Sora and Kairi both blushed. Riku patted him on the back. "Take care of her.." he whispered in Sora's ear. Sora looked at him. That very moment brought back the day when Riku was sealed behind the door. Riku winked. "Of course, I'll be sticking around to make sure you do." He said. Sora smiled. "Yeah. You will." He laughed. Suddenly, a shooting star plummeted down from the sky, and hit the beach. Riku stared at it. He started to walk to it. "Be careful!" Wakka said. Riku turned back, and nodded. He walked towards it, and when he got there, he was very surprised. "Ouch. Rough landing." Rikku moaned. Riku stuck his hand out, and said, "Where did you come from?" Rikku stood up. "Well, I can tell ya that later. Pleased ta meet ya! I'm Rikku." She said. Riku stood back. "Say that again?" he asked. "Rikku." She repeated. Riku shook her hand. "Hey, my name is Riku. Whadya know." he said, blushing. Rikku giggled. "So you're the little brother that Asher was telling me about." she said. "Asher..you mean." Rikku nodded. "Long story, how about we talk about it sometime?" asked Rikku. "Sure..I'd love that!" Riku said. They walked towards the others. Rikku walked over to Yuna. "Yunie. I'm sorry for the way I made you feel. I had, mixed emotions." She said. "I forgive you." She said. They hugged each other. Riku walked to Rikku. "Why don't I, uh, show you around the island some more?" he said. She took his hand. "Let's go!" she said. They walked down the beach. "Hey! What did I tell ya! It's perfect! Riku meets Rikku!" Tidus laughed. Yuna hugged him. "Leave the match making to them." She said. Meanwhile, Sora and Kairi were catching up on the small island away from shore. "We're home. I thought it could never be possible." He said. Kairi nodded. Well, now that everything is nice again, why not make it nicer." She grinned. "Huh?" Sora said, puzzled. Kairi took her finger, and brought his chin close to hers. Sora then knew what she wanted. He looked deeply into her eyes and kissed her passionately. All this time, waiting, and waiting, and it was finally happening. They pulled away. "That did make things nicer." Sora said. Kairi giggled. "I love you Kairi." He smiled. "I love you too Sora..hey, let's go see Riku and...uh.Rikku!" she said. "Alright! I'll...race ya!" he said. "You're on!" she challenged. They raced down the beach together at last. So, I guess maybe there are happy endings sometimes. And this, everyone knew, was one of them..

So, things were back to normal. At the Castle, at the Islands.
Everything was, well. Perfect again. No worries, just, being home again.
Well, another happy ending...for now at least.


THE END

[neji]

* * Special Secret * *

Surprise! It isn't over yet! I have a sequel to "Kingdom Hearts- Two Destinies are One" and it's coming soon! Read what happens one year after the door is sealed!


"Ahh. Isn't this relaxing?" Sora said. Kairi nodded. "Hey, what is that Sora?" she asked, pointing to a piece of paper on the ground. Sora sat up. "Whoa. I don't know, let me see." He said. He went to the paper, and picked it up. "Oh no.." he said. Kairi ran to him. "What? What is it!" she said. Sora looked at her, and slowly turned the piece of paper over. "The King's seal.." she said softly. Sora nodded. He opened the torn envelope, and read-

To whoever gets it first!
We can't stop now! Heartless are invading, and I don't know the cause! My royal knight and court wizard are assisting me in my journey. We must find this problem, or we will be in lots of trouble! I'm counting on you!


-King Mickey
Sora folded the letter. "The Door." He said. Kairi looked at him. "What..about the door?" she asked. "Nobody sealed it from the inside. The heartless, they're coming." he said. Kairi shook her head. "No! No! I won't let them! It's over, everything is over!" she cried. Sora hugged her, and said, "Kairi. We have to go now! We can't delay!" Kairi pulled away. "But..but we are so happy." she said between sobs. Sora looked behind him. "Kairi run! Take the others to the secret place! Hurry!" he shouted. Kairi looked behind Sora, and saw a great monster emerging from the water. Kairi ran, and shouted, "Come back to me baby! I can't lose you again!" Sora nodded, and was beginning to flee himself. But it was too late. The monster caught him, and tore him down under water. "Sora!" Kairi screamed. She ran to where everyone was playing blitzball and said, "The heartless! The heartless! They took Sora!" she said. Everyone looked at her. Riku ran to her, and comforted her. "What do you mean?" he asked. He wiped a tear from her cheek. "The door wasn't completely sealed! Now, the heartless are coming!" she yelled. Riku looked back. Yuna, Tidus, and Rikku nodded. "We will find him Kairi, don't you worry!" Riku said. Wakka walked up. "We have to leave Destiny, ya?" he said. Riku nodded. "Don't stay away long again! We will be swallowed up if you take forever!" Selphie shouted. All of them ran to the portal in the Secret Place. Riku motioned them in, as the portal was spinning and whirling. Once they were in, there was no turning back. The heartless were coming, and only they could stop them. And if they didn't hurry, who knows if they would ever see their beloved friend Sora again....

"Kingdom Hearts- Return of the Heartless" COMING SOON!!!