The Beginning

A dark cloaked figure stood on the smaller beach, observing the larger island not too far from in the distance. He stood there for a long while; he had a nostalgic feeling, yet, claustrophobic. Turning away, he concentrated instead on the strangely curved tree, the same one from his childhood. Everything was the same. Not a thing out-of-place from his old memories.

"There, you see? An empty world... like a prison. You should feel right at home." The man laid a body wrapped in a white blanket on the tree. The waves continued calmly crashing as they always did. The wind continued blowing. From far away, one might mistake the white blanket blowing in the wind as a ghost; they would not be far from the truth.

The boy stared blankly at the ground below him. Unfeeling. Unmoving. His tired consciousness began slipping away as he closed his eyes. He did not register the uncomfortable surface for which his body laid. Everything turned dark. He saw nothing. He had no thoughts, no fears, no happiness, no warmth. He felt cold? No.. he felt too hot, he felt like he was burning from the inside. He stayed like that, fading more and more, but he heard something.

"Where am I?" He heard a voice say, or did he? He did not recognize an actual voice… he… felt it? Was that possible?

"Who's there?" The boy inquired, a new curiosity forming in the blank canvas of his mind. A bright light appeared in his darkness, sparkling brilliantly as it grew closer and closer. The boy fell; the surface did not grow closer, rather, he was falling towards it. His body felt like it hit a pool of water and continued to fall into oblivion. Can you fall so quickly in water, he wondered.

The blanket around him dissolved into bright bubbles, leaving him shirtless. The cold replaced the heat at first, but the farther he fell, the warmer he grew, but this warmth did not burn him.

The brightness came even closer now, he pondered why. He opened his eyes, gracefully landing on a large disk of light. He looked around, still dazed, yet not confused. He did nothing, but eventually the voice spoke again.

"I am ….a young heart... only a few years old." Again, he did not hear the voice, yet it was a clear as a bell. He simply felt it.

"But this is..." The boy trailed off, he knew where he was. "Why are you in my heart?", He questioned. He could not recall why he was here, but this was his heart. The structure stood broken, empty, and blank, like he felt. He waited a short pause before the voice returned.

"The light brought me... I saw it shining in the distance... I followed it here" The boy listened, bringing his hand to his heart in realization.

"... Yes... that is my light." The boy slowly looked to the edge of the platform he stood on, taking in the large fractured that marred the once complete structure. "But... my heart is fractured." It looked as though someone hammered at it before finally ripping a piece of it away. The edge of the platform was jagged and cracked. Smaller pebbles slowly crumbled away, falling into oblivion piece by piece. He did not have much time left. "But now... the little I have left is slipping away."

Silence filled the space for a while before the voice spoke. "Then, you should join your heart with mine."

"Huh?" The boy hardly reacted at all. He stared blankly at the platform below him. It began to glow even brighter, if that were possible. The jagged broken area filled in with pure light.

"Now, our hearts have touched." The voice explained. The area blinked brightly in completion. "Nothing else will slip away." The boy looked up into the empty dark space around his platform; he listened silently, hand still placed on his bare chest. "And one day... you'll be strong enough to win back the part that you already lost."

"...Right... thanks." The boy answered, his voice less empty as the littlest of emotion returned. He closed his eyes, fisting the hand on his chest. He felt more like himself, although he did not remember how he felt originally.

"It's time to wake up now." The boy's vision became dark again, but it did not feel as dark and empty as before. The voice spoke, "All we need to do is... "

"Open the door." The boy spoke aloud, for the first time actually hearing the voice align with his. The surface of the platform glowed brilliantly again, slowly shattering into thin fragments as an image of himself appeared on the stained glass surface. The previously empty white canvas revealed a stained glass illustration. It reflected the self he did remember, the one empty of important memories and ideals that were dear to him.

The black-coated figure stood silently, observing the empty body before him. He assumed he had faded into nothing after all. Disappointed, he slowly walked away, ignoring the familiar beaches and oceans around him. His mind concentrated on other things, planning plans B, C, and D. The first had not failed completely, but it was impossible continue with it now.

He stopped when heard rustling from behind him. He turned and stood there in awe, observing raised hand of the boy, summoning a keyblade.

Ventus woke with a start. The alarm buzzed next to him. He tiredly sat up with a stretch and a yawn. He sat there for a moment, trying to recall his dream. Sadly, like many other dreams, the details evaded his memory fading away faster by the second. He reached for the old bell alarm to off the switch .

Soon enough, the smallest sense of familiarity returned. The sky he remembered gazing into and the sand he recalled observing, it all made sense. Ven dreamt of his home, Destiny Island. Certain someones birthdays were coming, no wonder he dreamt about home. Soon, he would be able to see them again.

Smiling, Ven got out of bed and dressed. He had to prove to Master Eraqus that he would be prepared to visit home again, so it was only logical to train extra hard.

Two children slept peacefully in their beds that were only a foot apart. The room had blue painted walls and red colored decor. Littered on the floor were various toys and untidy clothes that the children neglected to clean the previous days. Morning had come. Light poured into the window, ebbing young Roxas away from sleep.

One of the young boys tried uselessly to block the sun from his eyes, going as far to put a pillow over his face, but it was too late. He sat up, rubbing the remaining sleep from his eyes. The smell of breakfast chased the rest of sleep away. Roxas turned his attention to his sleeping brother, seeing the sun had not yet awoken him from slumber. Childish jealousy filled his sleepy body, why did Sora's bed get to be farther from the window?

"Sora, wake up. It's morning and mom's making breakfast." Roxas slipped out of bed, stepping to his brother's bedside. The other boy did not stir from his sleep, continuing to snore lightly.

"Sora." Roxas tried, shaking Sora in an attempt to wake him. Refusing to wake, Sora turned away from Roxas, pulling his blankets tighter to his body. Roxas huffed he did not like being ignored. Not waiting any longer, Roxas dressed himself, heading to the kitchen to eat breakfast without his sleepy brother.

"Good morning." Their mother had already set the table. She glanced over, finding only one of her sons. "Where is your brother?" She questioned. She did not really have to ask, Sora was not an easy child to wake.

"He wouldn't wake up, so I left him alone." His mother smiled, giving him a soft pat on the head. He smiled in return, taking his places at the table.

"Well, since you woke up first, you get the extra piece of bacon." Roxas cheered as she set another piece on his plate. The sound of rushing footsteps filled the small, but cozy home. The sound was not a mystery for long; a half dressed Sora came skidding into the kitchen.

Sora pouted, "Why does he get the extra bacon?" He crossed his arms and their mother sighed. She came to him, twisting shirt on properly and to putting his legs in the correct holes.

"Remember when I said, 'The early bird catches the worm'? Well today, Roxas caught the extra piece of bacon. Maybe you'll wake up first next time. Now come on, eat your breakfast." She pulled out the chair for him and placed his plate next to his brother. Sora took his seat, no longer pouting, but still disappointed.

The twins ate their meal and finished preparing for the day before heading out to play. A few of the local island boys planned an important battle royale for today. The grand prize was complete bragging rights for a few days. If you defeated everyone, you were fighting king.

"Be home by sunset!" Their mother called, watching them race down the sandy sidewalk. Neither of the boys responded, but they understood well. It would take no time for them to arrive to the Small Island located off the shore due to how small the islands were.

They ran along the sandy path, eventually spotting a familiar head of red hair walking to the deck, as they were. They also noticed a head of unfamiliar blond hair accompanying her. The boys stopped in their tracks, staring ahead in curiosity.

"Is that Kairi?" Sora commented, followed by Roxas nodding in confirmation. "Who is that other girl?" He inquired soon after, but Roxas only responded with an unsure shrug.

"I dunno... never seen her." It was not everyday someone new appeared on the island. They glance at each other, no harm in finding out whom this mystery person was. They caught up to the girls, skidding to a stop when Kairi turned to greet them.

Kairi crossed her arms, fixating stern eyes on the boys. "Roxas, Sora, you aren't on Small Island yet? You're going to be late!" Kairi did not appear fazed by the blond girl standing next to her. The girl had light blue eyes and blond hair, a lighter shade than Roxas's. She shared Kairi's height and wore a simple white dress with small stars decorating the bottom.

She stood behind Kairi, peeking around her to observe the two boys.

"Who is the new girl Kairi?"

"This is my cousin Naminé." She answered. "She's not from here. She's from far away, like me." It is well known to the children that Kairi came from somewhere else as well. She often told them stories of her old home. She described what it was like, all of it still fresh in her young memories. "She's staying with me at my Aunt and Uncle's house."

"Nice to meet ya." Roxas greeted with a smile, Sora 's head bobbed in agreement with his brother. Naminé said nothing. She held a small notebook tightly to her chest, but smiled in return. "Come on, we still have to get to the battle before they start without us!"

Together, they rushed to the pier, sparing a wave to the coast guard. He ensured the children and other sailors made it safely to the surrounding smaller islands of Destiny Island. The boys took their shared boat and pushed it into the water with little trouble.

"We're here!" Sora announced, arriving at the dock of the smaller island. He ran to the group of boys around his age, leaving Roxas to tie up the boat. Riku glanced at the approaching group, but noted the new girl walking behind Kairi.

"Who is that?" Riku questioned. "Is she from another world too Kairi?" Kairi nodded, stepping next to Naminé.

"You're quick Riku! She's my cousin Naminé. She's living with me now."

"Why?" Riku's interests in other worlds fueled his desire to adventure and explore, something islands did not have much of. Naminé remained silent, shyly stepping behind Kairi again. Kairi shrugged, unsure how to answer. Although Riku wanted to hear more, he decided he would ask another time.

A tall boy stepped forward, drawing the attention of everyone around him. Although he curious about the new girl, his patience ran thin. "Shouldn't we be starting the duel now? Sora and Roxas were already late." He easily juggled a ball in one hand, eyeing the twins. Sora sheepishly rubbed his head, looking away.

"Can I join in?" Eyes and attention returned to Kairi, it was impossible to miss her eager expression. "Look." She continued, reaching around and pulling out a large stick. "I found this stick on the way to use as a weapon. I think I'd be good competition." The area grew silent. Everyone observed the stick that would split into pieces after one whack. A few children laughed, she would not last long with that.

Angry from the laughing response, Kairi stormed away with a huff, Naminé followed closely.

Hours passed. The children fought each other one on one in a tournament style battle organized by Riku. Riku claimed winner once again, disappointing everyone once more. A few children demanded another battle and rematches, but Riku rejected any rematches for the day.

"We should go home before the coast guard leaves." Riku instructed, placing the winner shell into his pocket. A real trophy was way too costly for them to afford. Many spared each other glances, hesitant to leave, but eventually agreed.

The walk home was the same as usual; most of them lived on the same street on the main island. "We'll see you guys tomorrow." Kairi announced, stopping at the mayor's home. The mayor was Kairi's Uncle and she lived in one of the largest homes on the block. She waved goodbye, walking towards the humble home with Naminé in tow.

"Wait!" Sora called out, stopping the girls in their tracks. "Can we borrow a storybook again for bedtime? You have all the cool books." Long ago, Kairi explained that her old home had a large library with all sorts of books for her to read and for her Grandmother to read to her. She brought a few with her when she arrived on Destiny Island, which she allowed her friends to borrow from time to time.

"Sure!" She grinned and rushed inside. She returned with a medium sized book tucked safely under her arm. The cover was black with little illustrations. "My grandma used to read me this book and tell me this story all the time. I think you'll like it." She explained. "You guys better take care of it."

"Of course we will." Roxas responded, taking the book.

"Mom, Kairi gave us another book to read." Sora announced, standing calmly as he allowed his mother to pull his pajama shirt over his head.

"She did?" Sora rushed over, grabbing the book from his night table and handing it to her. She looked at the book curiously, taking in its black book cover. "Well, get into bed and I'll read it." They scrambled onto their beds, pulling the covers onto themselves. Anticipation covered their faces. She giggled at their enthusiasm, pulling a chair between them. "Can you read the title?" She questioned, letting them view it.

"Mmm... The Light?" Roxas answered, speaking slowly as he sounded out the syllables. She smiled proudly.

"That's right. You're a great reader Roxas. And I'm sure you won't fall behind either, right Sora?" She smiled as her other son shook his head, he would not give up learning to read better. She turned the book, observing the cover again.

"It's titled, 'The Light'." She could not find an author. She concluded the story might be an old tall tale reprinted for children's enjoyment even with an unknown author. She carefully opened the book, letting her children view the first few pages.

"Long ago, people lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. " The page was full of many figures. They seemed to be people without any discernible features other than smiles. The rest of the page showed a beautiful landscape full of lush trees and green grass with patches of colorful flowers as far as the eye could see.

She flipped the page, the figures from the previous page reached towards a bright light hovering above them. "Everyone loved the light." Their mother turned the page, this image much less friendly than the previous.

"Then people began to fight over it." She read. "They wanted to keep the light for themselves." The figures from before were now facing each other; comical frowns replaced the kind smile. Others were looking and reaching desperately for the light, pushing others away.

"And darkness was born in their hearts. The darkness spread, swallowing the light and many people's hearts." The page had a glossy black finish. Many hearts seemed to fade into the darkness of the page, black wisps appeared to swallow them whole.

"It covered everything, and the world disappeared." The page shown completely black, nothing of the previous light and happiness from the beginning remained. ""But... small fragments of the light survived... in the hearts of children."

On the following page stood a group of children, still colored in white, deeply contrasting the black page behind them. "With these fragments of light, children rebuilt the lost world. It's the world we live in now." The next page pictured small figures, children, reaching out to a ball of light. A sole child held it, as if he were melding their pieces together.

"But the true light sleeps, deep within the darkness, locked away by one special child." The page illustrated a black keyhole, plastered in the middle of the now white page. "That's why the worlds are still scattered, divided from each other. Only he can unlock it."

"Someday, a door to the innermost darkness will open. And the true light will return," the page displayed peaceful scenery complete the green grass, lush trees, and many flowers. It radiated peace and light. "So, listen, children. Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you. Your heart will shine with its power and push the darkness away."

She closed the book, peering at her children. Roxas slept peacefully; Sora well on his way. She smiled, tucking them into gently and gracing their foreheads with soft kisses. "Good night, sleep tight." She placed the book on night table, leaving the room. She glanced over to make sure they were still sleeping, leaving all but a crack in the doorway.

End of 'The Beginning'

Last Updated: October 30, 2013

Notes:

Hello everyone! Just a reminder, this is a rewrite of my old (and first) fanfiction for Kingdom Hearts. I've decided to rewrite it for various reasons (said reasons can be found in the latest chapter of the old DIA)

- Cover art by me

- Both of my Beta's are busy. T_T

- As you can see, I changed the dialog a bit for Ven and 'the mysterious voice' at the beginning of the chapter.

- Kairi mysteriously appeared on Destiny Island a little earlier than canon. She is staying with her Uncle and Aunt for the time being. Since her move to DI was recent, she still clearly remembers what it was like. Following real life and normal canon, she won't remember much by the time she is 14.

- I also changed around the story from KH a little for the purpose of the story of course.

- Regular uploads will begin when I have finished writing the whole fic. I expect it to be complete by June/July. Each chapter will be 3000-6000 words each.