Just a little L O V E

[lynx'']

A F R I C A

I watch you sleep...

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My stride was light, I flicked my hooves out infront of me, causing the grass blades to snap and flutter to the ground. I was happy, for atleast a year, I had roamed alone, no one there to look out for me...there were scary times, I could hardly sleep. The sun shone down on my light chestnut coat, warming my muscles, I sighed heavily and looked peacefully at my surroundings. I seemed to be in a clearing, prehaps this is where horses meet. I hoped so, I wanted to make some new friends, I needed some new friends, being by myself was starting to send me crazy, when you have no voice but your own to listen to...
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[azul.]

R I K U

...All along, I was searching for, "My Lenore."

Calling you, calling you home. Please, take me home. I can't be here anymore. I can't be this same Riku as I have been for the past years. Battling with Xehanort, and his spirit living inside me. It was only a matter of time before he won, or I met him, in real life. When I did, what would I do? Try to beat him? Xehanort. He's much stronger than me, much better. He has the power of darkness, and I had the power of light. Sometimes, I thought that I was on the losing side. I wasn't. I had them on my side, even those who I hadn't met. Still, it seemed that the Heartless- The Nobodies, outnumbered the light. That was scary to think like that. It actually scared me, a being who, half of their life, their mind was entitled to being a Heartless. Wow.

My legs still shook as I stood on the ledge. Not as bad, but they trembled faintly. Maybe there's a devil inside of me. Maybe. Xehanort was like that to me, the opposite of the old Riku. I was losing control of my own life. What if I lost? What if I had to give up my soul to Xehanort? I would lose everything that I had, or used to have. I can't let it happen, but how could I stop, or even just slow Xehanort's ruling? I had to find out, or else I was truly doomed to live like this. I was still crying. Why? I wasn't sad, maybe longing, for Sora and Kairi and the islands, but I'd been longing for, well, a long time. These were just being used for a show, right? No, I was still crying. I was still sad, and before I could shake the tears away, more began to spill from my blue-green, holocast eyes.

Faintly, if I listened closely, I could hear some equine, speaking to each other. Where was I? Perched on the top of Dekera Falls. I had somehow managed to go around and climb up the cliff leading to the falls. I was perched on a ledge, staring down at all of the animals that gathered. Well, sort of. Most of the time, I was staring at the sky, praying, begging, that I could be sent home to where I belonged. Maybe, though, maybe, I was supposed to remain here. But I didn't want to stay here. I wanted to go back to where Sora and Kairi were. Then again, until I was magically whisked away, or death found me, I would have to remain here. I could run away, but that wasn't an honest answer. My blue-green tinted eyes finally focussed on a single equine, standing quite still. Was she staring at me? Of course not, I ws still unseen. I might have appeared to be a ghost. My steel tainted frame almost blended into the rock and the water, so maybe they thought I wasn't real. Was I real?

Still, this lone equine, I wanted to meet it. By the looks of it's thin-boned features, and the stance, it was a female. She was a chestnut, like no one I'd known, but she resembled Kairi. For a moment, my eyes trailed away from her frame, thinking of the times we had spent together. No Riku, just forget it. Go down and meet her. My mind screamed at me. My eyes closed together, and a sigh left my lips. But I did. I slowly moved away from my almost secret hiding spot, and moved to meet the female. I was there in a mere, short minutes. She was an arabian. I was still crying, but they were more like solemn tears now. They still fell, but I was instead beginning to speak. My tone was shaking. I had to sigh and relax before I spoke anymore.

"Hello Kai- Erh, hi. I'm Riku."

Way to go Riku, you must messed up big time. A sigh escaped me again, and I watched the small female. I stared at her with those light eyes, but they were decently blank. Is it like this, when a heartache begins?

[lynx'']

A F R I C A

I looked to the sky, it held so many answers, yet they were almost impossible to reach. My gaze dropped, I stared blankly at the sweet grass blades, there was nothing more to live for now, my herd, friends and family, all gone, lost with the wind. But what about Storm? Storm...my best friend, a colt, the same age as me, he was my protector, kept me safe from Inferno, the bully of the herd. He was evil, how had father not noticed... But what about Chantelle? Chantelle... A light laugh escaped my lips as I pictured her appaloosa coat flashing before my eyes, then a blur of a dappled coat, that was Storm, we always played 'tig' our favourite game.
I dashed forward, Come on Storm! Keep up! I cied, flicking my stumpy tail, my knobbly legs wobbled underneath me, I overtook Chantelle, and gave a small buck. I was laughing, I was happy, I slowed, my breathing becoming deeper and loudly, I was tiring. My splints slowed to an uneven trot, But Storm and Chantelle carried on, they galloped past me. Wait! I cried, releasing my call to my friends. Come Back! I attempted to give chase, but my legs wouldn't take it, I stumbled, my body was falling, Storm and Chantelle disapeared.
As my body hit the floor, my orbs snapped open, What the? Daydreaming: again, I couldn't stop it. Slowly, I raised my body up, and steadied myself, there, infront of me, stood another. He stuttered, blurted out another name Sorry? I asked, then I heard his own name, Hi, I'm Africa.

[azul.]

R I K U

...In the words of Mr. Edgar Allen Poe.

She was silent; go figure. She was silent as the area around me. I tuned everything out, staring at this new one curiously. Her eyes trailed to the ground, much like mine do, when I'm thinking of the good and even the bad times. Why was this, that I always found the ones who had more than enough of a past? My breath escaped me. I knew better than to disturb her thoughts, so I just remained still. She must have been thinkng hard, because her body, bright chestnut, began to hurtle towards me. She wasn't running, she was falling, and I was the only one to stop her fall. Too bad she fell when I wasn't paying attention. Bad Riku, never do that.

She fell, basically into my shoulder. When she struck it, I slid backwards, my crown raised high into the air, staring down at her. She finally seemed to be out of her phase. Once she woke up, to say that she was sleeping, or dreaming, I craned my neck to look at my shoulder, where she fell. It wasn't hurt, maybe a little sore, stinging some. Ah well, I'd had worse done to me, done to myself. My eyes widened, and they grew blank. For a few seconds, it felt like I could see Kairi beside me, beside my shoulder. She stared up at me, and I noticed that she was still in her kid figure. She was small, the same size long ago, I'd grown. In my mind, I knew that she grew, but I hadn't seen her for a long time, and I wasn't sure. I smiled, barely lifting the sides of my mouth, and nodded. The shadow figure vanished, and I sighed, looking back at the mare, who'd since then looked at me and spoke.

"Sorry!" Huh? Oh yes, I guess it was for the falling part. When she stood, I made sure she was fine, my neck stretching out slowly. Africa, that was her name. I nodded, my eyes closing for a few moments. I sighed again, and lifted my crown, speaking with that old, Riku reassurance.

"You alright? Thinking of some good times? I have the same thing, my past, and it's scaring me... But, I'm rambling, I guess. Nice to meet you Africa."

A smile curved into my facial features, and I watched her. I was sure rambling today. Why? Who knows, I was just here, staring at a horse who'd just previously fallen on me. Good job.

[lynx'']

A F R I C A

I fell onto him! How embarassing. I gave a little cough, at first, this Riku seemed shocked, then alert, then warm, were his emotions all mixed, like mine? Maybe. Questions rammed into my skull, and pounded against the sides, Riku, where are you from? Do you have a home?Do they miss you? Your friends, do they miss you? I know mine do... My lyrics poured from my maw before I could stop them, darn it! I was talking a load of rubbish, this stallion may not have any frieds, what was I saying. I shook my light chestnut head so my mane poured over both sides of my neck. Then he spoke, his tone seemed friendly, I stepped forward slowly, so I was even closer. I'm fine, thankyou, sorry...again. I mumbled my apolagie, I was sorry, I didn't mean to, I was forever making stupid mistakes becuase of my past. But I wasn't with them anymore, I had no idea where they were, and they couldn't find me. Why? Why? My body screamed inside me Why? My words were blurted out loud, I gritted my teeth firmly together, they grinded, and I shook my skull again. Trying to rid my thoughts of my head. I regestered his question, And nodded slowly. Yes...Memories.... my voice faded to a whisper. memories.

[azul.]

R I K U

...Now I'm sober and, "Nevermore."

Before I could even get a hold of the situation, Africa, that was her name, wasn't it?- Was talking. She talked so quickly, rambling on and on. They were fine questions, but the speed of how she talked and why she was talking so fast surprised me. My blue-green eyes remained on her face, but my jaw began to set, well until it became uncomfortable. I didn't want to reveal so much to her already, that's why I was like this. It was more or less the defensive Riku, who didn't want to speak, for the possible appearance of Xehanort. Inside me, he'd rule everything I did. Slowly, almost hesitantly, I began to speak.

"Well.. I, I was born on Destiny Islands. I don't know how far away it is now, but I was separated, a long time ago. I do have a home, one that suits the other side of me, not that young, vivacious colt, but that's for another time. It's called Black Lake. Xeha- He, believes that I should live there so he can prosper. And, I do think that they miss me, I hope they do. We didn't leave on the best terms though, and that's why I truly regret everything."

I finished with that, but my blood was boiling. Why had I almost said his name out loud, especially to some unknown equine! That smile remained on my face, but my eyes grew cloudy, as I sunk into that world that belonged to Xehanort. I didn't want to be there, so I stared at the sky for a few minutes. Africa was probably thinking that I had gone insane, but from the looks of it, she seems to be pretty insane too, so we're all good. She started to mumble something, as she stepped closer. An apology, a word, memories. I blinked, and snorted calmly. For now, even Xehanort didn't want to be here, and he left the scene, back into my mind. Once he did, I was able to speak like that old Riku.

"It's alright, I told you, no problem. I've had far worse happen to me... You know, some memories, although hard, may be good for you to remember. They're good for me. Without my memories of Sora and Kairi, I would have succumb to the darkness, and let him take over. I would be much worse than what you see now."

It was the honest truth, so honest that it frightened me. I wanted to go back to Black Lake, where I could dwell in half light, half dark, but she kept me here, lingering in and out of that deadly mode. Why? That was very odd for someone, or something to do that. I smiled softly, and nudged Africa's jaw line. She needed comforting, so did I. Hey, we're already a pair.

[lynx'']

A F R I C A

I stepped back to give him some space as his lyrics poured out, interesting...such a similar past to my own... I snorted softly and dipped my head low to the spring herbs that grew so peacefully from the earth. Reget, I truely regret everything...Yes...so do I, It's all my fault, they must hate me. My eyes grew sad, I looked to the floor for a moment, but then looked up into Riku's eyes, they were pure, and brought warm to my own eyes, heating my whole body.
He gentlely touched me, his touch was soft on my pelt, I smiled, eyes filling with warmth, He knew He knew what I was going through, because he was going through it himself. Riku, your past....So similar to my own, but tell me, who is this dark one you talk about? I was so curious about this one, I had not had any equine contact with any other, apart from the spirits of Storm and Chantelle. I smiled gently at him. Black Lake? Sounds kind of eerie, what is it that makes you want to stay there? Was it him? Was it the evil one? The heartless equine that had dragged him there? I shook my crown gently and swallowed deeply.

Africa, who is this colt? Don't let him hurt you, you don't have to tell him anything, don't let all your secrets out, I'm here for that... "Yes, Storm, I know that, but Riku doesn't seem that back, honest" But you can come back to me, I'm here, come home... "Tell me how!"

[azul.]

R I K U

...Will the raven come to bother me at home?

My mind wandered far beyond the conversation that Africa and I were having. I thought about a lot of things, and didn't realize that my eyes were closed until Africa spoke. When she did, my crown jerked tensely, afraid of the darkness that I created. I looked around for a few seconds, breathing in a slow sigh of relief. My nightmares hadn't come true, not just yet. Still, when Africa spoke to me, it made me tighten. She wanted me to reveal who he was? Could I really do that, without suffering the amazing consequences? Even Jayila and Serpent barely knew who he was, and I was telling a stranger? My words were sharp, hesitant.

"I- I can't, tell you who he is. Not yet. I'm not sure who he really is. I know his name, and his actual being, but nothing else."

That probably wasn't what she was expecting. It wasn't what I was expecting either, but that was the truth. I didn't want to tell, I couldn't tell her yet. Not until I was ready for what he had in store for me. She also asked me why I chose to live in Black Lake. I really needed Xehanort to answer that one. Why did I live there? I could fight against him. Surely though, at this stage, I'd be too weak to fight. My breath caught in my throat. I looked away, my blue-green eyes staring away for a few moments. I took a smooth breath, sighing heavily, before I looked back at Africa. What was with the questions? It was fine, but these were hard questions. Sometimes, they almost felt like accusations, and I slowly began to speak again. My voice was clear, almost patient, as if I was repeating myself.

"I didn't choose to live in Black Lake, he did. He would much rather have a place like that. And for right now, I really can't blame him. It's quiet there. It is indeed a little eerie, but it's not bad. The lake is actually enjoyable, if you'd, uh, like to see it."

Was that an invitation Riku? I suppose it is. Looking at Africa, I smiled that old, comforting smile, and nudged her neck, blowing out a breath. My long legs began to shift, and I looked back at my hide out on the top of the waterfall. It would be nice to get back to Black Lake- I'd forgotten to call it home, because well, it's not home- because it was so quiet, and cool. A dip in the lake would be nice too, and- shut up Riku, Africa hasn't spoken yet.

[lynx'']

A F R I C A

My eyes narrowed slightly at his first comment. If you know so little about him... I looked away, and dipped my dished dial slightly. My words caught in my throat, but I swallowed them, and started again Why does he seem to control you? Finellay, I finished. With a light cough, I flicked my light chestnut cord and snorted. He chose to live there? I asked, I was getting rather scared of this dark one he talked about...If he controlled Riku, what would happen to me? I wanted nothing but to live in peace and happiness, alongside other light equines, like myself.
If I'd like to see it... Stuck, once again, torn between two worlds, to go with Riku, or continue my search for Storm And Chantelle. But what about Storm... again, my words caught in my throat, i wimpered and gulped away my cry And Chantelle. They need me, they need my help

[azul.]

R I K U

...Calling you, calling you home.

My gaze lowered to the grounds. I felt exasperated. The questions were almost too much for me to handle. It made my jaw grow tight with a great deal of pressure. When I happened to look back at her, her eyes were narrowed, like she was glaring at me. I snorted harshly, swallowing uneasily. She spoke to me in such a tone that would have made my hair raise on my spine, and growl. Instead, I took a breath, my lips forming a few words. I didn't say them, but kept speaking them to myself, silently. In between kurayami and hikari, in between. When I finally composed myself enough to speak without shaking in fury, I did. My tone was etched in such a serene mode, it frightened me. I had to really hold myself back to do this.

"When I was seperated from Sora and Kairi, I was taken to another, world, I suppose. I ran into him, in his human form. He used me as a pawn in his plan to rule everything. I don't know what happened to him, but when I got away from him, he was living inside me. I think that when he gets out, I'll have to fight him, to gain control of the true me, again. But that doesn't mean that I can't be that colt that I was years ago."

It seemed that I said all of that in one breath. When I finished speaking, I took a deep breath, panting. I blinked, my light eyes peering at Africa for a response. The one I got was strange. Storm? Chantelle? That must've been her friends from home. I sighed. I had gone through the same thing when I first came here. My words left me, in a soothing way. My mug reached out and bumped her's affectionately. I understood every bit of what she was saying. Once I bumped her, my build turned towards my home, and I sighed heavily.

"If Storm and Chantelle are anything like Sora and Kairi, then I can help you. I'm trying to find the same thing, I'm trying to find the affection that I miss from them. I'll help you Africa."

[lynx'']

A F R I C A

I listened to his words in depth, he really did miss his friends, he was in the same boat as me, maybe, just maybe, he was right, he could help me. I sighed heavily, We are so alike Riku, it almost scares me, but already, I trust you. I know you can help me. My gaze followed his to what I presumed was the way home. I snorted lightly and lifted a hoof off the floor to releive some tension from my muscles, then placed it gently back down. I trusted Riku, i had faith in him, I needed someone by my side Okay Riku, take me home. Take me home.

[azul.]

Great, I'll start a post at Black Lake.