Metamorphosis

Riku groaned as he slowly came to, he brushed his hair out of his face squinting as the sun shined brightly in his face. He sat there blinking slowly trying to remember what happened; gradually it came back to him. His men...they had been ambushed and he got hit... they had lost a lot of men...and even worse they had lost the battle and then...that angel had shown up saying he was going to kill him... Riku sighed and buried his face in his hands. A twittering bird flew from the top of a magnificent oak tree and landed on Riku’s shoulder singing beautifully.
“What the hell...” muttered Riku turning and looking at the bird. It was then he saw that his shoulder was bare. Frowning Riku quickly looked down at himself, his eyes widened and he jumped up to see his full body. “Who took my armor?” he said aloud. A chill went down Riku’s spine as the thought that he may have been captured entered his mind. However his thoughts were disrupted when he saw a flicker of movement in the corner of his eye.

Inside a large clump of cherry trees next to the seeming oldest looking one was the largest flower that Riku had ever seen in all his life. It was a delicate pink in color with a soft honey scent emitting from it, it was so large that Riku would easily be able to stand in it. Surrounding the blossom was an electric blue light that was both alluring and incredibly captivating. Riku felt an urge to examine the mystical item before him and thus cautiously he approached the succulent blossom reaching out slowly touching the silk soft peddles. Feeling no pain and seeing no reaction Riku parted the pedals until he came to the center of the flower and what he saw made his very breath hitch in this throat.

/ Beautiful…/ was all that ran through Riku’s mind. It was a boy who looked almost as old as he was, if not a bit younger. He was curled into himself, he had smooth caramel skin, his body was lithe and taut barely covered by a flimsy cloth, bracelets and jewelry hung off of him making him look even more appealing. What caught Riku’s attention the most was the boy’s face, cute pouted lips the color of a rose blossom and the thick lashes that fanned his cheeks. Riku’s eyes moved to the boys back where he stopped and stared , the wings prodding from the boy’s back were shaped like that of a butterfly. “So you are that angel I saw…” The war hardened general almost stopped himself from disrupting the boys blissful slumber but he needed answers and that boy was the only one who could give him any.

Sora moaned fitfully when he felt someone shaking him attempting to rouse him from his sleep. “I’ll be up in a min….just gimme a sec” he muttered before he curled more into himself and began to fall back asleep.

Riku sighed and shook Sora harder “I need you up right now, you don’t have any seconds c’mon you lazy imp wake up already” he growled.

Bright blue eyes shot open at the sound of the unfamiliar voice, Sora sat up quickly knocking the other boy to his ass. Timidly he parted the flower pedals and looked over at Riku, seeing him his eyes widened more and he let an audible gasp. “Oh no…it wasn’t a dream…oh crap…what the hell am I going to do!”

Aqua eyes bore into the other’s head until the sapphire eyes met with his. “What are you talking about? Did you have something to do with what I’m dressed in?” Riku was barely able to control the soldier in him that wanted to grab Sora, tie him to a tree and threaten the answers out of him.

“Sort of … but I know I can fix it…I think….oh no…I’m going to be in so much trouble” Sora muttered as he banged his head against the palm of his hand.

“What’s your name?” Riku asked, he watched as the boy’s wings twitched a bit almost as if he was hesitating to take flight and escape.

The brunette studied Riku carefully searching his eyes and soul for deception or distrust but found none. Letting out a soft sigh he replied “My name is Sora”

“Sora…” Riku repeated, “Sky…that’s what your name means right?”

The fairy prince nodded “So…what’s your name?” he asked.

“Riku” the silver haired one answered promptly.

“Riku….that means land ne?” Sora asked with a tilt of his head. Riku nodded curtly, Sora gave a small smile before trying to get up and out of the flower. “ Well Riku looks like your stuck with me until I can figure out how to fix what I’ve done…I mean I know how to fix it I just need to find the book that can help me out…cause…I don’t want to turn you into a jack ass or something..” Sora rambled as he stumbled out of the delicate bud. A strong arm caught him and steadied him on his feet , Sora had to fight the urge to lean into the arm and cuddle against it. /what am I thinking…I don’t even know this guy/.

“All you have to do to fix this is give me back my armor, how complicated can that be?” Riku asked letting Sora go. Sora was just a few inches shorter then he was and his over all figure was a lot less muscular and defined as his.

“well um….look…” Sora sputtered while motioning to his back.

Riku raised and eyebrow before feeling along his back. His eyes widened when he felt something silky soft , “What in the hell….what’s on my back!” Riku demanded.

“umm…wings” Sora said meekly.

“WHAT!” Riku roared feeling along his back more, he tugged at the weird things prodding from his back harshly. He let out a startled yelp when pain shot through his body. “What in the fucking hells did you do to me!”

Sora flinched slightly “I turned you into a fairy …..it was an accident…I didn’t mean to ….eep!”

The young general had the prince shoved against the tree with both of his hands firmly wrapped around his neck cutting the smaller one’s air supply.

“Turn me back damn it!” Riku growled his eyes flashing a deadly aqua gleam.

Sora made some choking sounds, Riku released him slightly to hear what the other boy was saying “Get your damn hands off of me you asshole!” Sora growled, he pushed against Riku’s chest knocking the other to the floor.

“Well then turn me back!” Riku yelled.

“If I could turn you back don’t you think I would have done it by now!” Sora said throwing his hands up into the air.

“How would I know, I’ve heard that fairies like to take humans captive and keep them as slaves. Your kind make humans believe that there is no way to turn them back!” Riku got up and balled his fists

“That is a load of shit we would never do anything like that!” Sora said clearly shocked

“How do I know your not trying to turn me into a sex slave or something!” Riku said sneering. His eyes glanced at his attire, “Look what you dress me in!”

“WHAT! What the hell makes you think that!” the prince screamed back “what makes you think I would want you huh!”

“I’ve heard stories all the time!” Riku snapped back

“And you’re stupid enough to believe them! God you’re a moron!” Sora rolled his eyes and crossed his arms “I didn’t think humans were that gullible”

“Who are you calling a moron? You’re a damn idiot, even if you are telling the truth how can you be so stupid as to not know how to turn me back then!” Riku countered with a smug smirk

“It’s not as easy as it looks you know! I can’t just say abracadabra-alakazam and poof your back to normal!”

“Why in the hell did you have to mess with me anyways! Why didn’t you just leave me there and minded your own damn business!”

“You would be dead by now if I hadn’t helped you , you are the most ungrateful piece of shit I’ve ever met!” “You’re a piece of shit; you should have let me die! I’m willing to die for my country!”

“Well sorry for helping you!”

“You call turning me into a damn fairy helping me!”

By now both boys were up in each others faces breathing heavily as they bellowed back and forth. For the rest of the day the two sat there yelling back and forth and after a while they got tired of arguing and sat on the floor panting and trying to get their strength back. The darkness of the night began to sweep over the land, Riku got up and started a fire and huddled around it as he glared into the flames. Sora on the other hand stayed away still fuming from their argument, his pulled his wings around himself the best he could and shivered slightly.

“You can share the fire with me, I’m not going to kill you or anything” Riku called to him.

Sora shot him a heated glare over his shoulder “I don’t your damn help human, just leave me alone!”

“Stupid brat” came the grumbled reply. After a while Riku threw in a few more pieces of wood before lying down and curling into himself to keep warm. He heard a slight rustling and looked up to see Sora, the other boy’s lips were blue from the cold and he was shivering terribly. “Come here” Riku said opening his arms.

Sora gave him an odd look “I’m not going to bed with you”

Riku rolled his eyes “God you are an idiot, we can use each others body heat to keep warm”

The other boy glared at him before relenting and coming over slowly. Carefully he lowered himself into Riku’s arms. Riku wrapped his arms around Sora pulling him closer , Sora wrapped his wings around himself as did Riku forming a nice warm layer for the both of them.

“There that’s better then freezing your ass off isn’t it?” Riku murmured into the others ear. Sora was glad that Riku couldn’t see his face that was a bright flaming red as he cuddled more against Riku enjoying the feeling of being to close to someone who didn’t kiss his royal ass all the time.

“Thanks…” Sora muttered as he drifted off to sleep.

Riku held Sora closer noticing the faint scent of sakura on him.

*~*~*~*~

Bleary sea eyes opened slowly as the sun shined brightly into them , he felt weird , glancing down he realized why. The smaller brunette was clinging to him like a teddy bear , his head was resting gently on his chest and his arms were wound tightly around the young general. Riku studied the boy carefully wondering why odd feelings that had long been suppressed were coming out , he did not have long to ponder however , the odd sensation of being watched was nagging at him.
Suddenly out of the bushes something ran out with a loud war cry. Acting upon reflex Riku pulled Sora off of him and grabbed a large stick using it to block the attacker before he effortlessly pinned them down to the floor.

Sora startled awake with a yelp and looked around. When he saw who Riku had pinned down his eyes widened “Gah Riku no! That’s my brother stop!”

Riku looked down at the boy pinned beneath him , he had a messy head of dirty-blonde locks and vibrant blue eyes. With ease he got up and let the other go.

“Tidus what in the world are you doing out here?” Sora cried as he helped his brother up.

“I was looking for you, the whole damn kingdom is looking for you” he replied gruffly. He glanced over at Riku and gave him a once over “You’re pretty good , you have to be a warrior if you were able to catch me by surprise and with a stick no less”

Riku scoffed “You left yourself open and that was nothing . If I had my sword you would be dead right now and it would only be due to reflex not me actually trying.”

Tidus fumed and was about to retort but Sora grabbed his arm “C’mon lets just get back , ignore him .”

“Hey watch it you damn brat” Riku snapped. Sora turned and blew a raspberry before grabbing his bother and walking off into the forest “hey you twit you can’t leave me , you still got to turn me back damn it!” the silver haired boy yelled as he followed Sora and Tidus.

“What on earth are you two talking about?” Tidus asked looking between the two of them.

“This idiot here turned me into a fucking fairy!” Riku yelled as he pointed accusingly at the brunette.

Tidus turned and glared at Sora “You idiot, he’s a human! Why didn’t you say that! We can’t take him back home! Argh Sora what has dad told you about using magic huh? Remember what happened last time, what if we can’t turn this guy back?” he ranted.

Sora looked down at the ground sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to I was only helping him and plus I’m sure dad can turn him back, I didn’t do a complicated spell on him….”

“You are soo dead when we get home! Dad is not going to let you off as easily as he did last time!” Tidus ranted as he began to lead them down long winding paths deep in the forest. “I’m going to tell dad , first you turn a human into a fairy and of all humans you had to pick one that is a trained assassin!”

“I’m a samurai” Riku snapped , he followed Tidus resisting the urge to knock him out and just have Sora show him the way…at least then it would be quiet.

“Tidus please don’t tell dad…I’ll tell him but I’m in enough trouble as it is!” Sora whined tugging on his brother’s arm giving him the full blown puppy dog pouty eyes.

“don’t even start with that Sora , first you run off when you were supposed to meet with your bride and then you come and do this….save the cute looks for father…” Tidus said sticking his nose up in the air and stalking on ahead.

Riku leaned over and whispered into Sora’s ear “Is he always this bossy?”

Sora giggled and nodded “He thinks that just because he can beat me at blitz ball that he’s the first born heir to the throne and can boss me around” he whispered back.

The general smirked and stood strait following the two fairy brothers. They traveled very deep into the forest taking twist and turns that Riku would never had done had he been on his own. When they came to the clearing of circled trees Riku was puzzled, he was expecting a huge grand palace but not a large circle of trees….even if one of them was silver.

The trio came to a stop at the same lovely door that Sora had come out of earlier. Tidus tore the door opened and ran inside “Daaaaaaaaaaddddd! I found Sora!” he yelled.

“Tidus!” Sora yelled back as he ran after him.

Riku blinked watching as his guides ran off before he huffed and followed them the best he could. He didn’t notice the many stares he got while he ran after the pair , many of the fairy folk hissed at him and made symbols in the air to ward off evil spirits. What Riku didn’t know was that black winged fairies were very, very uncommon and often seen as an evil omen to the royal family. Riku followed them until he found the pair, they were both standing up strait and ridged as another older fairy was yelling at them.

“I’ve told you Sora time and time again…don’t use magic unless you know exactly what you are doing!” yelled the older fairy, he had the same messy head of hair identical to Sora’s but his eyes were a lighter blue and not as bright “Do you even know the consequences of what you did can mean for the people? If this human that you turned could beat Tidus with out even trying then imagine what he could do to the rest of us!”

“But dad , he was hurt and I couldn’t leave him there…I’m not just going to sit back while someone or something dies such a painful slow death” Sora yelled back , Riku could see the young fairy was most likely scared out of his wits but he kept on going “You taught me to have mercy on everything! And I know I made a mistake but I’ve sat with him and spoke , all he cares about is getting turned back not taking over our fairy kingdom! He hardly believed what I was, what could make him a threat!”

Tidus turned and glared at his brother “How can you know him so well? You barley met him yesterday! The thing is you turned someone who is very dangerous, not only could he beat me , the leader of the fairy royal army but he is a black winged fairy! He’s dark and you know it!”

Riku quirked an eyebrow looking over at his own wings, so they were black, but he wasn’t evil. With a sigh he moved forward coming before the older fairy showing no fear but respect.

The older fairy king looked down at Riku with cold eyes “Are you the human my son here has turned?”

Riku nodded before bowing “I overheard what you were saying to him and I can assure that I only wish to be turned back. If it helps any I honestly believe that I’m having a rather elaborate dream and I’ll be waking up soon”

The king studied Riku more carefully taking in his black colored wings , “ Tidus grab your sword and fetch one for this man here. I want to see if it is true as what you said about him being able to beat you”

Tidus’ mouth dropped “Are you serious!”

Sora giggled “why not Tidus? You are the leader of the royal fairy army”

With a scowl Tidus left grabbing himself as well as Riku a sword. When he returned he tossed one at the young general before taking his stance and glaring at Riku. “I will not allow another loss, last time I must admit you beat me but that was only because you got me by surprise”

“A warrior who looks for an excuse for his every flaw will remain the loser” Riku said as he took his stance as well.

Tidus fumed before he jumped at Riku with a mighty war cry and launched after Riku. He allowed his anger take over as he swung his sword ruthlessly. Riku watched Tidus focusing his attention , he moved gracefully easily dodging the other boy’s attacks before he began his own set of counterattacks.

The king watched the little battle with interest as he stroked the hairs of his chin. “That black wing certainly seems to know what he’s doing. He’s very graceful and his moves are planed and executed perfectly. Don’t you agree Sora?” He asked looking at his son.

Sora nodded his head as he watched Riku, though he wasn’t looking at his fighting style, he was far more interested in Riku’s body.

Tidus panted heavily before he tried to hit Riku again but the elusive black wing easily dodged him once more. Riku smirked before he decided to end the hopeless battle. With feline grace he arced up in the air and brought his sword down on Tidus’ head knocking his opponent to the ground , rendering him unconsious. Tidus fell to the ground with a heavy thud while Riku landed next to him his face completely impassive.

The king’s eyebrows shot up to his hair line “my you are gifted. Black wing or not I respect that level of skill.” The king said clapping softly. The other fairies that had gathered began to clap as well cheering.

Sora just stared at Riku licking his lips slightly. He felt an odd sort of attraction beginning to build; he snuck a glance at Riku nearly jumping out of his skin when he saw the haunting eyes staring back at him.

Riku smirked at the surprised look on the small brunette , he gave him a slight wink before he looked back to the king. “I’m honored that you appreciate my skill, though if I may request I would like to return back to my original form…I’m a general in an army and it is vital that I get back to them”

The king studied the black wing before he began to mutter something in an odd language, his hand glowed a fiery red before he shot it at Riku. The young general simply stood there letting the spell hit him, how ever as soon as it touched him it deflected and bounced off somewhere else. The king sighed softly “well Sora I have to say you did a good spell. You cast it with your own royal powers…thus I can’t remove it” he looked at Riku before he bowed his head “I’m sorry, but unless Sora figures out what he did and how to fix it I can’t do anything for you”

Riku stared his eyes wide with horror, he swiveled his head and glared at the blue eyed fairy prince. “Excuse me for a moment” Riku ground out before he turned on his heel and stomped away, he didn’t know where he was going but as long as he was away from the little imp.

Sora pouted as he watched Riku go “Great, now he probably mad at me” he muttered.

Sora’s father raised an eyebrow before he patted his son’s head “well Sora , you just striped him of his life as a human. I’m sure if you were to be turned into a human and told there was no way to turn you back you would be just as upset a he is now.” He said softly “Go talk to him, and tell him this. I would like him to become your personal guardian until you are able to find a way to turn him back, in exchange we will allow him the best we have …offer him everything you have Sora”

The prince nodded before he fluttered his wings and flew off in the direction where Riku had gone. Tidus groaned as he sat up and looked at his father glaring “father, was it me or were you practically telling Sora to offer himself as payment for his mistake?”

The old king chuckled as he helped his youngest up “no, I’m simply pushing Sora to go where his destiny leads him …that’s all”

Sora fluttered around frustrated, he still couldn’t find Riku. He cast another glance around before he pouted and flew up to a branch and sat with his arms crossed. “damn this to hell , first I meet some human who I happen to think is incredibly hott , then I turn him into a fairy only to have him spiting pissed at me , and then when I try to find him to say sorry I can’t even do that!” Sora growled before he sighed “ I can never do anything right…”

“You think I’m hott?” came a voice from above him. Sora’s eyes widened before Riku came flying down, he flew a bit crookedly but he landed gracefully as ever. Riku looked at Sora and crossed his arms fixing a stern look on him. “Well answer my question.”

Sora blushed and looked away “Ya I find you attractive but your attitude could use some work”

Riku scoffed before he sat down next to Sora his feet dangling “every female and very few males I have ever partnered with have said the same thing so hearing it now makes no difference.”

The prince sighed resting his face in his hands and staring down at everyone as they fluttered around doing their work. “my father wanted to ask you something , and it’s up to you if you wish to accept” Sora began before he looked at Riku tilting his head “He wanted to know if you would like to be my guardian until I figure out how to fix what I’ve done. You’ll get anything and everything you want, simply ask for it and you’ll have it”

The general paused and pondered it…he looked at Sora through narrowed eyes “If I refuse, where do I go then?” Riku asked

Sora frowned “You would have to stay down with the commoners I guess, in a hotel room and find work and wait for me to figure out how to fix what I’ve done”

Riku closed his eyes as he thought about it , he knew it would be far easier to just guard Sora , plus he would live in comfort and be able to monitor Sora making sure he actually was trying to find a way to cure him. “I’ll do it” he said softly

Sora’s eyes widened before he smiled slightly and nodded “very well, I’ll tell my dad then.” He said before he looked at ground then back at Riku “if you want tomorrow you and I can go out to a field and I can teach you how to fly”

Riku glared at the young prince “are you saying the way I fly isn’t good enough?” he asked coldly

“No, no, it’s not that…. well sort of , it’s just it would make your stay here a lot more easier if you knew how to fly properly.” Sora answered holding his hands up.

“fine…” Riku grumbled before he looked out at the sky. Sora scooted closer to him and sat there watching what Riku was watching before he sighed relaxing.

1 year later

Sora grinned as he snuck into Riku’s room. His wings fluttered silently as he came closer to the mound buried under the sheets. He came closer and closer before he grinned and jumped on top of the mound. “Riiiiiiikuuuuu!” Sora yelled.

However Sora was shocked that when he landed it was only blankets…no Riku.

“You still don’t got it” Riku whispered into Sora’s ear before he tackled him from behind. The former general pinned the young prince beneath him causing the other to squirm and wiggle.

“Riku lemme go!” Sora squealed as he was tickled mercilessly.

Riku smirked and continued to play with him “oh I have to let you go? Is that an order or just you whining like a little baby?” It was amazing what one year had done to Riku. He had gone from cold heartless general to….this. He was far happier then he had ever been in his entire life.

Sora had of yet to find a way to turn Riku back but the silver haired boy had told him to drop it and let it be. He was more used to his altered body by now, and he also found his skills to be useful among the kingdom. Riku was Sora’s personal body guard , no one , not even Sora’s own family , was closer to the young prince then Riku was.

“I’m not a baby!” Sora shouted before he slipped from Riku’s grasp and flipped the general over straddling him. The brunette grinned triumphantly down at Riku failing to notice the compromising position they were in. “and no it wasn’t an order…” he said softly.

Riku looked up at Sora and stared at him a light blush coming to his cheeks. He knew the young prince was attracted to him , he had said that when they had first met…but now…Riku was finding that the more and more time he spent around the lively boy…the more and more he wanted to be something more then a bodyguard and a friend.

Sora peered down at Riku with concern “Hey I didn’t hurt you too bad or anything did I?”

Riku shock his head a bit and looked up at Sora smirking “you could never hurt me…you punch like a woman...”

That got the little prince going; Sora glared at Riku before he smacked him on the head hard and flew up and out the window quickly. “You asshole!” he called over his shoulder.

The silver haired fairy sat up and rubbed his head watching Sora go. The best way to piss Sora off was to make comparisons of him to a female. More then half of the kingdom agreed that their soon to be ruler did hold many feminine traits. With a sigh Riku quickly put some of his armor on ( a few straps of hardened leather and a sword) and flew out his window to go and find the prince.

Sora was sitting on the same branch he had been sitting at when he first asked Riku to become his guardian. His face was set in a deep brooding frown his eyes unfocused as he thought deeply about a matter that had been eating at him. Since the time that Sora had asked Riku to guard him, his feelings for Riku had grown considerably, and yet…every time Sora attempted to tell Riku how he really felt, something or someone would interrupt them. In all Sora was ready to just give up and pine for Riku from afar. The ex genral had never shown any interest in taking their current relationship any farther then just friends. “Stupid Riku….I don’t fight like a woman….”

“I just meant you punched like one…” came Riku’s voice from above him “And you know you’re not supposed to run off with out me with you.”

“Shut up I don’t feel like talking to you right now” Sora said childishly crossing his arms and glaring at the ground far below them. Riku looked down at him and smiled softly before he landed next to the prince.

“C’mon Sora you know I was only joking with you” Riku said gently. He reached out and ruffled Sora’s hair affectionately. “I’m sorry ok?”

Sora peeked at Riku before he sighed and leaned against him “only you can make me want to beat you up at one moment and hug you the next”

Riku chuckled “Nice to hear that…but I have something to show you”

“Oh? What, is it something from that freaky island dad took you to?” Sora asked his eyes shimmering with curiosity and his previous agitation seemingly dissipated.

“Yes and the islands were called Destiny Island’s” Riku muttered as he rummaged through his bag and pulled out a parcel wrapped up in leaves. “They said that this is a very rare item on their island that they treasure very much.”

Sora watched as Riku unwrapped the parcel revealing a star shaped fruit. The skin of the fruit looked firm but soft with light fuzz the color of the sun, and only a single emerald leaf stuck out from one of the pointed arms. The prince reached out and took the fruit feeling its plump weight in his hands, he sniffed it a bit immediately liking the sweet scent, and it smelled like a mix of wild passion fruits. “So what is it used for? Do they perform rituals with it?”

Riku took back the fruit and played with it in his hands “In a way , the name of this fruit is Paopu , and legend has it that if two people share one , their destinies become intertwined and they remain a part of each others lifes…no matter what.”

“Wow….does it works?” Sora asked poking the fruit his mouth beginning to water.

“I don’t know they gave it me as an offering for helping them and bid me to share it with someone I cared about” Riku said softly looking at Sora from the corner of his eye. Truth be told they told him to share it with the one he wished to spend the rest of his days with. To Riku, Sora was worth spending the rest of his days with. He wasn’t sure if he loved the bouncy prince but he did know that he cared for him deeply.

Sora looked at Riku and then the paopu fruit feeling his heart shatter, he looked back up at Riku forcing a smile “Well who ever you decide to share it with better get a warning about you’re dislikes.” Sora said, and held up his hand and began to count “you don’t like being woken up before the sun comes up, you hate it when someone touches your hair, you like almonds with your crème and they have to be crushed not chopped, you’re not very fond of sharing food and...”

“Ha, ha, no, the person who I’m going to share this with already knows all of my peeves.” Riku said as he pulled a knife out and began to cut the fruit up. The inside was a soft sunset hue in color with tiny seemingly heart shaped seeds. “and I also know this persons many peeves and many likes”

Sora’s heart sunk a bit more and Sora’s smile lost it’s shine “Well I hope they like it…” the young prince muttered bitterly before he turned on his heel and was about to fly off , however a hand held on to his arm and pulled him back.

“Hey where you going? Aren’t you going to help me eat this?” Riku asked holding up a piece to Sora.

Blue eyes blinked and stared into Aqua “Are you serious? You…you want to share it with me?”

Riku chuckled , though he looked all cool and collected on the outside his heart was beating a million miles per second and he was sure he was going to pass out. “Of course I want to share it with you…you are my most trusted and best friend right?”

The light in Sora’s eyes damped a bit before he smiled taking the offered fruit “ya, just friends….forever…” and with that he popped the fruit into his mouth chewing carefully.

Riku did the same and watched Sora as he ate, he chewed on the fruit finding it to be somewhat juicy but quenching as well. “This is good”

“I know” Sora said before he grabbed another and ate it. They sat there watching as the sun rose into the air eating the cut up fruit.

Sora reached for the last piece of the fruit at the same time that Riku did. Both of their hands touched and both looked up at each other. Time seemed to stand still for a second as they looked into each others eyes. Sora eyes locked onto Riku’s before flickering to his lips and back.

Riku looked at Sora his expression changing from one of surprise to…confusion. He could feel it in his heart , he wanted to lean in and claim the sweet plump lips, though his head was screaming for him to stop and get as far away as he could. Yet he couldn’t help the shiver that came over him when Sora’s eyes landed on his lips and back , silently pleading to meet with Sora’s own berry sweet lips.

The prince saw the look that settled over Riku’s features and sighed but not breaking the gaze. He lost himself in his memories…of how hard he fought to get Riku to trust him.

“C’mon let me help you. Tidus hit you really hard that time and that wound needs to be dressed” Sora said crossing his arms.

Riku glared at him holding his bleeding arm. He had sparred with Tidus , but it was no ordinary sparring , this one was done in the air. He was still getting the hang of flying as it be. “I don’t need your help , I don’t need anyone!” he snapped back.

Sora huffed before he came over to Riku and pushed him into a chair surprising the other with his show of strength. He pulled out the medicine kit and began to tend to the wound holding Riku’s arm in a death grip when he tried to move “you know I don’t’ get what your problem is. There is nothing wrong , there is nothing weak, and there is nothing bad about getting help from someone else! Its not like I’m going to poison your wound or anything…have a little trust”

“I trust no one. It is a weakness that I cannot afford” Riku snapped back finally giving in and sinking into his chair.

“that’s a lonely way to live” Sora muttered as he began to sew Riku’s wound shut.

Riku winced a bit as Sora worked “it’s the only way I know how to live”

Sora stayed silent as he finished and wrapped the wound . He stood up putting things away and dusting of his cloth before he looked at Riku with his hands on his hips. “ I have an order for you”

“Since when do I take orders from you?” Riku growled as he inspected Sora’s work.

“I’m the prince and you’re living in my kingdom…”

Riku muttered before he looked at Sora through the silver hair that hung in his eyes “What is it you would like me to do , Prince Sora..”

Sora smirked “I order you to trust me…”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that” Riku said tensely

“No…you will…because I’ve never given you a good honest reason to not trust me….well besides turning you into a fairy…”

Riku stayed silent before he just shrugged. He was tired and would deal with that later “Fine..”

Sora came over and hugged Riku tightly minding his wound before he flew out the window. “ see you tomorrow Riku”

Since then Riku had began to trust Sora, because true to his word Sora never gave Riku a reason to not. As the months passed the two moved from a tentative friendship to a deeper rooted one…one that they had never really had with anyone else.

On days when Sora grew tired of all the royal work he would hunt Riku down and the two would go to their favorite tree and just sit watching the people as they talked.

Right then though, Sora wanted nothing more then to lean in…and just kiss him. He knew that he cared for Riku more then he should he knew that he loved him; he could feel it in his very being.

Swallowing his fear down Sora began to lean in licking his lips tasting the sweet sticky juice of the fruit that remained. Riku looked at Sora then his plump lips before he leaned in as well ignoring the warning bells that were going off in his head.

Slowly their lips came together and finally touched. Both seemed surprised at the silky feel of the others lips. Sora moved his lips a bit willing Riku to respond to him, he felt a shiver run down his spine when Riku let out a throaty moan.

Riku threw all caution to the wind and pulled Sora to him kissing his lips feverishly willing them to part so he could explore the moist cavern more. Sora whimpered softly as he allowed Riku to enter his mouth loving the feel of the slick tongue against his, he gripped Riku’s biceps and pulled him closer until they were flush against each other. They stayed like that for what seemed eternity until the need for air broke them apart.

Slowly they pulled away their eyes slightly glazed as they stared at one another. Sora smiled and opened his mouth to speak but a soldier suddenly came flying over.

Riku moved away from Sora his face slightly flushed as he gave a cold look to the soldier as if daring him to speak of what he had seen.

The soldier blushed before he bowed to Sora “My lord, sorry to disturb you but General Riku is needed at the fronts the enemy, heartless are attacking and -..” the young soldier suddenly seized up before he began to plummet to the ground.

Both boys stared with wide eyes but didn’t have long to ponder before a hail storm of arrows came raining upon them. Riku immediately grabbed Sora and jumped from the tree using the air current to arch up into the air and fly off. Sora clung to Riku peeking over his shoulder seeing millions of arrows pivoting toward them.

Riku flew them to the entrance of the fairy kingdom as fast as he could but the pursuers where catching up. When he saw the door he grinned as he landed with his precious bundle.

“Listen to me…I want you to stay out side this door and not come in or let anything out until I come and get you. In the event that I don’t come back Sora, just wait it out and check in ok?” Riku said as he ran his hands through Sora’s soft hair.

“but Riku! You can’t leave me!” Sora said holding his arm tightly.

Riku gave Sora a sad smile before he leaned in planting a sweet kiss on hislips “I love you Sora…I know this now…and I would gladly die for you” with that Riku reached over and pinched the nerves on Sora’s neck that rendered the young prince unconscious.

As darkness over came Sora that last thing he saw was glimmering aqua eyes and the soft whispering voice calling into his ear “our destinies are intertwined …no matter what”

Sora moaned as he opened his eyes. He felt heavy and dazed as he sat up looking around. It was dark all around him the light of the moon his only guide. He looked around trying to remember where he was. He spotted the entrance to the fairy world and his heart lurched as it all came back to him.

They had been attacked and Riku had tossed him out here to protect him…Riku had said he loved him…

Sora hastily got to his feet and wretched the door open. His senses were assaulted with the horrid scent of blood. Covering his nose, Sora continued to trek into the kingdom keeping a weary eye for enemies.

As he walked down the path he cringed at the numerous bodies of his enemies and fellow people. Blue eyes filled with sorrow as he passed by families mourning , he felt his heart clench when he heard a young girl crying.

“mommy , why isn’t daddy getting up?” She whimpered as he gazed at her fathers fallen form “ mommy make daddy wake up, wake him up mommy. Daddy is hurt mommy we need to help him…he needs to get up make him get up mommy!”

Blinking rapidly Sora turned away and make his way deeper into the now silent battle field. As he came over the hill that lead to the vast valley his heart stopped.

Countless bodies littered the floor. Spears, arrows , and other weapons all covered in blood lay on the floor next to their weilders who were gazing into the skies with cold empty eyes.

“My people….” Sora whispered softly , he looked down at the ground memorizing every face he saw. He stopped when he came to a large willow tree that over looked a lake that’s waters were now a deep crimson instead of their normal crystal blue. Sora spotted a slumped body on the other end of the shore that seemed to be shifting. However before he could even take a step he tripped on something and fell back on his ass.

“Heh , Heh….funny…how..h-how we met this way the first time…” came a whispy voice , Sora looked over his eyes widening in horror. “..and now…this will be when we say goodbye…Sora..”

“Riku!” Sora cried getting up and crawling to his friend. Riku managed a small smile but winced as another tremor of pain struck him. Blood was tricking from his slack lips standing out brightly on his pale skin. Scratches and bruises littered his face as well as the rest of his body his wings were bent and broken and the scent of his own blood was strong on him.

“We won Sora…I fought hard and we won..” Riku continued as he shifted , his eyes watered at the slight movement and he coughed a bit more blood trickling past his chin.

“Riku please…please don’t die…” Sora whispered as he brushed some hair from his eyes. “Please…you can’t leave me you promised to protect me forever…you promised me forever”

Riku looked at Sora with bleary eyes before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small necklace with a charm attached. “I was going to give this to you….when I asked you for you hand in marriage…but that won’t happen…so…”

Sora grabbed Riku’s hand as his eyes swam with tears that couldn’t’ fall “Please Riku…hold on I can heal you just hold on please!”

“Sora…I’m not going to make it. I am happy to have died protecting you and your kingdom…please Sora…take my gift” Riku rasped , his breathing was getting slower and he looked as if he would have wanted nothing more then to just sleep. “remember the paopu…remember what I told you about it…”

Riku’s eyes began to droop but Sora clung to him “No Riku don’t…don’t you dare say it… you’re going to make it damn it!”

“Once two people have shared one…their destinies become intertwined…and they’ll remain a part….of eatch others life…no matter what” Riku whispered softly. He leaned over and planted a sweet kiss on Sora’s lips “I wish that…I told you…how much…i..how much I loved you before …I never got to have you …I love you ….sora…”

Riku eyes slid shut and his body became slack. Sora looked at him praying to every god he knew that Riku was still alive. But he saw it…Riku’s breath stopped and the look of total peace came over his features.

“no…Riku…” Sora said as his body began to tremble “Riku..” he said once more his voice cracking with overwhelming sadness. “you weren’t supposed to die you fucking idiot! You stupid , stupid human! Why…I loved you…you stupid idiot!” Sora screamed as he clung to his lovers now dead body “I need you …I can’t…I can’t live with out you by my side….I need you…”

“ our destinies are intertwined…no matter what…”