Journey of The Hearts

“Home at last.” Sora sighed happily for the fiftieth time that month. He sat in his room, on the bed  next to the window over looking the harbor, staring out to Destiny Islands, the small meeting place for all kids of all ages.

“Sora?”

“Yeah?” He answered with a smile. A woman with smooth, light brown hair, a light complexion, and dark brown eyes walked into his room. “Hi mom. What's up?”

She held out a phone. “It's for you.” Sora stood up and took the phone. “Don't be too long.”

Sora sighed and rolled his eyes. “Hey.” He said as he put the phone to his ear.

“Hey Sora.”

“Riku! What's up?”

~*~

“Hey mom! I'm heading out!” He called as he headed for the back door.

“Hold up!” Came her voice from the other room.

“Oh jeez, I forgot she was like this.” He muttered to himself as he rolled his eyes and turned to the doorway.

“Where to? And when will you be back?” She asked.

“I'm going into town with Kairi and Riku. I don't know when I'll be back, but it definitely won't be midnight.” He answered, surprised he actually remembered that sarcastic answer. She agreed to let him go, so ten minutes later he caught up with his two best friends.

“What happened? You're late!” Kairi exclaimed.

“Eh, no big, Sora's always late.” Riku said as he turned and began walking down the sidewalk.

“Am not!” Sora retorted.

“Are too.”

Am not!!”

“Are too!”

“Oh! Look! A cute little skirt!” Kairi cooed as she grabbed both boys by the wrist and dragged them in to the store. She immediately ran over to a rack and began searching through it.

“Well, I've never done this before. A girls clothing store is the last place I'd see myself.” Sora coughed as he turned pink.

“And you think I've seen myself doing this?” Riku asked. Sora shook his head and they both began snickering.

“What is this place anyway?”

Riku checked the tag on one of the shirts on a nearby rack. “Um, Confetti.” both of them looked around nervously, then Sora began giggling. “What's so funny?” Riku asked as he eyed his friend strangely.

“I'm just trying to think what that skirt would look like on Kairi.” He burst out laughing as he pointed to a pleated denim knee length skirt.

“What's so funny about that?”

“Because... I think I discovered how girls think!” He sat down on the floor to try and calm his laughing fit. Riku joined him as he got the joke.

“Wow, that's actually pretty scary.”

Kairi walked over to them and frowned at their antics. “If this is how you two will act, I'm not bringing you to the mall anymore.” She huffed in frustration.

“Aww, come on Kai. This is pretty funny!” Sora complained.

“You guys are so-” Just as she was about to finish jokingly telling them off, the cheery ringtone of a cellphone chimed. “Ah... Sorry, I have to take this.” She pulled a blue cell from her handbag and flipped it open as she left the store.

“She has a cell?” Riku asked. Sora shrugged. “You spent the most time with her, you tell me, did you know that she had a cell?”

“Nope.” Sora responded, shrugging again.

“What? N-no mom! No! No, I'm here with Sora and Riku- No, I was just shop- Ok, ok. I'm on my way. Got it. See you soon.” Kairi walked back into the store.

“What's up?” Sora asked. She looked up at him through the hair that had fallen in front of her face.

“My parents have summoned me home. I gotta go, so have fun in the mall. Later!” She turned to leave, but Riku caught her arm.

“We'll walk you home. It's only fair.” He said as he let her go. She nodded and smiled, then lead the way out.

~*~

Sora approached the front door to Kairi's house tentatively. He couldn't tell if she was mad at him or something, because she had not returned any of his calls for the past month. Carefully, he reached out for the small bell hanging beside her door when he heard a loud thump from behind one of the side windows, followed by muffled sobbing. Sora quickly slipped around the side of the house and found the window the sobs were coming from. Pulling himself up, he peered in against the glare of the afternoon sun. Inside was Kairi with a large open suitcase of clothing next to her. She sat on the bed with her back to the window, so she didn't notice Sora until she heard the steady tapping on the glass. She spun around and immediately ran to the window and threw it open.

“Sora! What are you doing? Get out of here!” She hissed, checking the door behind her in case anyone was going to enter without notice.

“You didn't return my calls, so I decided to check up and see if you were ok.” Sora replied.

“No, go now. I'm fine, so don't worry, now go!”

Sora was surprised by Kairi's actions. He stood there dumbfounded for a few seconds, then asked her, “What's wrong? Why the bag?”

Kairi looked annoyed as she explained. “I'm leaving the Islands, and I don't know when I'm coming back.”

“Why?”

“B-because... because I have to! Good bye Hikari Sora!” And with that, she slammed the window shut in his face. Sora wandered away dejectedly, looking over his shoulder from time to time at the house.

~*~

“So, she just acted like she didn't even think you a friend?” Riku asked as he stared out at the sunset over the ocean from his spot on the beach next to Sora.

“Yeah, kinda. But she said she was going away... something about leaving the Islands.” Sora answered as he tossed a pebble out at the sea.

“Leaving the Islands? Hmm, I think I heard about that. Yeah, something about the last of the unmarried princesses have to marry their promised princes.”

Sora looked up at his friend in surprise. “How do you know?”

Riku glanced at Sora's worry stricken face. “I heard it through the grape vine.”

“Who?”

“Aladdin. He's pretty good at finding out what he isn't supposed to know.”

Sora looked away in thought, then his head snapped back. “Wait, you spoke to him? But I thought inter planetary communication had been cut!”

“Yeah, now that you mention it...” Riku's thoughts drifted to the memory of His Majesty's letter.

“Hey, whats this?” Sora asked as he pulled a rolled up piece of paper from the bottle and held it up. It was a letter with the royal seal.

“It looks like a letter from, uhm... well, who has that seal?” Kairi asked as she examined the letter closely.

“King Mickey?” Riku offered.

“Yeah, him.” She smiled impishly. “C'mon Sora! Read it!”

“Ok, ok...”

Hi Everybody!

I hope that you three have been able to settle back down. As you can probably tell, the link between the hearts of the worlds has yet again disappeared. I doubt that the links will open up again. But if they do, if you get any sort of communication from another planet, then expect to see the Heartless again. But don't worry. When Xemnas called you warriors of light, he was correct. You are the only ones who can keep balance. As for Kairi, well, she will definitely be playing a major part in anything that happens if the links reappear. Anyway, the three of you are amazing. Stay safe, stay strong, and Riku, you still don't belong in the darkness, so save yourself the effort and don't try. Your friends don't want to lose you again.

And last, but certainly not least, Sora, the fun loving, dedicated friend. That is one title that only you can hold. Riku is the strong of heart, Kairi is the princess of Radiant Gardens, and you complete this with you being the dedicated friend. Don't let anything douse your spirits, it's your enthusiasm, Kairi's constant optimism, and Riku's quick thinking that I will miss the most.

Good Luck,
Your Majesty, King Mickey

Sure enough, the link to the other world had been broken months ago. Sora had already guessed that Donald and Goofy had asked Chip and Dale to take the Gummi ship apart for permanent storage.

“Hey, I gotta go, Selphie's waiting.” Riku said as he stood and dusted the sand off his pants. Sora placed a hand over his mouth as he began to giggle. “What? Whats so funny?”

“S-sorry.” Sora choked out in between fits of giggles. “I j-just can't see you and S-Selphie t-together.”

Riku glared at him then answered, “Yeah? Well, I don't see how a fizz brain like you could catch Kairi's eye.” And with that he took off up the beach and into the growth that was over abundant on this island. Sora watched him go, then stared thoughtfully at the setting sun.

~*~

“Sora?”

“Hn?” Sora looked to his left. Goofy looked worried as he pointed behind them. There stood a girl with black hair and shining silver eyes. She looked about thirteen or fourteen, and wore a torn black shirt with dark blue jeans. “Hullo.” Sora greeted her as warmly as he could. Something about this girl told him she hated being here.

“Hi.” She responded in a soft but stern voice. “Who are you?”

“I'm Sora. This is Donald, and Goofy.” Sora answered pointing to each of them in turn.

“Oh? Then lemme see the Keyblade.” She said as she crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg defiantly.

Sora glanced at Donald, then Goofy, trying to read their faces for answers. Finally, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the keychain, then summoned his Keyblade. The girl smiled in what seemed to be relief and uncrossed her arms, shifting her weight back to both feet.

“Sorry, we can't be too trusting around here, what with the Heartless taking on human form. I'm Imi.” She turned to leave, but turned back a second later. “Welcome to Anari.”

Sora woke up as a loud plink came from his window. He got up and walked over, throwing it open. Down below him stood a figure in a flowing black cloak. Sora gasped and his hand opened to summon his weapon, but the figure looked up and the hood fell off to reveal Kairi.

“Kai? What are you doing here?” Sora whispered down to her.

“I want to apologize. Can I come in?” She asked, glancing to her side, her eyes wide with worry.

“I can't let you in through the front door, my parent's will hear you.”

“You got a rope?” Came her reply hurriedly. Sora stared at her blankly, then turned and rummaged through his messy room for a rope. And somehow he found one long enough sitting in his closet. He tied it to his bed, than threw the other end down to her.

“Can you climb on your own?” He asked as he peered over the edge. She nodded and grabbed hold of the rope, glanced around, and began climbing with amazing speed. Within a minute later, she was in his room, safe and sound. They both carefully sat down on the floor.

“Ok, so what's wrong?” He asked in a low whisper as he leaned towards her.

“Sora, I didn't mean to sound so nasty, I was having a bad day.” Sora nodded silently, so she continued after some silent thought. “My parents had agreed to marry me to some Prince in a different world. They have a ship that can travel there without needing the paths Gummi ships need. It will take longer, but there won't be a need for the inter connected worlds.”

“I meant, why were you constantly looking around?”

“I thought I saw the shadow's moving. It must have been my imagination, I'm kinda jumpy right now.” She muttered, then glanced out the window.

Sora sat silently as he stared at her longingly. She dropped her gaze and sighed.

“Do you like this guy? I mean, have you ever met him?” Sora inquired.

Kairi sighed again before looking up to meet Sora's glowing blue eyes. “Yes, I've met him, and he's a jerk. He thinks that girls are only there to clean up after you, and bow to you, and pamper only you. He thinks that I'm the perfect wife because I look nice and I'm not too thin to do work.”

Sora glared at the window. Kairi instinctively turned around, but saw nothing, so she turned back to face Sora in his boxers and loose tee shirt with the line 'Guardian of the Worlds' and a rough picture of a Keyblade on it. It was the shirt she had made for him a week after they had returned as a joke.

“What's his name?” Sora growled.

“Korin. Idikue Korin.” She answered. “Sora, you can't stop this. I know that he's a jerkwad, but there's nothing no one can do. I've been promised to him... And I leave tomorrow. I came to say good-bye.” She looked down as a tear ran down her face.

“Kairi, you don't have to do this. You can-”

“Sora, I'm doing this for you.” She sniffled as she looked him dead in the eye.

“What? What do you mean?”

“His people threatened to blow this planet up if I don't marry him.” At this point, she broke down into silent sobs. Sora tentatively reached out and pulled her into a hug. She wrapped her arms around him and sobbed into his shoulder. Sora stared out his window at the clear, starry night above.

~*~

In a dark room, on a quiet street a few blocks away, a pile of blankets rose and fell softly in sync with the soft noise of someone snoring. There was a timid knock on the door across the room from this bundle, followed by a short silence, then a slightly louder knocking. The blankets moved slightly, but nothing more. The door slowly swung open, and a small boy, about six or seven, with wide green eyes filled with fear, and silver hair jutting out in random directions peered in. He held tight in his arms a thick blanket and a fluffy pillow that he hugged close like a teddy bear.

“Aniki?” He squeaked in a high, frightened voice. The blankets on the bed shuddered. The young boy squeaked again, and this time the blankets grew, then fell aside, allowing the faint moonlight to illuminate the dark form of Riku.

“What Dai?” He huffed.

“Aniki, I can't sleep!” The little boy sniffled as he ran to his brother's bed, dropping the blanket and pillow on the floor. Riku smiled and opened his arms as the little boy crawled up onto the bed and wrapped his tiny arms around his older sibling.

“Aww, c'mon Dai. What's to be so scared of?” Riku asked teasingly as the little boy buried his face into Riku's shirt.

“The shadows are trying to eat me, aniki.” Came a muffled reply. Riku laughed softly, but something about that statement made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The boy pulled back slightly and reached up to Riku's face, pushing hair away from his eyes clumsily. Riku smirked at this, shaking his head slightly to move the hair back across his eyes. Dai looked indignant and puffed his cheeks out as he looked down again.

“Daisuke, listen to me.” The boy looked up with what some would call a Blitzen look. (Others call it really, really good puppy eyes that get you ANYTHING. Works best from small children.)

“If you want, you can sleep here in my room tonight-” Daisuke smiled and began to thank his older brother when Riku cut him off. “BUT. You will sleep on the floor. There isn't enough room on the bed for us both anymore.” Daisuke nodded vigorously, then climbed off the bed and curled up on his pillow. Riku got up and tucked the blanket around the munchie, then wished him a good night. Returning to his bed, he propped himself up against the wall and watched out the nearest window for any sign of movement for half an hour before crawling under the blankets again and falling asleep.

~*~

He walked with Kairi back to her house. Neither had spoken the whole trip, choosing to stay silent. Kairi was still silently crying as she dragged herself along, breaking the silence with tiny sniffles. Sora dropped his gaze and noticed her empty hand out of the corner of his eye, so carefully, he took hold of that hand. This surprised her, and she looked at him. At first everything in the profile of his face looked normal until a single silver line drew itself down his cheek. He looked over at her, and she sniffled again. Sora stopped walking, causing Kairi to follow suite.

“Kairi, we can run away. We can try to do something. I can't stand here and do nothing!” Another tear traced its way down his cheek and fell onto her hand. She looked down at the glistening spot. Sora placed his hand on the bottom of her chin and carefully tipped her face up so he could look her in the eye.

“Please, tell me there is something I can do to stop this.” He looked deep into her glassy eyes for an answer.

“I don't know Sora.” Her face scrunched up as the tears fell anew down her flawless cheeks. “Sora, I want to stay here with you!” She fell to her knees bringing Sora down with her as she began sobbing helplessly. Sora slowly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him as he gently began rocking back and forth to calm her.

“I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay here as much as you want to stay.” He whispered into her hair. “Don’t worry. I’ll think of something… I promise.”

She looked up at him wordlessly, with her tear stained face softly glowing in the dim moonlight.

“I-I know this seems strange… or sudden… but, err, have you… have you ever kissed a boy?” Sora stuttered as his face turned bright red under the dim light of the stars.

“N-no, why?” She hiccuped. He smiled warmly.

“C-can I seal the promise... with a kiss?” He asked cautiously. She giggled despite her predicament.

“Humor me.”

He leaned in close to her. She watched as his face steadily reddened as it drew near. Slowly, she slid her eyes shut and sat perfectly still as she heard his breathing get closer and closer. Then, he kissed her on the cheek. Her eyes snapped open in shock. “What was that?” She asked desperately.

“Um, a kiss?” He answered. She stared at him as he cracked a grin and giggled. “You said ‘humor me’.” He leaned in again, but this time tilted his head slightly and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes again, savoring the sensation as they separated.

Slowly, she smiled. “I love you.” She muttered under her breath.

“Huh?” Sora looked at her questioningly.

“I-I love you.” She stuttered as she looked down at the dirt in embarrassment. Slowly, the smile faded from her face, quickly replaced by the tears. She wrapped her arms around his torso and buried her face in his chest. The large warm tears soaked into his shirt as she sobbed uncontrollably. “I don't wanna go.”

“I… I love you too Kairi.” She felt his arms wrap around her and hold tight.

“Sora… My parents will kill me if they find out I kissed you. This can never leave us two.”

Sora nodded in agreement.

“They’ll also kill me if they don’t find me in my bed.” Kairi said as she pulled away from him just enough to look up at him. Sora checked his watch. It read 1:09 am.

“Ok.” Sora sighed as he helped her up.

~*~

The rocket took off. Simple as that, it just took off. It was 7:45 am, and Sora stood alone in a large field in the crisp morning air, staring at the retreating form of a rocket. Staring at the retreating form of the rocket that separated he and his girlfriend for good. 'Or so they think' Sora told himself as the rocket disappeared behind a fluffy white cloud. A tear traced the length of his face as his vision blurred.

“Don't worry Kairi, I'm coming.” He blinked back the tears for a few more seconds, then turned and began to walk down a dusty path leading away from the wide field. A few minutes later, he approached a small group of houses. He walked on undaunted until he came to one and stopped. He glanced around, then proceeded to around this house to the back where he located a garden trestle. Carefully, he climbed up it until he was beside a window. Behind the window was a clean room, and a large pile of blankets on a bed. Sora knocked on the window, and the blankets moved. Sora knocked harder, and the blankets were thrown aside, revealing a disheveled Riku. He glared at Sora, then pushed the window open and whispered harshly.

“What are you doing here? Do you want to wake my brother up with all that banging?” He motioned to the floor where another smaller pile of blankets lay.

“Riku, she's gone. She left ten minutes ago...” Sora stared past Riku at the wall after settling himself on the sill.

“Oh, sorry, I didn't know.” Riku relaxed. “You wanna come in?” Sora silently pulled himself through the window and sat down on Riku's bed. “What are you gonna do?”

“I'm gonna go after her. I promised I would.” Sora looked up at him.

“And you want me to come.” Riku finished for him. Sora nodded. “I don't know. I mean, what will I tell my parents?”

“Riku, I'm leaving today.”

Riku stared at him. Sora slowly stood up and climbed through the window. “Good-bye Riku, I'll see you soon.” And he began carefully scaling down the trestle. It took him five minutes. Then, as he reached the ground, he got ten steps away when a bag clobbered him over the head, dragging him to the ground. He pushed the heavy bag off and turned over to see Riku come down the side of the house  quickly and carelessly.

“Thanks for waiting.” He said sadistically. “Come on, lets go.” He picked up the bag and began walking.

~*~

Kairi watched out the window. “What's wrong Princess?”

Kairi turned around and looked at the servant. He was only a couple of years older than her. His brown hair was greased back, his brown eyes warm with fake happiness.

“How can you be so happy?” She asked, turning to the servant. He stared at her, the pasted smile attempting to hide his confusion.

“What do you mean, milady?”

She sighed. “I don't want someone who is going to be happy about this forced marriage near me. I know it sounds nasty, but I just can't put up with the sugary- sweet joy. Please, be quiet so I can keep my delicate composure.” She fell silent and turned back to the window. The servant stopped smiling and sighed.

“Sorry.”

~*~

“So, Sora, how are we gonna get off this planet?” Riku asked. Sora pulled a keychain from his pocket. “Your Keyblade?”

“No Riku, this is the key to the Gummi ship.” Sora began fumbling with the key.

“Ok, so your gonna get the Gummi ship... how?”

“The worlds are connected again, the Gummi ship will come here if I want it to. I just hope Chip and Dale haven't taken it apart yet.” He sighed, then continued. “Come on, there's a large secluded field five minutes in that direction.” Sora walked off in the direction he had pointed. Five minutes later, the duo had reached mentioned field, and Sora squeezed the key, then looked up to the sky.

“I don't see anything.” Riku said as he glanced up.

“I do. Lookout!” Sora pointed directly before them where a swarm of black creatures were accumulating. Both boys attacked the swarm, blades in hand, but the Heartless kept coming.

“Is it here yet?” A small grin crept across Riku's face.

“No.” Sora answered as he took out five Heartless in one swing.

Riku glanced at Sora, then at the sky, then back at the fight as the grin widened.

“Is it here yet?” HE asked again jokingly, using his dark aura to wipe ten out.

“No.”

“Is it here yet?”

“No!”

Riku looked around. The field was covered in the ant like Heartless now.

“Is it-”

“Riku! Shut. The hell. Up!!! Damn!” A shadow formed over Sora. “It's here!” He leapt out of the way and the ship came inches from landing. “Get in, we don't have all day!” Sora said as he climbed into the ship and found the drivers seat. Riku followed and took one of the only two remaining seats.

“Hey, there's room. Mind if I invite Tidus or Wakka?”

Sora turned his seat around. “Yes, I do mind. That seat is reserved for the only other person that can help us find Kairi.” He turned back to the steering column and revved the engines.

“Uhh, Sora, do you even know how to fly this thing?” Riku asked, a slight scared edge to his question.

“Yes, I've been steering this thing for two years. Now hang on, we're not waiting here any longer.” Sora tipped the Gummi ship up and hit the throttle, blasting them into space in a matter of seconds and taking out thirty or forty Heartless in the process. He turned in a general direction and they were off, Riku oblivious to where they were going.

~*~

“Welcome to Anari.” Imi said with a smile.

“Anari? But I thought it was gone! It was swallowed up many years ago by the darkness!” Sora yelped in surprise.

“No, Anari came back when you saved the other worlds. We were one of the stars that reappeared in your night sky, just like Pride Rock, or Halloween Town.”

“So, you, uh, you know the different planets out there?” Goofy asked, trying to strike up an idol conversation.

“Yeah. I know about the unseen planets too. All that thanks to my older sister.”

“So, Sora. Where are we going?”

“I need to pick up a friend.”

Riku decided not to push the subject and took to staring out the window. When that no longer entertained him, he spoke again. “How long have we been flying?”

Sora glanced down at his watch. “About an hour or so. What the-!? Hold on!” The ship barrel rolled to the right as the sound of laser fire started up.

“What's happening?” Riku called from his seat as he glanced out his window.

“Heartless, and they want to shoot us down!” Sora called back, then banked a sharp turn. “Hang on, we're going for that planet!”

Riku watched as the planet grew closer at an alarming speed. “What is that place?” He asked.

“Anari!”

“Anari? Why Anari? Who's here that you need?”

Sora landed the ship safely and unbuckled his seatbelt. “I'm here for Imi.”

~*~

A fourteen year old girl with black hair stood with a mother and young child, helping them.

“Thank you Imi.” The mother said as she smiled and bowed respectfully. Imi bowed in return.

“My pleasure.” Imi smiled inwardly as the pair trundled off. “Heh, cute.”

“Where is she?” A familiar male voice complained.

Imi stared at the pair of strange looking boys. One was wearing a black jumpsuit like outfit, the other a pair of denim like pants and a tank and vest duo. The one in the jumpsuit had spiky brown hair, and all too familiar blue eyes. The other had long silver hair that fell in his face to his nose, covering a good part of his bright green eyes.

“There!” The brown haired boy gasped excitedly, pointing directly at her. Imi began to back up in fright. The boys ran towards her as she stopped and stared.

“Imi!” The boy with the spiky brown hair smiled.

“Sora?” She asked cautiously. He smiled and nodded.

“Imi, I need your help.” Sora said as the smile faded. She gave him a questioning look. “Kairi has been sent off to another planet, and I want to get her back.”

“Did she go because she wanted to?” Imi asked.

“No, she was promised to some jackass that wanted her in exchange for not blowing up Destiny Islands.”

“Aww, damn it. Who's the captor?”

“Something-or-other Korin.”

“Prince Idikue Korin? Of Atlantis?!?”

“You mean Atlantica?” Riku asked.

Imi shook her head. “No, I mean Atlantis. Korin's not supposed to be allowed a bride.” Imi looked up at Sora who gave her puppy eyes. “Ok, I'll come. You'll get lost if I don't.”

“Wait, he didn't even ask.” Riku gawked.

“Whozat?” Imi asked, jerking a thumb at Riku.

“Ryuji Riku. Riku, meet Kazuyuki Imi.” Sora replied, then turned and motioned for them to follow him to the Gummi ship.

~*~

Imi squatted next to Sora, occasionally pointing and mumbling something to him. He would nod and fix their flight in accordance to her instruction.

“So,” Riku turned his head so that he was facing the window, but watched the pair out of the corner of his eye. “Why is this Korin dude not allowed to marry?”

Imi mumbled and pointed to something in the distance, then turned around to face Riku. Riku also turned his head to give the girl before him his full attention.

“Prince Korin pulled this stunt five years ago, and almost succeeded. The only reason why he failed was because the Princes of the Worlds caught him forcing one of their princesses to marry him. The princess was already engaged to the Prince of Rosewood Castle. Korin was immediately deemed not permitted to marry, then they discovered he had run his own mother off with his foul attitude towards females. So he was kicked out of Princes of the Worlds. He hasn't been allowed back since.”

“Yeah, the exact opposite of the way you treat Selphie!” Sora chirped without thinking. Imi returned to squatting next to Sora and feeding him directions.

“Enter that warp hole coming up, and wait until we hit the other side.” Sora repeated the unheard instructions from before. Imi nodded, then moved over to her seat and plopped down, buckling herself in and sighing.

“So, uh, how did you and Sora meet?” Riku asked Imi.

“Sora was searching for you with Donald and Goofy, and happened across me on another world where I offered my instruction for getting to Disney Castle.”

“Oh, cool.” Riku smiled at her. “Wait, does that mean you know where all of the worlds are?”

“Pretty much.” She replied, rolling her head so she could watch out the window. Riku nodded and watched out his own window at the swirling colors inside the warp hole as his eyelids drooped.

'I wonder what Selphie or Kairi would think of this...'

“Sora, drop down onto that planet. We need to stop for a little while.”

Riku opened his eyes. A green and brown planet hovered in the window before them. They approached it quickly and Sora steered them through the atmosphere safely. Within fifteen minutes, they were landing just outside of a tiny village hidden in trees. Imi was the first to jump out and took off running into the village. Sora and Riku leapt out and took off after her, finding her on the edge of the village with a slightly taller girl. She wore an open dark blue jacket and long blue camos. Her shirt was black with something written on it in white, but the jacket kept anyone from reading it. She had her hair in a long dark blonde braid down to her butt, and her sea blue eyes were trained on Imi. The girl smiled and nodded, hugged Imi, then waved good-bye and turned to walk back into the village.

“Who was that?” Sora asked as Imi passed him. Riku stared at the girl a little longer.

“A friend.” Imi replied flatly.

“A friend... huh...” Riku added as he turned to leave. Sora glanced behind him and spotted the girl helping a small child haul firewood into a hut.

“Ok, she's my sister, c'mon, lets go.” She walked faster to encourage the other two. “I needed to tell her where I was going so she doesn't come looking for me. Last time, she tore through ten planets before she found me in Pride Rock.”

Sora and Riku exchanged scared glances.

~*~

Riku stood beside Sora as he learned how to pilot the Gummi ship. Imi sat in her seat sideways using the wall as a head rest, lightly dozing. Riku looked up from his lesson to stare out the large front window. Sora asked Riku if he wanted to try steering. Riku smiled and accepted. Carefully, the two boys switched places, then Sora yawned and stretched.

“I'm gonna take a nap. I've been steering for, what... four hours straight?” Sora turned and took Riku's seat, quickly drifting off to sleep. Riku sighed and sat back, trying to make the best of his temporary position. An hour passed as they traveled along, and before Riku realized just how long he had been steering, a planet came into view. It had areas of silvery white in the middle of blue, and then a large chunk of what looked like land off to one side.

“Hey, guys?” Riku called as the planet drew nearer.

“ Hn?” Imi awoke and yawned. “What?”

Riku pointed at the planet filling the window. Imi laughed at his desperation and said that they were finally there. She turned and awoke Sora from his peaceful slumber.

“Sora, time to get Kairi.”

~*~

Imi glanced around. There was no one in the courtyard where they had landed. “Hide the Gummi ship after we change.” She told Sora as she spotted a bin off to the side. She hurried over and dug through a large pile of clean white clothing. She pulled out three lumps and passed them out to Sora and Riku, keeping one for herself.

“We need to blend in, so put these on, both of you.” She commanded. Sora's jumpsuit glowed for a second, then changed into the clothing he was holding. “Well, that's new.” She commented before walking off to change behind a large bush. Riku gawked at Sora in jealousy. Sora laughed and told him to change. He proceeded to the ship where he got ready to hide it. Imi walked over in a long white skirt tied at her hip, and a tube top that connected in the center of the top to the cloak that reached just past her butt. Sora's cloak reached almost to the ground. Riku approached them in the long sleeved white shirt and puffy white pants Sora was wearing, minus the sash. Imi snatched that from Riku's hand and chucked both his and her clothing at Sora, then tied the sash around Riku's waist, causing the older boy to blush. Sora climbed out of the ship and sent it off. Riku stood there, waiting for the ship to disappear from view.

“Come on Riku, we don't have all day!” Sora called as Imi headed to a nearby door. All three entered and Imi lead the way through the bleached castle.

After a few minutes, Sora and Riku felt lost. Imi seemed to be the only one who knew where they were headed.

“Um, Imi?” Riku began. “Do you know where we are?”

“Yes, why? Do you think you know?”

“Um, no. We were just wondering.” Sora responded.

~*~

“You look beautiful, Milady.” A wise old woman cooed happily. “So why do you not look happy?”

Kairi sighed as she stared at her reflection in a full length mirror. The long lilac dress was adorned with intricate embroidery. On her head was the infamous headband with netting worn by many brides on their wedding day.

“I do not wed this Prince for love or happiness. I wed him to save the boy I truly love and the home I left behind.” She answered coldly.

Faint music began playing. “It's time to go, child.” Kairi turned and picked up the bouquet of amethyst colored flowers and hobbled out of the room, head held high.

“I only wish this wedding was to that beloved boy of yours.” The woman muttered as she shook her head sadly.

~*~

“Stop!” Sora hissed, Imi and Riku halted as Sora scurried forwards. “I think I hear wedding music!” The other two nodded in agreement.

“I can try to find it.” Imi muttered as she took the lead again. They hurried through the corridors, the music growing louder the closer they got. Pretty soon, they could make out a male voice speaking. The trio came to a pair of large bleached wood doors.

“In here.” Imi looked Sora dead in the eye. “Are you sure your ready?”

“Yeah.” Came his hollow answer. She carefully pushed the door open, not letting it creak at all as she moved it. On the other side was a vast room filled with thousands of people dressed in white. Two hundred feet in front of them was an altar. And at that altar was a tall chestnut haired man, and a shorter red haired girl. Sora's breath caught in his throat.

“If anyone had anything against this royal matrimony, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”

“I have a problem with it!” Sora proclaimed as he marched forwards. Everyone turned to face him in angry surprise, except for one.

“Sora!” Kairi gasped in happy disbelief.

“Who are you?” The man beside her roared, his piercing amber gaze trained on Sora.

“I'm Sora... You must be Korin.” Sora smirked.

“Prince Korin. Now tell me, why do you have to ruin my wedding?”

Sora glanced around at the thousands of glaring faces staring at him. “The guy said speak now, or forever hold your peace.” He answered nonchalantly. “I'm speaking.”

Korin growled to Sora, “Go away, leave me and my new wife alone.” For a second, fear that he had lost Kairi flashed across his face. But her ever hopeful gaze told him otherwise.

“She's not your wife yet.” Sora outstretched his hand to her, never losing eye contact with Korin. Kairi looked to Korin, then to Sora, then back to Korin. She dropped her gaze and giggled as tears of joy clouded her vision. She tossed her bouquet on the ground and ran as best as he could to Sora. He wrapped the outstretched arm around her as she latched onto him. Sora smirked. “I told you I would come for you.” He whispered to her.

Imi and Riku hurried forwards to join their friends. “Play along with me, I got an idea.” He muttered into Kairi's hair only loud enough for them four to hear.

“Kairi, come back here!” Korin demanded.

“She isn't going anywhere!” Imi retorted.

“Shut up, filthy girl!” Korin roared. Riku had to hold onto Imi as she struggled to break free and teach the Prince a lesson about messing with a tomboy. “Who are you to take my wife?”

“Prince of Destiny Islands.” Sora answered.

“Destiny Islands has no Prince!” Korin snapped.

“How long has it been since you were updated on the status of the Princes of the Worlds?” Sora bluffed. “Five, six years? Too long if you ask me. C'mon Kairi, we're going home.” Sora turned and began to lead his small group out of the room.

“Wait.”

Sora turned around to face Korin. “Let us battle. The winner keeps Kairi, the loser goes home empty handed.”

Sora smiled, confidant in his two years of heartless and Nobody fighting. “Sure. What kind of fight?”

“Sword fight.”

“Done.” Sora's Atlantian outfit glowed briefly, then reverted to his jumpsuit.

~*~

Everyone had quickly located to the courtyard for the fight.

The Prince pulled a long, shining sword from his belt, and Sora pulled a keychain from his pocket as he moved away from his friends.

“What is that!?!”Korin laughed at the tiny metal Key in Sora's hand.

“My weapon.” Sora answered simply, then activated the blade, causing it to grow to it's full size, Korin gasped in surprise. Kairi giggled at the Keyblade, not because it looked stupid, which to her it didn't, but because the keychain he had chosen was Oathkeeper.

“Go Sora!” She cheered with a smile.

The mass of people cheered Korin on, and appointed one of their own as judge of the fight. Riku worked with an Atlantian for a few minutes on the rules before calling everyones attention. “Ok, here's the rules. First, we want a fair fight, so no nut shots,” Some of the girls in the room snickered. “Second, first on their butt at sword, or Key, point loses. Third, first to break any of the rules loses.”

“How many swords are we allowed?” Sora called. Riku stared at him confused until he realized what Sora was getting at.

“One each.” Riku answered. Sora's head drooped in disappointment.

“Ready?” The Atlantian said as he stepped forwards. Both Korin and Sora aimed their blades as they stepped up to each other. “Fight!”

Korin charged and swiped at Sora's head, but Sora was faster and dodge rolled off to the side. Jumping up, he blocked the second attack from Korin, then punched him hard in the cheek with his free hand. The Prince chopped away at Sora's Keyblade, never making a single scratch. As Korin swiped from directly above, Sora spun past the ringing blade and nailed Korin in the ribs with the back of his weapon. Korin doubled over slightly as Sora brought his fisted hand down on the back of Korin's head. Korin fumbled slightly, but regained his balance and kicked the right side of Sora's rib cage, sending him into the wall, his Keyblade bouncing in a different direction. Korin grinned as he stooped over and plucked up the Keyblade.

“Man, this is light! What's it made of, because I have got to get one for myself.”

“You're not fit to wield one.” Sora replied as he gasped for air. Korin looked at him strangely. “Here, watch.” Sora outstretched his right hand, and the Keyblade shot away from Korin in a bolt of light, reforming in front of Sora. “Only the ones fit to wield a Keyblade can use it.” Sora huffed as he struggled to stand. Korin advanced towards him to strike him down again, but Sora was faster and swept Korin's feet out from under him, then leapt up and spun his Keyblade around lazily. “It was going to run away from you anyway.” Sora smirked as he held the point of the blade dangerously close to Korin's throat.

The courtyard was silent. All eyes were on the defeated prince. The judge they had appointed stood rooted to the spot, too shocked to speak. Imi took note of this and stepped forwards, announcing in a strong voice, “Sora is the victor!”

Sora looked around to the spectators, his breathing labored. He could tell something was wrong, because there was a sharp pain that hurt only when he inhaled. He ignored the pain and put all of his focus back on the Prince before him. He kicked the sword away, then put his Keyblade away. Korin stared at him in shock as he outstretched his hand.

“C'mon, you gotta get up.”

Korin stared at the hand, then up at Sora's face. “Why do you help me?”

“I help you... because I wish to... show you respect.” Sora replied with effort. The pain from breathing was showing in his face as he winced with each word.

“Respect is for the weak. Just like work is for the females!” Korin growled.

“Dude, that's called sex discrimination... Grow up, some girls are better than boys... that doesn't mean we have to hate them!” Sora replied heatedly. Korin glowered at him. “Try treating a girl... like a human. Choose one that you have liked... and treat her nice... Tell me how it goes.” Sora lightly shook his outstretched hand, but when Korin turned his head away, Sora mustered all of his strength and heaved the Prince up by his arm onto his feet.

“Give me a minute.” Korin muttered as he dusted himself off and stalked over to Kairi. The two of them spoke shortly, then Korin awkwardly tried to hug her. He then turned and bowed to Sora.

“I hereby lift my threat to blow Destiny Islands up. Prince Sora, I wish you a happy life with your-”

“AHEM!” Kairi tapped her foot impatiently.

“THE beautiful Princess Kairi.” Korin smiled sadly, then stepped aside to allow the foursome out. Sora softly took Kairi's arm and began to walk, but she stumbled and almost fell.

“Sora, I can't walk in these shoes!” She hissed in pain. Sora chuckled, wincing yet again at the piercing ache in his ribs. He helped her remove the shoes, then was about to pick her up when she stopped him. “Sora, somethings wrong.”

“No, nothings wrong.” He answered.

“I mean with you. You're in too much pain. Let's get to the Gummi ship so I can check it out. I'm worried.” Kairi took his hand and dragged him out of the courtyard.

Imi turned around. “Gimmie a sec.”

“No, leave him.” Riku said sternly, catching her arm. “We don't want war.”

She pointed at him and hissed, “Filthy girl my ass, bastard.”

~*~

Kairi had taken a detour and changed into her favorite pink outfit, leaving the wedding dress behind. Now that they were on the ship, Kairi sat Sora down on the floor. “Lemme see.” She said, removing Sora's jacket. “Wow, this is heavy!” She marveled as she held it in one hand. Sora chuckled painfully.

“Ow. Hurts. ow.” He squeaked.

“Don't laugh then.” Sora pouted at her response. She placed a hand on his ribs and he yelped in pain. “Hn. Take your shirt off.”

“Wh-what?” Sora's face turned a lovely shade of pink at the thought of stripping down in front of her.

Riku and Imi faced forwards and snickered as they steered the Gummi ship out of the atmosphere of Atlantis.

“Come on, take it off. I have to check your rib cage.” She stared at him. He desperately tried to talk her out of it, but she eventually sat on him and tugged the shirt off enough so that she could see his exposed torso. She left the shirt covering his head.

“What the hell happened?!?” She gasped in surprise, one hand flying to her mouth. Sora reached up and tugged the shirt free of his head.

“Huh?”

Imi squatted down next to Kairi. “Nice bruise. Is that where Korin kicked ya?” Sora nodded as he looked down at his right side. A large purplish blue bruise had formed where Korin had kicked him. In the center was a strange irregular indentation. “That in the center would be a broken rib.” Imi commented, lazily pointing at the break.

“How do we fix it?” Kairi asked worriedly. Imi pulled a large roll of gauze out of a first aide kit and held it up. Sora's eyes grew wide.

“Uhh, no. you're not going to wrap that around me! No!” He shook his head quickly as he tried to dissuade them.

“If we don't fix it, it will puncture your lung and kill you.” Imi smiled sadistically as she stared him in the eye. Sora weighed his options carefully before swallowing the hard lump in his throat and nodding.

~*~

Imi stood next to Riku, carefully guiding him through an asteroid field. As they reached the end, Imi smiled and stretched contently, then turned to take her seat. She stopped when she saw Kairi and Sora. They sat in the back of the cabin, backs propped against the wall. Kairi was fast asleep on Sora's bare shoulder, Sora dozing with his head resting on top of hers. Both of Kairi's hands were folded neatly in her lap, but Sora's left arm was snaked around her waist, his hand resting on her right elbow.

“Riku.” She muttered softly. Riku turned around and grinned.

“I knew they were meant to be together.” He murmured as he turned back to the steering. They slowly approached a planet they had visited not too long ago.

“Home sweet home.” She sighed then checked behind her. Kairi stirred, then opened her eyes.

“Whats happening? Are we home?” She asked, yawning loudly. Sora woke up and drowsily stared out the window in front of him.

“Oh, Imi, leaving so soon?”

Imi nodded. “Lucky us, Riku figured out how to use the transporter, so you're not landing this time.” She smiled and waved as they entered the planet's orbit. “I'll see you all very soon.” And in a flash of light, she was gone.

“Next stop, Destiny Islands.” Riku announced. Sora sighed and let his head fall back against the wall, but in no time his head had snapped back up because Kairi was checking his side.

“Do you mind?” Sora mumbled.

“No.” She replied with a sly grin. Sora had a feeling she was enjoying him not having a shirt on.

~*~

Two months later

Sora opened a door with open and closed times on it. He walked through, and was met by a cold wave of old paper scented air. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. He never liked the Library in town, it was always a place to stay away from because of the foul paper odor. But he had promised to meet Kairi here, so he continued forwards to the history section and sat down. It didn't take long for him to get restless and pull a random book on the first Island Wars off the shelf behind him. He sighed and opened it to any page, then began reading, his head cradled in one hand, his eyes drooping from boredom.

“You look like you're enjoying that one.” a familiar voice cooed.

“Yeah, I like it so much, I might just keep reading and totally ignore you Kai.” He answered coyly as he put the book down. Kairi smiled in her own little way and slid the large pile of books in her arms onto the table.

“I wanted you here because of something you said back on Atlantis.” She slipped into the chair next to him and moved it closer.

“I said alot of things there, 'ow' being one of them.” Sora replied, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. She was giggling as she rummaged through the pile of books. “What are those?”

“It seems Destiny Islands did have royalty. But they disappeared about a hundred odd years ago.” She answered. “These books contain everything I could find on the family. Here,” She pulled one of the books out and opened it to a bookmarked page. “The Royal Family of Destiny Islands was said to have brown hair, usually spiked, and piercing blue eyes. But the most interesting features were their flawless complexions, and lean builds. They were among the first to inhabit the Islands, and were natural born leaders. Sadly, the family's name has been lost to history.”

“Ok, so they looked like me, big deal.” Sora shrugged. Kairi put the book down and pulled another one out. “This has all of the family crests on Destiny Islands. Here's yours.” She pointed to a picture of a shield with a crown, a wolf, and a beautiful dragon holding a ribbon with 'Hikari' written on it. “This,” She said as she opened to another bookmarked page in a different book. “Is the crest of the Royal Family.” There, on that page, was a semi-blurry black and white image of the exact same crest.

“How come no one's discovered this yet?” Sora whisper exclaimed in shock.

“Look at the copyright on the first book.”

Sora turned to the front of the crest book. “That's this year.” he marveled.

“Your family only released the Family Crest when this book was being made. The last time someone tried to find the Royal family was fifty years ago. They had no success because your crest was not there.” She smiled as he looked her full in the face.

“I really am a Prince?”

“Yup, Prince Hikari Sora.” She giggled softly. “I like that, Prince Sora.” Sora smiled and laughed with her. Then a ringing sound began. Sora turned pink and scurried out of the Library and into the fresh outdoors, all the while digging in his pocket. Kairi followed the ring that was coming from Sora's pocket, and when she got outside, Sora had pulled a small phone from his pocket and was listening to it, a look of frustration on his face.

“O-ok, I got it... Yeah mom, No! No, I really do hear you! Yes! I'm heading home now! No, no detours! Ok! Bye.” Sora snapped the phone shut and jammed it deep into his pocket and glanced around.

“Going somewhere?” Kairi asked with mild worry.

“Yeah,” Sora replied as he headed back into the Library. “Home, I'm grounded for a month from going and getting you.” He sighed as he picked up her stack of books. “Help me put these away, I gotta go.”

~*~

“See that?” A female voice giggled from behind a metal demonic-looking mask covering her whole face, and armor on her slim body. “You're Royalty Ven!” She watched Sora and Kairi from behind a bookcase next to a taller person.

“Pipe down Aqua, we don't want them to hear us!” The taller person with a slightly different outfit on hissed.

The girl giggled again. “Prince Ven.”

“Meh.” A third person, the tallest, with yet another outfit, spat.