Author's Note: shields self from tomatoes I'm sorry!
But holy cow, I haven't updated this since AUGUST? Seriously, everyone. I'm really, really sorry about the delay. School likes to get in the way of writing, especially if it takes a video game to remind you where you were going with it. I had to replay Chain of Memories to get back in the groove again, on top of writing essays.
Before I get on with the new chapter, I'd just like to thank everyone for their positive feedback on the story. I'm happy that I've managed to please you guys, even six months after the last update. Hopefully we can get through this without another lag, and I can finish this before year's end.
Enjoy!
Chapter Three – The Calm
Sora never knew for strangers to be in the castle. In Marluxia's words, Sora was the last one to be welcomed into the castle without being turned away or destroyed. In all of his fourteen years of living there, no one ever came in. No one ever left, either.
Sora was apparently found wandering around the castle at a very young age, too young to remember. He was lost, but not frightened. No parents watching him, no friends scouting with him. Sora and his gaping, blue eyes were standing alone when Marluxia found him at the front door. Marluxia called it destiny. Upon meeting Naminé, Sora had to agree.
From the point of Sora's residence in the castle, he was never alone in his namesake. It was always Sora and Naminé, joined at the hip and sharing their giggles. The awkward steps and stuttering words from when they first met became whispers in the dark when either of them could sleep, sharing secrets and dreams.
Sora always felt like he remembered his dreams more vividly than real life.
Beautiful, bright blues shining under the golden sun, making him wince in the comfortable warmth. His feet were always bare, hiding in the sand the color of Naminé's hair.
There were always voices, whispering until he woke up to Naminé standing beside his bed. While Sora dreamed, she always had nightmares. Even when he held her close, his fingers wrapped around her petite hand, his chin resting on her head as she shook from the visions, they always remained.
Sora thought he was dreaming when he first held the keyblade.
He was sleeping; no doubt, as the whispers' tones changed drastically and the sand disappeared from under his feet. The whispers were voiceless, yet making perfect sense as they ran through his mind like feathers on the wind. They spoke of great and powerful deeds, and not being afraid. The darkness, it said, requires light. Ironic it was as he felt the light grip of the keyblade in his hand, resting there. Whispering.
Destiny, Marluxia told him.
As they grew older, Sora was able to look at Naminé, murmur her name on his lips, and pair it with destiny. She was a princess, and he was her knight. As the fairytales went, it was the knight's job to protect the princess at all costs.
And he was willing to do anything to protect Naminé, he reminded himself as he made his way down the placid, white hallways.
Goofy gaped – dramatically. His mouth hung open, his eyes wide and focused on the figure as it came closer. The grip on his shield loosened a little as he brought it down. Beside him, Donald thought he was hallucinating.
"How…" Donald said, almost inaudible. It was a surprise to see Riku running towards them, barely looking a day older than when they last saw him…
At least two hours ago.
Goofy could barely contain his excitement, shaking with energy and blinded by the change in appearence, but Donald thought otherwise.
"Donald?" The boy said, breathless, as he caught up to them, standing feet away. "Goofy?" Even at the surprise in his words, Donald took a step back, taking Goofy with him.
"So you change your wardrobe and come back looking all surprised to see us?"
"What?"
Donald didn't answer. He just held Goofy back by the leg as he went to embrace the so-called Riku, and aimed his wand directly at him.
"Firaga!"
The wand's tip ignited, shooting three rounds of fireballs at Riku. Riku reacted just as fast, a stream of black following his hand as his keyblade appeared in his hand. It deflected the fire, sending as least two back in the direction of Donald and Goofy. Goofy hit them away nervously with his shield, as Donald launched another attack.
"Where's Sora?" He squawked, leveling his wand.
"I was hoping you could tell me!"
Donald wasted no time. He didn't believe for a second that the real Riku was standing a few feet away. It was just a replica, hardly allowed a gender specific adverb to describe it.
"Blizzaga!" Seven ice crystals followed through towards Riku, who only managed to repel six. One sliced right against his arm, but he hardly faltered. Riku simply stepped gracefully, reaching Donald with incredible speed and knocking him harmlessly with the keyblade. Donald lost his balance, sprawling on the tiled floor as his wand slid away. Goofy stood against the wall, arguing with himself on whether to help Donald or not.
Riku pointed his keyblade at Donald threateningly.
"Are we going to act civilized now?" He snapped, narrowing his gaze. Donald glared, a trademark scowl already forming on his beak. "I'm not here to fight with you."
"You didn't mind all of those other times." Donald replied.
"All of those other times?" Riku suppressed a laugh, and continued. "I haven't laid eyes on either of you since Kingdom Hearts. In fact, there's still one on your party – or who should be in your party – who I haven't seen for longer than that."
"Someone who looked mighty much like you has been attackin' us." Goofy said from the wall. "'Cept he was wearing a skirt."
"He…" Riku looked away for a second.
Your heart will go to the same place as mine.
How original.
"He's gone." He finished, lacking in better words.
"How do we know this isn't a trick?" Growled Donald, smacking Riku's keyblade away.
"Because I would have gotten rid of the both of you by now." Goofy and Donald locked gazes, pondering over Riku's reply before painfully agreeing. Goofy responded with a grin, running up behind Riku and squeezing him into a hug. Donald only stood up and brushed invisible dust off of his clothes, his trust issue still fresh. Riku forced a smile, patting Goofy's arms and trying to breathe.
"Nice to see you, too, Goofy." He laughed. "Do you two mind telling me where Sora is now?"