I OWN NOTHING

I hate having to do this, but I sadly lost all data on "A key chosen by darkness" since it was corrupted. Please, cut me some slack as I work this out as best I can.

X-X-X-X-X

"Come on, you two, sea snails move faster than you!"

An adorable redhead ran forward, followed by her two most cherished friends. She had a short mop of crimson hair, a cute round face, large blue eyes, and a developing figure. With large white and purple shoes, a simple white top, and a purple skirt she looked fashionable and cool enough to run in a beach. Kicking up some sand in her race, she looked back to the two boys behind her.

"And that's why you're the queen of cheating!"

Grinning with confidence, a green-eyed boy with long silver hair, a strong physique and handsome features ran with long strides. He wore a yellow shirt with no sleeves and unnecessary belts on its black back, blue ballooning pants, and white shoes. He also had black gloves and did his best to push back his friend, who was pushing back against him as both ran side by side.

"Afraid to take the third place!?"

Beaming, a brunet did his best to not get left behind. His hair was a mixture of odd chocolate-colored blades pointed to the sides and the skies. His outfit was even more bizarre than the other boy for it consisted of a red onesie with knee-length legs and no sleeves. On his torso was a black jacket with short white sleeves. For his feet he had large yellow feet. And he had a crown necklace.

Cheating by running before finishing her countdown, the petite girl was ahead of them, laughing all the way, "It's only cheating if you can prove it!" she shouted back, but had to keep running. The two were going to close the distance and while she could handle herself she wasn't as athletic as them.

Then something happened, she noted her friends slowed down while shock grew on their faces, "Kairi, watch out!" Despite their shout, she tripped and fell face down on the sand. Groaning but otherwise not hurt, she looked to what hooked on her foot, and gaped in horror. Words couldn't come out of her mouth after what she saw, and her body froze just from the look of it.

"Is...is he still alive!?" she yelped and kneeled beside a blond lying flat on his back, sprawled and with a puddle of blood coating the sand under him. Other than his spiky mane, he'd be normal if not for the whisker-like marks on his cheeks. He wore an orange jumpsuit, blue sandals, and had a hole on his chest that would've killed any normal man. Under it he wore a black t-shirt, which along his jacket was getting a red dye.

"Doctor, medic, someone!" the silver-haired boy shouted, looking around.

"G-Go get them, we'll help him!" the brunet retorted.

"How!? If no doctor's around, he's just-" the green-eyed boy's argument was ended by the redhead.

"Sora, help me cover his wound!" the girl said, putting pressure and ignoring the blood staining her hands. "Riku, run!"

Seeing no room to discuss, the taller boy nodded and darted off. All the while, Kairi and Sora tended to the mysterious boy as best they could. As the girl's hands kept adding pressure, something felt off. Blinking a couple times, she looked at the blond. The brunet did what he could to help, ripping the jacket to pieces to use them as a plug for the wound. He noted his friend's hands loosening.

"Kairi, is he...?" he started worriedly.

And was cut off when the blond coughed, "H-He's alive!?" the redhead forgot what put her in a trance and lifted his head, putting it on her lap as his friend tried to stop the bleeding.

"I..." the blond groggily got out, deep blue eyes fluttering, "...where...?"

"Stay down!" the girl begged, pulling away her hands and looking at what she held briefly, "Our friend has gone to get you help, so please... Just stay with us..." she felt terrified looking at him, like anything could be enough to end his life. It felt like he'd snap, like the broken metal pieces he held, which were attached to a blue cloth like a headband. It was cut right down the middle and coated with his blood.

"Wh-why are you...helping me...?" he grunted, talking was understandably hard as he shut one eye tightly from the pain.

"Hey, no talking!" Sora ordered him, "Please hang on, help will come soon!"

"Why...?" he asked through clenched teeth, anger making him grind them, "Everyone... They all... For nothing... Because...of his rage... And I...I just..."

"Easy..." the girl whispered, caressing his hair. "Please, don't worry... Just know that we...we want to help you, ok?" Her large blue eyes fought back tears, they got misty as she forced a smile to try to reassure him. It was the first time he had seen such love aimed at him.

Somehow, the warmth of her hands and soothing tone of her voice helped. Not much, but something deep, strong, and bizarre was put at ease. Perhaps it was the exhaustion and pain taking over, but her and the boy's actions calmed him down. Even if he felt like everything had turned too bleak without ignoring the hole in his chest, such concern touched him. Blood loss started to weaken him, but he felt...something new.

"Hey, what's your name?" the brunet asked, "Let us know how to call your parents." He had deep concern in his eyes too. His hands gripped the blond boy's chest desperately, as if letting go would kill the brunet as well. And yet, there was some hope in him, like knowing an answer would help him make things better.

Sadly, it didn't, "Don't...have any..." the blond replied, grunting as he was forced by Kairi to keep his head on her lap.

A pause of awkward silence, "S-Sorry..." the brunet looked down, feeling awful.

And then, "Naruto..."

"Huh?" both his new acquaintances asked.

"It's my...name..." he managed to get out with the last of his strength.

Moments later, after the shock of what happened subsided and the boy was in a hospital bed, the three waited. Behind closed doors the blond was in a hospital gown, heavily sleeping with a lot of bandages around his torso. A doctor came out, looking exhausted beyond belief while the nurses did their best to tend to the boy. Due to it being a small island town, they didn't have trouble using resources to save a life.

"What happened?" Riku asked the island's doctor, a middle-aged man with sandals, knee-length white pants, a lab coat, and a blue shirt stained with blood.

"Whatever it was... I wouldn't wish it on anyone." The man needed a pause to breathe, "Kid's bones were broken in...impossible ways. It's as if he was fighting despite the injury, like he couldn't feel it or just didn't even bother." He sighed deeply, sweating from the memory, "Last but not least, to remain alive after such a wound... Where did you three pull him out of?"

"Can you believe he was on the beach and we stumbled on him?" Sora asked with a sheepish smile.

The doctor groaned, "Great, so, no idea." He crossed his arms, "Listen, no one has any idea where he's from. I tried to put word out, but no one is batting an eye so far from what the other nurses tell me. As far as we know, the kid's not from here... Or anywhere nearby."

Riku's eyes lit up, "You mean he's...like Kairi?"

"If no one comes for him, that'd be a pretty good explanation." The man took another deep breath, "Anyway, feel free to visit whenever you want to. People need comfort in hard times, the only good medicine for a bad time..." he swallowed some spit, "Only he knows what he went through, and it won't be easy getting answers anytime soon."

"Wait, but he's fine, right?" Sora asked worriedly.

"He's stable, but he won't open his eyes for a while." The doctor rubbed his chin, "After such trauma, I'm surprised he's not in pain while asleep, but he seems to be making a fast recovery."

"What!?" the three teens asked.

"Yeah... He's not normal, but not that out of this world." He didn't know how wrong he was, "It'll take him a while to fully heal."

"We'll visit him often, then." Kairi told her friends more than informed the doctor.

"Good." And with that, the doctor left.

Once he was gone, the teens waited for the nurses to leave the room. The hospital was a small simple building. Few people living in the island meant that it didn't need unnecessary space. Having a cozy bed and a clean set of clothes seemed to ease the bandaged blond. Everything was quiet as the three friends walked in and examined him. There were bandages over his head too, showing he also received head trauma.

"Naruto, huh?" Riku asked, walking to examine the blond closer, "Looks around your age, Sora."

"Also on the short side, though." Kairi offered with a weak grin, but soon felt uncomfortable, "Sorry, I...I don't know how to lighten the mood."

"It's alright." Sora said, not even offended, "I wish we knew more to help him, though. Arriving like that... Just, what went wrong for him?"

"Wondering what he was doing or who he was won't do much good." Riku said sagely, "If anything, he may be a good lead."

"Lead as in what?" Kairi asked, confused into near bafflement from such a statement.

"Our lead to...another world." His friends gave him questioning looks, "Listen, please. I'm not going to ramble. It's just...with Kairi and now him, it feels obvious that we can go to other worlds. Go to somewhere out there and see more than these islands." Determination burnt in his eyes, "Should he wake up, we should try to ask him."

His friends pondered on his words for a moment, Sora speaking first, "Sounds good." He nodded firmly, "If anything, he must want to go back home. It'd be a good way to help."

Kairi hummed, "I'm...not sure." The two boys looked at her in shock, to which she replied quickly, raising her hands too, "I-I mean, something's off. The way he arrived and...this odd, very odd feeling tell me that a lot is going on." Closing her eyes, she exhaled a confused breath silently, "But, I want to help him too. Just like you helped me when I first arrived here."

"Then it's decided, we give him a hand if possible and see if he can help us." Riku said swiftly, and before a pouty Kairi retorted he added, "And we also check for any reasons to be careful for our and his sake. Does that sound fair?" he kept a cool smile, which made the girl close her eyes before conceding.

"I hope he's up for it." She answered.

Sora beamed, "I'm sure he will." He turned to the blond, "He was worried about someone. That's reason enough for him to keep kicking. If anything, that should be reason enough to know he's good. Even after all he went through, he wanted to help his friends."

Riku smirked coolly, "Wow Sora, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you matured."

"Hey!" the brunet snapped, causing the redhead to giggle.

And as they bickered, Naruto didn't stir.

However, deep down something else was happening.

AWAKEN

YOUR

HEART

A dark abyss.

He fell in a deep void for what seemed hours in this dream.

Or, was it a dream?

He didn't know, it was all too real.

Thus, he ended opening his eyes, landing safely in a circular very well-designed crystal platform. Looking around himself at the endless darkness he felt slightly nervous as he had no idea of what had happened or where he was, only that this was scaring him to no end. Looking at his white shirt and pants and lack of shoes first, he moved forward. That's when he heard the voice, a voice calling him from the darkness.

Your dreams have shattered… and yet, you refuse death…

"Who's there?" he asked, surprised at his own energy.

Light shuns you, yet darkness accepts all.

Knowing he wasn't getting an answer with such cryptic words, he made his way forward. And he immediately noticed something, "What happened to me!?" Looking at his clothes, he noticed they had been taken over by a dark matter. A bizarre smoke blacker than coal clung to him, but it didn't harm him.

Embrace the form given to you, wear it as armor.

Pain shot through his chest, making him fall to his knees. Looking up with an eye shut, he saw a set of stairs leading to a pedestal. Guided by something, almost as if he was in a trance, he moved towards it. Before him was a bizarre blade. Its form was covered in the same dark energy which danced around it like a flame, but the form suggested there was a straight, double-edged sword under the black fire.

Gripping it, he winced as the voice returned along more pain, "Gah! Wh-what is this!?"

Reject your true self no longer. Refuse the mask you hid yourself behind.

And with those words, the ground under him broke into countless pieces, shattering. Falling down, the boy didn't scream. Instead, he watched the empty sky. Nothing could be seen. No light, not even darkness. It was a shadow blocking both from reaching him. Maybe he was accepting things as a dream, for he felt like what pulled him down meant him well.

Upon landing on another platform, he saw a door, 'I...I can feel something behind this...' he was surprised as he went to open it. It responded to his touch, revealing its contents...to reveal his village. Gasping sharply, he ran around the buildings. But no one was there.

Understand the cruelty of those who cast others into their shadows.

After that was said, a much younger version of himself appeared. Surrounded by sneering adults. However, their faces were blank. Every inch of their bodies was cast in shadows. As they approached the child, said shadows grew and grew until they consumed him. To make matters even worse, something stirred in those shadows, the child merging with them and becoming something horrifying.

"Is that...?" he started in shock.

Choose your real self.

Before him was a copy of his own body, the skin pitch-black. Empty amber eyes stared at him, like jewels replacing real functioning ocular orbs. Beyond bizarre was the fact he was bare-chested, his legs covered by a cloud of black matter hovering over his groin for modesty's sake like a kilt made of smoke. Without a word, the copy raised a hand, the same weapon Naruto had materializing in his.

Do not falter.

Naruto gasped as a new voice appeared, to which he replied by bringing up his blade, his and his shadow's clashing! Grunting, he stared at his copy in the eyes, the shadow's face unemotional and void of humanity. But the blond pushed him forward.

Do you desire to sink in despair?

Or do you possess something worth fighting for?

"I..." the shadow started, using the boy's voice, "I am...I am..." he moved forward, eyes locked with the flesh and blood boy. As the two kept their distance, Naruto gripped his sword tighter as did his shadow, then the two raced at each other immediately.

Whatever your answer…

It is you who can rule the shadows.

"Who you are..." the shadow started, aiming his sword at Naruto.

The blond knew what he'd say, and swung his blade sideways to take a stance, "...it doesn't matter!"

Both charged once again, swords ready, a matching cry echoing along the collision of their weapons:

"I'm not going to be forgotten!"

And their swords clashed yet again...only for Naruto to find himself opening his eyes.

For a second, he felt weightless. The next, everything felt sore. From his skin all the way to the bones, everything ached. Light blurred everything in his sight. His vision had to readjust to a bright room and the sun. Rays of sunlight made the small place he had that much annoying to withstand with his eyes. Even worse, his body felt too...bizarre.

Weak as he felt, he opened and closed his eyes to adjust them to the light intake. Once it was on satisfactory if still fuzzy levels of vision, he forced himself on his side. Taking a moment, he noted he wasn't in what would've been a normal sight. A window let him see the ocean, sand, and palm trees. His eyes widened as he got up on wobbly legs...and fell against the floor.

Groaning as he slipped on his own bare feet, he ignored the pain as best he could. Getting up slowly, the boy walked to the window, taking in the sights... Everything was beautiful and breathtaking. Peaceful, but it felt cozy and, dare he say it, welcoming. Taken aback by such sight, he slowly walked back. What he saw next shocked him. An IV needle was stuck to his arm.

Taking it out with a slow, pained clench of his teeth, he looked to see that he had slipped on what remained of the fluid that had kept him fed for quite a while. It took him a moment to realize it, but his arm was a lot thinner. Palming it, he touched his face, and felt how his hair was longer. A few bangs were obscuring his forehead.

Alarmed and too shocked for words, he moved the window to look at himself. A sharp gasp escaped him.

"Oh my..." he didn't know if the voice was his or not, he was too stunned.

Baby fat was gone, leaving lean cheeks. His hair was down to his chin and despite its usual spikiness it fell in an unruly mop. Every sharp end fell downwards. Dare he say it, he looked a bit more handsome. But the initial shock was increased when seeing his exposed chest. He had become rather slim, making a large sun-shaped scar on his torso much more noticeable.

Suddenly, memories came flooding back, "I-I remember...He...He..."

A battle in a valley, a boy he was trying to save from going into a dangerous path. Comrades left behind after they sacrificed themselves. All for a fellow member of their home who turned his back on them for the power he desired for revenge. Realization hit him harder as he remembered how it ended: his near-death experience.

It was after his knees hit the floor that he could see the voice from moments ago wasn't his, "A-Are you alright!?" Sora asked while Naruto's wide eyes stared emptily into space. He did his best to help him up, "Let me get you to your bed, okay. Just take it easy." He hooked one of the blond boy's arms around his shoulders and carried him to his bed.

"Where..." Naruto coughed, finally feeling how parched his throat was.

"Don't talk." Said Kairi, grabbing a bottle of water with a straw, "Here, drink up."

He did as told, greedily emptying the bottle in seconds, "Phew!" he wheezed slightly, glad to have hydrated himself, "What...Where am I?" he asked as Sora set him on the bed.

Kairi sat down beside him, her friend standing next to her, "It's the hospital. You're at Destiny Islands."

Sora continued, "And you were...out for a while."

Gulping the lump in his throat first, the blond asked, "How long...?"

He tried to prepare himself for the answer, which Kairi cautiously gave him, "Two months, give or take."

"Then...I...I lost." He said somberly, gripping his blankets, "I couldn't beat him...I couldn't see if everyone was safe. Dammit..."

Grinding his teeth, he felt ready to do anything. He wanted to be mad. He wanted to break something. He wanted to scream about how much of a bastard the one who tried to murder him in cold blood was. For a moment, it would've been the case had the two before him not tried.

"Don't say that until you see it!" Sora shouted, shattering the dark cloud over Naruto.

"Huh...?" he had never seen someone be like that or try so hard for him.

"Listen, you came from another world, right?" the brunet asked, fists up as if ready to fight, "Then, maybe we can help you get back!"

Eyes wide, Naruto gaped, "What, really!?" he looked at the other boy hopefully.

Sora nodded, trying to look serious, "It's not going to be easy, and we...well, we don't know where we'll go, but we want to try!" he didn't want the other boy to be depressed, "So, please, let us help you get back home and then you can see for yourself!"

"But...I don't...even know you." Naruto didn't know if the exhaustion, the awkwardness of the situation or both made him struggle to say that.

"Don't worry." Kairi smiled to reassure him, "If anything, I know what it's like to just...have everything change. Once I first arrived here, it wasn't easy, but..." she grinned and turned to Sora, "If there's one thing we can count on is that Sora here is the kind of guy you'd like to meet first in a new world."

"Is that a compliment?" the brunet asked seriously, rubbing the back of his head.

"As much as it can be." she couldn't help jabbing at him.

"Hey!" Sora pouted like the child he was, which was what Naruto needed.

"Heh..." the two turned to him, smiling as he did, "Hahahah... I..." he smiled, though the expression kept a sad look as he looked own, "Thanks. I needed that."

"You're welcome." Kairi said, and noticed a flower vase to his side, "Oh no, the flowers are almost dead."

As she changed them, Naruto looked at the vase, "Did you...change them often?"

"We've visited you every day, of course we did." Sora replied, then pulled out a bag, "We also got you some food in case hospital food's not your thing."

"You did?" Naruto was shocked by the act of true kindness more than anything else.

"Of course, why wouldn't we?" Kairi said, "We found you like that. Leaving you like that is something we couldn't do no matter what. Just... What happened to you?"

Pondering on the events, Naruto raised a hand to his new scar, voicing what first came from his memories, "I...followed a comrade. He had gone rogue. We had to bring him back, I even promised I would, but..." a sigh found its way out of his mouth, "Enemies forced me and the others to separate. I caught up with him thanks to their sacrifice, but he..." anger hidden in him bubbled out slowly.

Sora watched the way Naruto balled his hands, threatening to cut his palms with his nails, but had to ask, "Did he...do that to you?"

Looking at the scar the brunet's finger was aimed, the blond nodded, "All for power, for vengeance... It's sad how much of an idiot he is, isn't it?" he chuckled bitterly.

Feeling the same anger, Sora shook his head, looking down, "I'd say...pathetic. If he did that to you, no matter what happened, it doesn't make him any less selfish or cruel."

Kairi nodded, "Revenge at the cost of trying to kill you... Whatever he's after, it's not worth that."

"I know." Naruto said, feeling as if a weight was lifted, "But it hurts that I lost to him. I wanted to surpass him, prove everyone I can be better..."

"Then call for a rematch." Sora said, and then slammed his fist into his palm, "And if you need help, count me in." He beamed, and that action alone caused Naruto to chuckle. Something about that enthusiasm, even if Sora could be weaker than him, felt welcomed. There was genuine heart in the boy.

"I see you're up." Naruto turned his head, a silver haired boy walking in with a nod of greeting, "You were out for a while, I'm glad to see you're up and moving about with no problems."

The blond blinked slowly before he asked, "And you are?"

"Riku. I see you've met Sora and Kairi. And yes, our names do mean what they sound like. Land. Sky. Ocean." He chuckled.

Naruto laughed to himself, "Someone clearly had fun with naming you when you were all born."

Riku in response gave him a smirk, "Yeah, our parents were weird like that. But what can you do? It's nice to meet you at last. But I'm sure you have a few questions to ask. Ask away, I'll do my best to answer them."

"How long was I out?" Naruto asked him.

The boy gave him an uneasy chuckle. "A couple of months, everyone here took turns taking care of you." He noticed how the boy's eyes widened as did his friends. They gave him space as the information sank in. It certainly explained why he became slim and why his hair was in a messy mop. But it made wishing to go back more.

However, more questions arose, "Then who is everyone beside you three?" He was rather curious about that.

Kairi thought on her answer before he responded, "Well Selphie took care of you." Then she smiled in a teasing way, "She said she thought you were cute."

"R-Really...?" he asked in shock, not sure how to react.

Sora knew what he felt, "Hey, give him a break, he doesn't need the embarrassment."

"Alright, alright..." she conceded, for now. Then she continued, "Sorry, I just wanted to lighten the mood... Anyway, Wakka and Tidus took turns but they weren't too good."

"What kinda names are...?" Naruto paused, he had a lot of questions today. "Actually, doesn't matter. I'm named after a soup ingredient."

Sora chuckled and held out his hand, "Don't worry, you'll get your answers soon enough. Just sit back and relax for now, we'll take care of everything from here."

A pause later, Naruto had an odd question, "Did I...ever say anything in my sleep?" he ruffled his hair, which fell back on his scalp, "I had some weird dream that made no sense."

"Sora's been on that boat for a while." Kairi commented, "But he hasn't said anything, and neither have you."

Curious, Sora asked, "Do you remember anything about it?"

Focusing for a moment, he tried, but, "No... It's all fuzzy... But I think I was fighting."

"Looks like what happened to you affected your mind too." Riku felt concerned, "And those hits to your head probably didn't help either."

"Pretty much..." Naruto fell back into silence, "Um...I can get up. Actually, I want to, but..." he looked at Kairi and then shifted his eyes away, "Uh, where are my clothes?"

"Ok, I see..." Kairi nodded with a polite and patient smile, "I'll leave you guys to handle this."

"What did I miss?" the whiskered boy was concerned.

"It's not like we could've salvaged hem." Sora admitted, rubbing the back of his head, "Also, you grew more than a couple inches, so they wouldn't have fit you."

"Thus, we got you new duds." Riku said as he picked a bag they kept under the bed, "We figured we'd get you something nice."

"I-I see..." Naruto was shocked, "I've...never gotten an actual gift like this..."

"Sounds like your world must be pretty harsh, then." Riku commented softly, feeling pity.

"Life is." Naruto said as he remembered a moment of his past he'd never forget. He watched the old man put the money and leave without much said, just telling him to not waste it as the then six-years-old was left to live on his own. He didn't get any comfort afterwards, but it was the hand he was dealt in life, and he wasn't quitting the game easily.

"Sorry if we touched a nerve, and if it's not your style." Riku tried to joke but felt awful soon after.

"Actually, I'm just really relieved someone would do this." Naruto looked at the bag's contents, "I...I actually feel happy."

"Try it on, then." Sora said ecstatically.

A true if slightly sad smile spread on Naruto's face. Sora and Riku mentally noted that he needed his space, but also a lot of help. They'd talk with Kairi later, but for the time being they had to do something. For that, the two waited for Naruto to put on his new clothes. Once he was done, the whiskered teenager had to ask a simple thing and one single thing.

"Where do you even get clothes like these?" he tugged at the pants.

Frowning for a bit, he examined the clothing. A muscle shirt and a pair of knee-length pants akin to the leg part of Sora's onesie, both black. On his feet were large if oddly comfy and fitting shoes like Sora's but the ones he had were a dark red. He even had black fingerless gloves. Lastly, he was given a dark red jacket similar in design to a kimono, it was even kept in place with two black belts around the waist.

As he examined the long sleeves with a curious eye and then his exposed ankles, Riku asked, "Do you want to change it? I was sure you'd like the color."

"Not on this life!" Naruto replied on instinct, "It's just...I didn't expect such cool clothes since you two dressed so weird."

"Hey!" the other two boys shouted.

On the other side of the door, Kairi was giggling at the exchange, "He's going to fit right in." she smiled with a nostalgic expression, "The day when we're going is coming. I wonder what home's like." Her smile was soon replaced by a sadder expression, "He wants to go back, but do I...?" shaking her head, she decided to sort those thoughts later, "I guess I'll see sooner or later."

STRENGTHEN

MIND

AND

BODY

"This is where I was?" Naruto asked and looked around the beach.

"Yeah, good thing we were here." Riku said, then asked, "How are you feeling so far?"

"Why do you ask?" the blond asked.

The albino put his hands on his hips, "You were in a bed for quite a while. You may have been given the A-OK, but can you hold your own in a fight?"

"What're you talking about? Of course I can." Naruto felt offended he'd be doubted like that.

Grinning, Riku put his hands on his hips, "Let's see if you can back that up." He aimed at the docks where they put their boats on, "There are other kids around. We'll be doing preparations for our ship on the other side of the island. Come see us if you can manage to give them a hard time."

"I'll be there before you know it." Naruto grinned back confidently.

Kairi whispered in his ear, "Riku, are you crazy!?" she exclaimed, worried for the blond.

"Nah, Selphie is not that strong, Wakka may keep him on his toes, and Tidus is still wet behind the ears and more show than punch." He wrapped his arms around his friends for a whispering circle, "Besides, it's a good way to test how much we may have to take care of him. And if he succeeds I'd like a go at him."

"Ah, so that's why." Sora had a knowing grin, "Yeah, I also wanna see what he's made of."

Kairi sighed softly with a smile, "Boys." She then looked the two in the eye, "Alright, but if he gets in trouble, you're responsible."

Giving his friends approving nods, he turned, "Good, now then, good luck Naru... Did he leave already?" the albino looked around.

"Guess he's as impatient as Sora." Kairi commented.

"Let's hope he's not as smart." Riku smirked.

"Oh come on, stop ganging on me you two!" the brunet growled.

As for Naruto, he walked to a brunette in a cute yellow dress. She was holding a skipping rope and stared at the sea, kicking her feet in the air as she sat on the edge. Innocent green eyes turned to him in surprise, which was soon replaced by amusement. Immediately, he felt off. No girl had ever looked at him in such a way. He could take the other three trying to help him, but a total stranger escaped his comprehension.

"You're up!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet, "Hiya, name's Selphie. Yours is Naruto, right?"

"Uh, yeah." He was caught off guard by such positive energy aimed his way. Normally girls shunned him like a plague.

"You're even cuter awake." She giggled at his reaction, adoring his reddening cheeks, "So, how's everything so far? Place is small but nice, right?"

"It is... Um, do I have something on my face? You've been staring at me for a while." He felt confused by such an action.

Beaming, she shook her head, "Nope, it's just that I wanted to meet you. Nice to do so, by the way."

"Girls here are way too weird." He muttered under his breath, "Anyway... I actually feel bad saying this, but I was told I could fight y-"

"Oh, you wanna tussle?" she giggled trying to put on a tough voice, "Sure, but don't hold back!" she grabbed her rope, shocking him.

"You're fighting me with a toy?"

"Last I recall, it stings if it hits you." She beamed again.

Rubbing the back of his head, the blond got into a practiced stance, crossing his fingers, "Let's see if I still have it." Selphie cocked an eyebrow, "Sorry, but I'm putting you down quick and easy since you're cute."

Selphie giggled, "Why thank you!"

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

His battle cry was accompanied by the wind and the waves to shatter the awkward silence before Selphie did so, "Uh, you okay?"

Everything paused in the boy's mind, "What...?" a question that took five seconds to come out of his mouth.

Keeping her grin, the girl whipped her rope like a lasso, "Well, if you're showing respect with those words, I'm not pulling back any punches!"

Given a second to react, the blond rolled to the side to dodge, "Dammit, what just- Whoa!" he yelped as the girl started swinging her rope over her head, spinning it around. It made her predictable, but it wasn't a trick he wanted to be on the receiving end of, "Grr, can't let her beat me either way." He noticed a wooden sword someone left abandoned on the beach, which he immediately jumped to.

Rolling on the ground once he grabbed it, he took a look at it. It was four feet long and despite being made to look like a claymore it was basically a long stick. He wondered who made it or why it'd be thrown there. Luckily, Selphie was there to explain as the blond held the large wooden sword to his side singlehandedly without much trouble despite it being too long to do so.

"I thought Sora got rid of that." She smiled, "Seems to suit you better."

"Why would he make this?" he finally questioned.

"He wanted to impress Kairi but trying to wield such a weapon was impractical, resulting in a defeat against Riku." She had an innocent grin, but it almost felt like Sora was being mocked.

"Looks like I'll be keeping it, then." He said as the girl got ready for more.

"You ready?" She whipped at him again, but Naruto was prepared. Swinging the large wooden sword upwards, he connected a hit against the end of her skipping rope. Selphie yelped and went wide-eyed when her body was wrapped in it. Her swinging arm was up and her legs had a hard time keeping her up. Naruto felt true pity for a change.

"Sorry." He said and tried to help her out.

"No, it's fine, that was fun!" and was immediately surprised at how cheerful the girl was, "I'm not that strong, but it was amazing to see you do that." She looked at her predicament as it was in the middle of being removed of her body, "Hmm, perhaps if I used a shorter rope... Oh, oh, I know, nunchakus!"

Naruto sweated nervously at her reaction, "You're one weird girl..."

"But I'm cute, right?" he was caught off guard once again.

"Oh, yeah..." he replied awkwardly.

"Well, try and check out Wakka since you beat me. He's the redhead with the mother of all cowlicks." She beamed at the end.

"I know I tend to be rude, but that was..." he sighed and decided to go see the guy. Once he met a teen around his age with a blue headband, yellow pants, and a sleeveless white tee, he agreed, "Guess she wasn't exaggerating." He walked to the guy, hefting his new sword on his shoulder as thoughts crossed his mind, 'Still, what happened back there? Is my chakra off? Maybe if I fight I can wake it up.'

"Yo, you awake at last, ya?" the red-haired boy asked with a Jamaican accent.

"I had to get up sooner or later." The blond replied, "Anyway, Selphie tells me you're up for a fight."

"Heh, did she, man?" the boy kicked up a white volleyball with blue streaks, "Then show me your stuff!"

Plain and simple straight to the point action, Naruto didn't complain. He took his stance and raced at the boy as the volleyball landed in Wakka's hand. To his surprise, the boy spun around quickly to smash the ball against Naruto's swing, pushing him back. Then, he threw it with all his might, forcing the backpedaling Naruto to lift the wooden blade to block it.

The redhead smirked as the ball bounced back to him, which he caught midair before bringing it back, pulling the volleyball behind his head, "Tenten could take lessons from this guy." He knew the weapon girl had a bigger winning chance, but she'd be interested in throwing spiked balls like that.

"Take this!" Wakka shouted, launching the ball like a cannon.

Bringing up the wooden sword with both hands, Naruto held it with the tip up, dug his feet into the ground, and swung with all his might like a star batman. Like a good homerun miracle boy, he made it fly as if it were a rocket. Unlike professional baseball players, he aimed for a shocked and still midair Wakka, whose gut absorbed the shot that sent him crashing down.

Naruto actually grew worried, "Hey, you okay?"

"Ugh...yeah. Man, you hit real hard." He grinned and got up, holding his gut, "If you want another challenge, Tidus is over there."

After a curt nod, the blond met another blond. Blue eyes, a mop divided at the middle, and tan skin. He could've been Naruto's lost brother. He wore a yellow jacket with short white sleeves which he had opened to reveal his chest, a pair of black shorts, and sandals. When the whiskered boy arrived, Tidus stopped practicing a wide swing with a red bo staff and turned to him.

"Hey, you're Naru, right?" the slimmer than usual blond sighed at the question.

"Naruto." He corrected with a groan, "Anyway, Wakka told me you'd give me a challenge."

Tidus grinned, "You may be tough, but I wouldn't be that confident with Riku around. Last time, he went against Selphie, Wakka and me and he floored us. Just yesterday Sora managed to do so too, but Riku didn't even break a sweat on his first time."

Making a brief mental note, the blond told himself, 'I should try and see if fighting those two wakes up my chakra.'

Rolling his sword in his hand, he prepared as did Riku, "Hope you're ready for a bruising!"

"Same to you." Naruto said with a smirk.

Running at him, the staff wielder did something he didn't expect, flip backwards. Naruto brought up his own weapon to block the strike, pedaling backwards mostly from the shock. He took a more relaxed stance a second later, giving Tidus enough distance for his next trick. Grinning widely, the other boy jumped at him, spinning in the air with his staff at the ready.

Bringing up his sword once again, keeping it parallel to the sandy ground with a hand on the wooden blade, Naruto blocked the strike and pushed Tidus back. Knowing enough on how to fight, Naruto didn't let up, he raced at Tidus as the other boy did the same. Tidus swung widely, but to an experienced fighter that was an opening. Using his wooden sword as a shield, Naruto pressed it against his exposed side.

It worked, blocking Tidus' attack dead on its track and leaving him defenseless as Naruto dashed forward. He swung at the other kid's side, making him wince before swinging at the other. Then, he held the handle with both hands, striking the boy in the gut with that strike. And for the finale, the whiskered boy spun around and brought his weapon upwards, smashing his opponent on the head.

"Ow, ow, ow! Alright! You made your point!" Tidus winced as he held his head.

"Good, so..." he looked at the other side of the beach, remembering what Riku instructed him to do.

Before he could go, he heard Wakka's voice, "Yo!" Naruto turned, baffled as he saw Selphie back with her jumping rope. "You had fun beating us, but never get the idea the home team goes down easy."

Selphie smiled cheerfully, "Yup, it's round 2. If you're worried, don't be. Riku must want to see if you're strong, same as us."

Tidus grinned and ignored the pain, "Sounds like fun."

Naruto was surrounded by the three, grinning as he rolled his shoulders, "Good." He swung his weapon to his side, "I need to get the rust off, so don't hold back."

"You bet!" Selphie cheered.

"This is it!" Wakka chuckled.

"Let's see if you make it to the top three." Tidus chuckled.

As one, the trio jumped to surround Naruto, keeping him in a triangular perimeter with all three as the axis. Selphie jumped, swinging her rope. Tidus flipped forward, staff ready. Wakka reared back his body for his best shot. And they all hit nothing but air. Selphie had kept her eyes on the blond and gaped when seeing him over ten feet in the air with his wooden sword ready.

"He can fly!" she choked out.

"Nope, I just jump good!" Naruto cheered before bringing down his sword on her. Selphie let out a yelp and leapt back, but he was quick to give chase and, with his weapon still on the floor, tripped her. He didn't want to hurt her, so he swept her off her feet with the motion, leaving her to fall on her behind with an adorable squeal.

Wakka had retrieved his ball, and smirked, "Tidus, let's try and get him to play ball, ya?"

"After we finish this." The staff wielder said.

The redhead started to run around Naruto to find a good shot, while Tidus went right for the attack. He jumped forward, staff reared back. Being trained and having fought more experienced fighters, Naruto's feet glided to the boy over the sand, dashing to strike him in the gut. To his credit, Tidus jumped back to his feet after rolling on his back twice before attacking once again.

Naruto didn't ignore Wakka either and rolled to the side when hearing his volleyball come for his head. It smashed on a palm tree and bounced back to the boy. The redhead jumped up with both arms reared back, the ball held tight in his hands. Seeing Naruto on the ground and with Tidus about to strike, he thought it'd be a good chance to smash his head with his odd weapon.

But as he felt on his back and saw Tidus before him, Naruto's leg kicked up, stopping the staff from connecting with his head. Tidus gave a yelp and stumbled back, the force nearly knocking his weapon off his hand and into his face. Quickly pushing himself, Naruto got up and avoided the projectile which, somehow, bounced off the sand and into a wall then back to Wakka's hand.

"I know a girl who'd love to know that trick." He said offhandedly.

Wakka grinned, "She cute?"

"Bit of a tomboy, not very fuzzy either." He remarked with a shrug.

"Gotcha!" Tidus shouted as he went at Naruto's side for his forward flip attack.

Dashing to the side, Naruto still got hit on the side. Grunting, he focused again as the boy went for another strike and got him on the gut. Feeling angry at himself for his mistake, he responded to Tidus' third strike by stopping it with a side-kick to the kid's gut. It sent Tidus crashing against a tree and then falling flat on his face. For a moment, Naruto felt himself worked up, but breathing deeply calmed him.

"Whoa...I, uh, I give up, man." Wakka said slightly stunned by what he saw. Not sure if it was awe or fear that the newcomer was mad.

"Good... At least I know I'm rusty." Naruto's breath evened at last.

Wakka's eyes widened, "You mean you're stronger than this!?"

"Cool..." Selphie whispered.

"And I've got to get stronger," he stated with a calmer demeanor. 'Because if I find that bastard again I'm gonna win.'

Rage started to grow in him. Anger from his loss started to flourish. Remembering those cold eyes as the owner tried to take his life. It boiled his blood how indifferent and unfeeling the guy was. How, after he and others did to help him the guy spat on that for revenge. And as he thought on it, he felt a voice enter his mind.

Melodic and soothing, it came, "What he did cannot be forgiven."

Going wide-eyed, he looked around in shock, "Did you guys hear that?"

"Do you have something ringing in your head?" Selphie asked worriedly, "Maybe you should head back to the hospital."

"N-No, I'm fine..." he sighed, "Maybe it was my mind."

"Well, take care." Wakka said as he carried Tidus on his back, grinning, "And if you feel like playing another game, give Tidus and I a call."

"I'll think on it, for now I better find the others."

Selphie giggled, waving goodbye with a smile, "It sure was fun to fight you. Take care."

"Yeah..." the uneasy red-clad boy answered.

THOSE

WHO

WIELD

LIGHT

AND

DARKNESS

FACE

BATTLE

Arriving at the cove where Sora was carrying two logs towards a raft, the blond stared at him while Kairi and Riku set a large cloth as the ship's sail. It looked sturdy enough and like it had some thought put into the core elements. Part of him wondered if they were truly that desperate to go to other worlds. However, he had reasons to go with them.

"Look who's here." Riku grinned, waving at him, "So, how does it look?"

"Like something I'd never be able to do on my own." Naruto replied, ruffling his hair which immediately fell limply on his scalp. "I'm glad you didn't ask me for help, I'd possibly mess this up." He chuckled when an array of bad memories came to him. Laughs and mocking from other students due to his failures, adults sneering at his every turn, and teachers not even putting effort in their work.

"Want us to teach you?" Sora asked, surprising the blond.

"You would?"

"Sure, the more the merrier, and..." he handed the blond the log, "...we'd get it done faster."

Despite the fact he was given chores to do, he couldn't contain his joy, "Count me in!" he didn't remember the last time someone smiled or was willing to teach him something in such a friendly way. Nor could his memories show him an occasion where any new acquaintance would accept him so eagerly.

"Well, Riku's done, but Sora could use your help for a bit." Kairi told them, "We need more rope and a few more logs for you, our new crewmate."

"Alright, how many?" Naruto asked eager to help.

"Three more and a new rope should do it." Riku told them, "Now get going you two."

The two boys did as told, though Sora decided to make some conversation, "So, how're you liking Destiny Islands?"

"It's...very different from home, but not bad." Naruto smiled at the distance when seeing Tidus, Wakka and Selphie on their boats back to the mainland. "Not bad at all."

"Man, I really wanna see your world, then." Sora beamed, "I want to see all the worlds."

"See them all..." Naruto echoed, arms crossed, "You know, back in my world, I barely got out of my village. I'm not sure how good a guide I'd be there."

"Let's worry when we get there." Sora chuckled, "After all, part of the fun's getting to new places on your own, right?"

"I guess so." He and Sora got to work, quickly getting what they needed, "About what you want, is your dream really to see all worlds?"

Sora nodded, "Why not? Living a life seeing everything in the world sounds fun. What about you?"

"Me?" Naruto thought on it for a bit, "I...want people to acknowledge me. To have them be unable to deny how strong and cool I am regardless of who or what I am." He grinned as his thumb was aimed at his face, "Forever being in history by leaving my mark on it as the greatest in this and all worlds so no one denies Naruto Uzumaki lived."

"Wow, sounds like you got far more ambition than I first believed." Sora chuckled, "Cool, because I'd love to see how strong you are."

Grinning, Naruto set down his items as Sora did the same, the two pulling out their wooden swords, "Good, because I wasn't sure when to ask."

"Is that...?" Sora briefly recognized his sword, but shook his head, "Alright, let's see what you got!" he took and odd and even amateurish but practiced stance, definitely self-taught. He kept his feet wide apart, his hands gripped his sword at his waist level, and kept his weapon at his side.

"You've trained in sword fighting?" Naruto asked, holding his sword at his side loosely. He slowly lifted it up, holding it in a double handed grip. Something about Sora let him know he'd need to fight more seriously, "I always wanted to, but I was never any good."

"Yeah! I'm self-taught, but Riku says my technique leaves a lot to be desired. Says the guy who taught himself how to fight via books!" Sora said, making Naruto grin at him.

"You hate book learning too, huh?"

Sora gave him an excited nod, already prepared and ready to fight, "We can talk later! Fighting now!"

He ran forward like a wild bull, all speed and no style, leaping up and striking at him from above in a manner all too similar to a fighter who used pure Instinct rather than training. Naruto in response stepped back several paces, warily watching the youth who landed down in a crouch. Sora got up, then charged him down, striking repeatedly and with haphazard strikes. Despite the seeming randomness of his blows, he was powerful, fast, and was capable of fighting with surprisingly quick skill.

He was rapidly getting used to Naruto's way of fighting, and it became clear to the blond that the two were in fact equal in terms of strength. His blood began pumping, and he felt a grin come to his face. Sora was a guy after his own heart. The two ended up in a stalemate, both refusing to give an inch... Until Naruto started to push back Sora. Seeing the difference in strength, the brunet jumped back.

The two clashed again, Sora surprising Naruto with an improved trick. The boy spun around as he charged, slashing wildly with his toy weapon. Naruto had to block once again, pushing against the attack by using a combination of his weight on his right arm and shoulder against his own sword. Sora staggered back, wide-open for Naruto to attempt to stab him.

Reacting quick, the boy jumped high in the air, landing behind Naruto and targeting him quickly. Noticing what little defense he had, the blond turned around fast and wooden blades smacked loudly. The two boys flashed each other a grin and returned fighting. Going on the offensive, it was surprising how Sora could parry or stop attacks by swinging his sword at them while Naruto didn't lose his footing.

Even more surprising was when Sora managed to get some hits. However, he did so after Naruto landed more than a few strikes of his own. Inexperienced as he was in swordplay, he knew his way around fights. If Sora was self-taught, then it was scary how he responded and adapted to everything. Amateurs in an art of battle, but willing to improve themselves with each swing of the sword.

Alas, everything had to come to an end, so when a panting Naruto held his sword with both hands while charging and Sora leapt at him, they had to be stopped, "Hey!" Kairi called their attention, regretting it. The moment their eyes landed on her, the two hit each other. Sora's sword smacked Naruto on the head, and the blond's sunk its tip in the brunet's stomach.

The two rolling on the ground in pain amused Riku, "So, he's at least strong enough to give Sora a run for his money."

"Kairi, you got the worst timing ever..." Sora groaned, trying not to lose his lunch. "I was about to win."

"No way!" Naruto exclaimed as he sat up, grinning with a fist up, "Last I recall, I landed more hits!"

Sora beamed, "Oh yeah, what does that say when mine started to slow you down?"

Kairi giggled, "Are you sure you're not lost brothers?"

Both blue-eyed teens turned to her in shock, "That'd be weird." They said in unison, turning to each other the next second before a burst of laughter echoed in the island.

As the four teens enjoyed their time together and went back to work, Naruto felt at ease. He wanted to fight Riku, but also wanted to do so when he was more than ready to tackle such a thing. For now, he helped the trio with their raft. Easier said than done, though. Having no carpentry expertise or an idea on how to work in any type of construction did slow things down.

"Okay, just tighten it." Riku said on the other side of the raft, the two aligning the mast with rope.

"Like this?" Naruto asked.

The albino nodded, "Yeah, just go slower..." he said, but Naruto gripped harder, "Wait, wait, slower!" he yelled, but it was too late.

In an impressive and horrifying show of strength, Naruto pulled the mast so hard it snapped in two. Fear crept on his face as it landed hard on the ground. Sora and Kairi gasped and got up from the floor both had been preparing. Guilt soon filled Naruto's stomach with dread, twisting it uncomfortably and even painfully. To see the people who helped him look at what he did in shock felt agonizing.

They had just accepted him, and his thoughts summed what he felt, 'I...I messed up.'

Looking at him, Riku crossed his arms and Naruto winced, expecting to be yelled at, but not his next words, "Okay, looks like that mast wasn't good enough."

Blinking owlishly, Naruto asked, "W-Wait, you're not mad?"

"Well, yes, a bit." Riku shrugged, "But then again, if you broke the mast like this, it wasn't good enough. Besides, you were just learning how to do this."

"Let's see how to fix this, then." Kairi offered, "This time we'll have to find a proper log for the mast."

Sora groaned a bit at the idea, "It was a pain to carry the last one, but it can't be a ship without it, right?"

Naruto stared at them in awe, Riku speaking, "Hey, are you going to keep looking at us or give us a hand?" he smiled and extended a hand, "Come on, at least you tried and no one was hurt. If you want to make it up for us, just try harder next time."

Not once had anyone ever said that to him, or been that nice when he messed up. Feeling such joy made the blond smile more than usual, "Yes, let's go!"

Kairi smiled, 'I see, he's not used to smiling. Guess he really needed to meet people like Sora and Riku.' Then, she wondered, 'Although, to be so happy for that. What kind of life did he have?'

The group knew he had quite a rough time. An understatement after hearing someone tried to kill him. But they wanted to be there for him. After all, he was becoming a good friend of theirs.

ARE

THESE

FEELINGS

TRUE

OR

PART

OF

A

DREAM

?

X-X-X-X-X

And that's my rap!

Again, sorry to everyone who was so far along this story. Now, some warnings about differences between this fic and the previous version:

1. As you can see, yes, the story will detail what the other one failed to, but I'll try to not take too long and keep it short and simple.

2. I won't be using Steven Universe. While I want to like the show, some of the changes and how it tries to juggle too many things at once makes it hard to do so. Sorry to those who liked to see Steven, but he will not be here. Meaning...

3. Naruto's party will change from the previous version. While some will remain, not all of them will be there and I will try to keep it short and simple.

4. I will try to not make things as convoluted as before so this doesn't feel like a drag to reread.

Now, some words from my friend, The Lord Of Pages.

Beta's Notes: Heyo gang! It's me, your friendly neighborhood The Lord Of Pages, tired and busy with school work but trucking along. I was called in to help my big bro beta his revamped Kingdom Hearts story. Sad that the data got corrupted when we were so far in, but hopefully we'll be able to impress you all with this new rendition and make you laugh, smile, and groan once more at what we do with this one. I'll leave it to my big bro to give you all his thoughts on us redoing this story, because it was one we did have a lot of fun and heart in making. I'm glad to be helping him as always, and right now as I write this I really need some sleep. So I'll just say this to close my notes. So long, farewell, until we meet again!

Swordslinger out!