[On the outside, he wore the same smile he always did. He oozed the same bubbling confidence and spirit that he always had and he had been overjoyed when Yen Sid proclaimed that Riku was the next keyblade master.
None of that was false but it was a cleverly crafted mask to wear over the other emotions he was battling.
He'd almost lost everything he was to Xehanort. He'd let himself become so blind to what was going on that they'd been able to lure him in and almost snatch his heart away for good this time. If it hadn't been for his friends who knows where he might have been now. What he might be doing--being forced to do. The realization that he was far weaker of mind than he'd originally thought had him unnerved and Sora had no idea what to do now. Could he handle all of this? Was he really cut out for this sort of thing? It was probably just a momentary lapse in confidence and a part of him knew that. Trauma dealt those kinds of blows and he'd bounce back in no time.
But even visiting the Dream Eaters hadn't done as much as he'd hope and when he finally did leave..he'd ended up back home.
The sun was setting beyond the islands as Sora sat on their usual tree, hands resting on the trunk as his legs dangled over the edge. He hadn't told anyone where he was going, not wanting to bother them with his insecurities or fears right now. Not when there was so much go on. So much to celebrate because of Riku and so much to plan because of what was to come.
He just needed some time, that's all. Just...just some time.]
For Riku
None of that was false but it was a cleverly crafted mask to wear over the other emotions he was battling.
He'd almost lost everything he was to Xehanort. He'd let himself become so blind to what was going on that they'd been able to lure him in and almost snatch his heart away for good this time. If it hadn't been for his friends who knows where he might have been now. What he might be doing--being forced to do. The realization that he was far weaker of mind than he'd originally thought had him unnerved and Sora had no idea what to do now. Could he handle all of this? Was he really cut out for this sort of thing? It was probably just a momentary lapse in confidence and a part of him knew that. Trauma dealt those kinds of blows and he'd bounce back in no time.
But even visiting the Dream Eaters hadn't done as much as he'd hope and when he finally did leave..he'd ended up back home.
The sun was setting beyond the islands as Sora sat on their usual tree, hands resting on the trunk as his legs dangled over the edge. He hadn't told anyone where he was going, not wanting to bother them with his insecurities or fears right now. Not when there was so much go on. So much to celebrate because of Riku and so much to plan because of what was to come.
He just needed some time, that's all. Just...just some time.]