Kingdom Hearts: Selphie’s Request

Kairi’s summer vacation started off in a most surprising manner.

She and Selphie had been betting on their grades all year, as a sort of friendly rivalry. Although Kairi had never been very competitive, the challenge between the girls was a pleasant reminder of Riku and Sora and how they always tried to one-up each other. The standing bet was simple, they’d pick a particular test or project and whomever received the lower grade had to fulfill one request from the winner.

Usually one had to buy the other a sundae after school, or make an extra lunch for the next day. A harmless little back and forth that was more often in Kairi’s favour than Selphie’s. That is, until the final exams.

They decided to bet on their English final, both girls being fairly confident in their writing ability and their love of anything Shakespearian. Although Kairi did find it odd that Selphie insisted the loser had to grant the request “No matter what it is,” she didn’t really put much thought into it. Until she lost. With only two grade points difference, Selphie had won the pot and whatever command she had thought up was hers to make.

After school that day, walking home under the summer sun, Selphie was her usual cheerful, chatty self, but the only subject she didn’t bring up was the bet. This only made Kairi more curious about what the other girl had in mind. The curiosity only grew when Selphie smiled and said “Meet me downtown tomorrow and I’ll tell you what you have to do.” And with a wave, she skipped away from Kairi towards her own home.

The next afternoon, Kairi walked around the corner to the front of her and Selphie’s favourite store. “Wonder if she’s gonna get me to buy her something.” She thought, looking in through the window at the cute bags and accessories. “Hope it isn’t too expensive, I wanted to buy a new swim-suit this year.”

When Selphie walked up, she had a gym bag in her hand. “Hey!” she said, giving Kairi a hug and her usual infectious smile. Kairi smiled back, but couldn’t deny the curiosity that had been building.

“So, what’s the big surprise? Gonna make me buy you the whole store or something?” she giggled. Selphie laughed, but a little uneasily.

“Well, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and a promise is a promise so you have to do it!” she insisted.

“Yeah, ok, ok. Just don’t keep me in suspense.” Kairi replied.

“All right, you asked for it. What I want is for you to walk from here, across the beach and row out to the small island.”

“Is that all?” asked Kairi, giving Selphie a confused look.

“Well…” continued Selphie, “first your dress and shoes are going in this bag.” She said, lifting it in front of her for emphasis.

Kairi’s jaw practically dropped. “Wait, WHAT?”

“You’re going to go all the way to the Small Island in your underwear.” Selphie repeated, pulling a camera out of the bag. “And I’ll follow to document your journey. And to make sure you don’t chicken out or cheat.”

“But, but why?”

“Because I want you to. And if you don’t then I’ll think of something worse.” Kairi knew Selphie well enough to tell that despite her sunny disposition she was dead serious. “C’mon,” Selphie said, pulling Kairi by her arm into the nearby alley. “Now undress and let’s go.”

Slowly, Kairi started to unzip the front of her dress while her friend stood by watching. She stopped, when she heard the snap of the camera. “Keep going,” Selphie ordered, “or do you want me to do it for you?”

“No, I… I guess not.” Kairi stammered, then pulled the zipper the rest of the way down. Her face a deep red, she slipped the dress off and passed it into her friend’s outstretched hand. Selphie quickly folded it and tucked it into the gym bag.

“And the tank top.” She said, as Kairi seemed hesitant. The red-head pulled it slowly up and over her head, handing it as well to her friend.