Kingdom Hearts/Fanfic Recs

Let's face it: by the very nature of its setting and storyline, this series is a breeding ground for good fanfics. And it really couldn't get any stranger than a Yoda-like Mickey, right?

These are recommendations made by Tropers for Kingdom Hearts, all of which have been signed. After a few samples, you will be able to judge whether you might be interested in the 'fic, based on who recommended it. No-name recommendations will be Zapped (wiki). Nobody would back up the rec. Discussion of the recommendation is welcome on the discussion page. As such discussion is important, do remember to add the discussion page to the watchlist, if need be.

Add new examples at the bottom of the section, please.

Authors and Websites
Figment Tree and Quake With Fear
 * Recommended by |L Guardinal
 * Figment Tree and Quake With Fear are two great authors. Figment Tree mostly has gen one-shots, with a bit of slash/het, and one on-going (possibly dead) AU, Institution XIII. Quake With Fear has more slashy stuff, but the vast majority of her work is very dark and very gory (she's startlingly good at describing pain and guts. Not for the faint of heart, or stomach), with some one-shots and a few on-going fics (or rather, one on-going fic, and a few starts).

Shire Folk who is writing the series "The Annals of Darkness." (Divided into "The Beginning," "A Week of Troubles," and "The War."
 * Recommended by Shadic The Hedgehog
 * Shire Folk is an excellent writer who has sent waves throughout the Kingdom Hearts fandom. He popularized the Rikuffie (Riku/Yuffie) pairing, amongst other things. The story has Maleficent as the main villain, who crosses the Moral Event Horizon several times throughout the trilogy. Shire Folk mostly manages to stick to canonically Disney worlds, with only one or two side-steps to completely unrelated worlds.

FlikFreak
 * Recommended by Handle2
 * Several engaging stories including a TWEWY Crossover.
 * Returning Home is a particularly excellent example of this author's work. Even if it does seem to be Dead Fic after only two chapters, those two chapters are definitely worth reading, as they are the most realistic interpretation of post-canon events this troper has ever seen.

ts_soliloquy
 * Recommended by tropertea
 * Has a very interesting take on Org. 13 that you don't see everyday, particularly on how Namine meshes in in with the rest of the group, despite being rather vaguely defined.

Xanrivash
 * Recommended by Mariko-chan
 * Has just a little over sixty stories about Kingdom Hearts, and focuses mainly on the friendship of Axel, Demyx, and Roxas. She also takes alternate routes about the former two Somebodies, AND covers plots that most wouldn't think of doing. She has at least two OCs that joined the Organization, but besides focusing on how one was recruited, none of her fics are focused on them. Be warned, though; a few of her fics are Tear Jerkers, and, if you're going from a happy fic to a depressing one, Mood Whiplash.


 * Pastoral Symphony in Blue Minor by Luc Court
 * Recommended by Flight
 * Synopsis: When Yen Sid gets a mischievous water spirit called Myde for a servant, he doesn't expect to actually grow fond of him, but he especially doesn't expect the whispers of shadows beyond the borders of music to stretch closer.
 * Comments: This is non-canon, but a very good story concerning the origins of Demyx.


 * Scheherazade, another by Luc Court
 * Recommended by Thinks Too Much
 * Synopsis: One-shot regarding Namine in The World That Never Was, before the start of the Castle Oblivion project. More accurately, it's regarding every member of the organization having to put her to bed, and each of their different variations on a bedtime story.
 * Fascinating, full of Mood Whiplash done right - or more accurately, a story with a lot of funny moments but told in a very wistful, tragic tone. Lyrical and oddly touching, with intriguing imagery and with hints of a tribute to stories. According to the author it's a tie in with the above-recced A Sorrow Of Magpies, but you don't have to have read the first.

LoquitorLatinae
 * Reccommended by BlackPearlPrincess
 * She only has 6 stories, all of which are currently completed but the quality of the writing and the length of those stories is truly astounding. Her shortest multi-chapter story has just under 75,000 words and her longest has 220,000 for gods' sake! She's also published a oneshot with 20,000 words. She has enough skill to dip in and out of different genres with each story and not make it seem like a noob writing it. She focuses on different couples also. For example, The City is at War is a crime thriller focusing on the Cloud/Leon pairing while Haunted by An Angel is a supernatural drama with Riku/Sora.

Z.Alexander
 * Recommended by Axisfiraga
 * If you're a fan of Axel and Roxas, you should check her out for sure. You don't have to like them as a pairing to enjoy her bizarre but ever interesting characterization of the two...it's so different, but the more you read, the more it grows on you. She also goes on to write with Larxene, and I have to say, I don't think I've ever met someone who can keep to her character so well, and give an actual realistic vibe to her behavior. Her stories do tend to be AU, but man, are they awesome. Some of her stories:
 * Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: This story focases heavily on Larxene, and her characterization in a modern world. She feels as though she isn't real, like at any moment she will fade away, but she's steadily trying to keep her head above water. You see her weakness, but with her spitfire dialogue, it's hard to anchor which type of person she really is. It's a bittersweet story eventually unfolding into Larxine with sprinkles of Akuroku, but the pairings are not what drives the story. Her strong character keeps you reading, because something is pricking at your nerves like something is going to happen. A surefire recommendation to anyone who is a fan of these characters, or who wants a new view on how humanity can be seen through the eyes of someone who is sane, but is looking through broken eyes.

General Fics
''Stories in this category run the full range of genres and themes. If it's set in the main Kingdom Hearts continuity and the romance is not the focus then it belongs here.''

Those Lacking Spines by Gexegee/Organization VI (meta, parody, crossover)
 * Recommended by Fleb
 * Synopsis: When Organization XIII is laid low by a new enemy called the "Gutless" that attacks its victim's... you-know, it's up to the Organization's manlies—er, surviving members to save the day. Along the way many common fanfiction plots are roasted and Organization XIII watches Moulin Rouge It's also hysterically funny.

Thir13en Ghosts by Charles Xavier
 * Recommended by Hobgoblin
 * Synopsis: While Sora and Riku deal with the looming threat of the Organization at Castle Oblivion, Kairi and several of Sora's friends find themselves fighting for their lives against thirteen evil spirits.

Pain in the Axel by Dragonnova
 * Recommended by Minkette
 * Synopsis: Axel decides to get revenge on the other members of the organization by playing pranks on them in the middle of the night, starting a snowballing night of chaos and roping Roxas into the "fun".

Am I Heartless by Jazzerman
 * Recommended by Finalhazard Jones
 * Synopsis: Takes place after Kingdom Hearts II. Sora, Kairi and Riku are back on Destiny Islands when they come across a newcomer who bears some similarities to the Heartless. The questions of who he is, how he came to be, and what happens next make up the rest of the plot.

Jumping at Shadows by Alyssa2
 * Recommended by Pata Hikari
 * Synopsis: Riku's fall to darkness didn't begin with a raft or a storm.

The Mouse Who Would be King by Lynx
 * Recommended by Pata Hikari
 * Synopsis: The story of King Mickey, and how he became the person he is by the time of Kingdom Hearts.

Other Halves and Other Tales by Vulpes Lapis
 * Recommended by Pata Hikari
 * Synopsis: An two-part, old series that predates Chain of Memories, best described as a Slice of Life series that happens to take place in Traverse Town.

The Interference by Newbie-Spud
 * Recommended by Shy Tenda
 * Synopsis: An average boy gets pulled into a video game. He has the power to change the story, but can he take that chance? And what is this mysterious "Lockshield?"

A Match Made in Hell by Ri2
 * Recommended by bleachedsnow
 * Synopsis: A short time after the conclusion of Kingdom Hearts II, Sora, Riku and Kairi are summoned to attend Maleficent's wedding to Pete, where they must contend with hilarious guests, difficult allies and a truly fiendish plot.

In Memoriam
 * Recommeded by Mew24ever
 * Synopsis: Set just after the end of KHII. There were things that Sora himself remembered, and there were memories that were not entirely his own. And he decided to honor one of those memories. An Axel/Sora friendship fic with implied Axel/Roxas friendship as well, though the fangirls can interpret it as more if they wish.
 * Comments: Like every good Kingdom Hearts fangirl, I frikkin adore Axel. And this WAFF with just a hint of melancholy thrown in gives me the warm fuzzies everytime.

Kairi GaidenBy Xavon Wrentaile
 * Recommended by Halinmonk
 * Synopsis: Set in the middle of KHII it tells a story centered around Kairi after she is half forced into a epic adventure all her own, and chooses to stand against Axel rather then run off.

Bitter by Suzaka
 * Recommended by Landscape
 * Synopsis: Sally had a big brother once. His name was Lae. A short and dark story based on the idea that Axel was originally from Halloween Town.

The Yaoi Problem by Ultiman92
 * Recommended by Sapphire Blue
 * Synopsis: The Author Avatar walks in on a Yaoi Fangirl writing a new fanfic, and decides to show her what not to do when writing Kingdom Hearts slash. Hilarity ensues

Disorganization by Esse
 * Recommended by: Saviour Seph
 * Synopsis: A lot can happen in a year. Very silly fic that covers the what the Organization does in the year they spent waiting for Sora to wake up. Heavier on the Disney love than a lot of Kingdom Hearts fic.

Choices by SilverLocke980
 * Recommended by AngelForm
 * Pairing: Riku/Kairi
 * Synopsis: One-shot. The Keyblade waits, in the darkness of Between, for Riku to make a choice. And when he chooses Darkness, the Keyblade lets a few tears drop... because it can see the future Riku could have had, if he only had the courage to grasp it.

But That Was In Another Country by Guardian1
 * Recommended by Solle
 * Synopsis: Sometimes the good guys don't win against unstoppable odds. Yuffie Kisaragi and the last stand: before Traverse Town, there was the Planet, and before Sora, there was AVALANCHE.

The Axelerate Series, Kingdom Hearts: Axelerate!, Kingdom Hearts: One More Vacation, and Kingdom Hearts: The Fallen Kingdom by Sulhadahne
 * Recommended by Ditto*The*Dee
 * Pairings: Sora/Kairi, Roxas/Namine, Leon/Rinoa, Vincent/Tifa, Yuffie/Demyx, Xigbar/Paine, Tidus/Yuna, Marluxia/Larxene, Cloud/Aerith. Many, including some not listed here.
 * Synopsis: It’s a trilogy that begins with “Kingdom Hearts: Axelerate!” The Organization XIII have been revived(And what’s this? Kairi can control them!), who are given a second chance by gaining what are known as ‘heart pieces’. With these heart pieces they can regain their lost hearts by relearning a given emotion, such as trust and bravery. However, Axel is separated from the group, with a strange being, and through many tests to save the lost friend the group learns to be human again.

Just A Nobody by Random One Shot
 * Recommended by Meteor
 * Synopsis: During his first attempt to capture Roxas, Riku gets into a bit more trouble then he expected.

Disciples of the Keyblade by Divine Wolfe
 * Recommended by starstuff99
 * Synopsis: A series of connected one-shots. The training of Ventus, Aqua, and Terra under Master Eraqus's watchful eye.

A Noble Truth by sharky-chan
 * Recommended by crackersdon'tmatter
 * Synopsis: The first noble truth is that life means suffering. Auron makes a choice that leaves him in a very dark place. Spoilers for Final Fantasy X and for Auron in Kingdom Hearts 2.

Ego Sum by Hakurei Ryuu
 * Recommended by whitesouldragon
 * Synopsis: "I'm what's left. Or... maybe I'm all there ever was." Xemnas talks to his "friend" in the Chamber of Repose.

One More Chain To Reconnect
 * Recommended by LoveIsWeird
 * Synopsis: .:Krissey:. Sora was never a normal child; perhaps having an imaginary friend proved it, or even furthered it, considering what "VenVen" taught him and essentially was in his life. Now it's time to return the favor. .:HEAVY SPOILERS FOR BBS:.

The Open Door By Tigrin
 * Recommended by Ellamew
 * Synopsis: Once you enter Silent Hill, there's no turning back.

Kino no Owari By Caide Sin
 * Recommended by Person With Many Aliases
 * Synopsis: A traveler stays at the end of the world for three days and two nights.

Cooking Mama By Lily Silver
 * Recommended by Adamante
 * Synopsis: Due to an unfortunate incident caused by the Organization's newest member, Demyx, a few of the members have been transformed into kids! With Vexen busy trying to find a cure, it's up to Mama Saix to take care of them in the meantime.

Time Left Behind by Tabitha Dornoc
 * Recommended by Suspiciouscookie
 * Synopsis: Oneshot. Post KH 2. Glimpse of a final ending for the once children of the Destiny Islands. Failed potions and failed letters trapped in bottles. But there will always be a door to the light. And to him.

Best Friends by kairiwilson1
 * Recommended by Elemiel
 * Synopsis: Isa should get an award for being Lea's best friend. Naturally, all he gets is a constant headache and a very crack-filled life. 100 Challenge Themes

A Few Adjustments by osmandias
 * Recommended by Animenutcase
 * Synopsis: Sometimes even the greatest pieces of work need a few changes to make them that much better. Oneshot.

Old Faithful by Lunamaria
 * Recommended by Watashiwa
 * Synopsis: Goofy didn't like war. Goofy didn't like fighting, even. But his friends and his king are all fighting a war against the darkness, and Goofy is nothing if faithful in his duty to both.

Air and Stars by Lunamaria''
 * Recommended by Watashiwa
 * Synopsis: Seven Princesses of Heart were captured and had their hearts stolen. While they slept they remembered their lives before they were captured, but it's hard to dream happy dreams when you're trapped in a nightmare.

Cradle Me With Thy Heart by Arcadia Silver''
 * Recommended by Watshiwa
 * Synopsis: Kairi was in Sora's heart in the time between the Destiny Islands and Hollow Bastion. She remembers its warmth strength, but mostly she remembers the lights...

the Truth Hurts by rarmaster
 * Recommended by Keyseeker
 * Status: Complete
 * Pairings: Riku replica X Namine, Sora X Kairi
 * Synopsis: "Life on Destiny Islands is normal, until a battle-worn boy named Riku shows up, unable to remember anything. But if he does start to remember his past, how much will the truth hurt him? find out what happened to the Riku Replica after the events of KH:CoM."

All the Pieces Lie Where They Fell by Forevermagik13
 * Recommended by Keyseeker
 * Status: Complete
 * Pairings: Riku X Namine, Sora X Kairi, Roxas X Xion
 *  Synopsis "Sora and Riku are called to take their Mark of Mastery exam. But after that's over, there are hurts to be mended, forgotten things to be remembered, and lost people to find. It's another adventure! Oh, and all of those people you thought were dead-aren't."

Mommy's Medicine by Witchy Elphaba
 * Recommended by Stargirl 93
 * Synopsis: A post-KHII oneshot. Sora gets sick one morning and while his mom takes care of him, they start discussing the recent past, and the near future...

Thorns by Cold Soda
 * Recommended by: Mini Bull
 * Synopsis: A pre-KH oneshot that details a possible backstory for Marluxia, from the point of view of Maleficent. For over a decade, the two use one another to achieve their own goals, destroying a world and crushing its people in the process.
 * Pairing(s): Dashes of Other!luxia/Maleficent. In any case, it's hinted to be just another part of the game rather than a display of affection or lust.
 * Comments: Words cannot do it justice. It is dark. It is beautifully written. It stays true to the characters and blends seamlessly with canon. Its conclusion is both abrupt and haunting. And, upon reflection, it nicely parallels the relationship between Riku and Maleficent in the original Kingdom Hearts. A true gem of a oneshot that really Needs More Love.

Reconnect: Kingdom Hearts by Star Tours Traveler
 * Recommended by: Keyseeker
 * Synopsis:Sora embarks on a mission to reconnect with the people who were separated years ago. But in order to do so, he'll need the help of Aqua, one of the lost souls and the last Keyblade Master. They must try to work together in order to fully restore those who were lost. Spoilers for all KH games, especially Birth by Sleep.
 * Pairing(s): So Kai, Venqua.

Thrones of the Four Pillars by Thaeonblade
 * Recommended by: pulsor 93
 * "Synopsis:" One year after the end of KH2, Sora, Riku and Kairi prepare for the journey that King Mickey's letter spoke of just as events outside of their world catch up to them. Meeting friends new and old, these friends will have to entrench their strengths and learn new ones as the Darkness once more gathers upon the world... All orchestrated by a familiar foe.
 * Comments: Thaeonblade once again proves to be a master of crossovers and characters study as he gives the reader a look at a darker take on Sora's adventures post-KHII. At the moment of typing, the gang has only just left the island, but big stuff is most likely on the way.
 * Now has it's own page: Link

Alternate Universe Fic
Stories taking place in a different setting than canon.

Everything Nice by Dualism
 * Recommended by Eigen Locke
 * Comments: A fun one-shot guaranteed to make you smile. It is incredibly well-written and the characters are real in a way lots of Kingdom Hearts get-together fics often aren't. If Kingdom Hearts was a sitcom, this would be the reincarnation it should take.

Kingdom Hearts III: Trials of the Keyblade by Darius Almighty
 * Recommended by The World of Fantasy
 * Synopsis: Join Sora in his new adventure, as he tries to stop the Keyblade War from consuming the worlds in darkness once again.

Lux Aeterna by Zellarius Burvenia
 * Recommended by Vorel Laraek
 * Synopsis: Post-KH alternate timeline where Riku killed Sora. Organization XIII is now free to conquer all; with darkness and nothingness at war for control of the universe, is there still hope?

There Wasn't by Tabitha Dornoc (character death, sort of)
 * Recommended by RK Ryune
 * Synopsis: Wonderful story exploring what would happen if Axel had gotten his way and succeeded in turning Sora into a heartless during the events of Kingdom Hearts II.

A New Light By Kee Blayd
 * Recommended by Jazmyn
 * Synopsis: About an OC named Kevin, and his adventures with other OC through different worlds.

Harvey Birdman Versus The Organization XIII by Tinyrocket
 * Recommended by NotJMKeynes
 * Synopsis: Harvey Birdman, along with his faithful sidekick, Peter Potamus, goes to The Castle That Never Was to arrest the leader of Organization XIII, Xemnas, alleging copyright violation, since his Weapon of Choice reminds a lightsaber from Star Wars.

All The Roads We Have To Walk by Ginger Ninja
 * Recommended by Comartemis, Watashiwa, Suspicious Cookie
 * Synopsis: Several months after Ansem's defeat, Sora is sucked through a keyhole into a world that is strangely familiar yet completely different from the realm of light. As Donald and Goofy rally the supporting cast to try to get Sora back, the keybearer himself must contend with strange new Heartless on another quest to seal the keyholes and unlock the secrets of the strange realm he is trapped in.

Birds of Paradise by Crossover Queen
 * Recommended by Sharysa
 * Pairings: None confirmed yet.
 * Synopsis: A Kingdom Hearts/Fire Emblem crossover that follows the plot of The Lion King, as experienced by Yuna. Due to the nature of both fandoms, this is already showing signs of being a Massive Multiplayer Crossover. Magitek abounds, since mages and healers are common despite the contemporary setting.

But You Have Heard of Me by Splat on the Floor
 * Recommended by Mew24ever, whitesouldragon
 * Synopsis: A series of hysterical drabbles, based on the 'what if' premise of Jack Sparrow being the one the Keyblade chooses.

Court of Souls by Rem-chan
 * Recommended by Ultra Sonic 007
 * Status: Complete
 * Synopsis: Two years have passed since Kingdom Hearts. Sora, along with Ranma Saotome and the spirit known as Yami, must face a darkness both old and new as they at last find the source of their new enemies. But there remains a secret Sora cannot face...

Of Many Hearts by Rem-chan
 * Status: Complete
 * Recommended by Ultra Sonic 007
 * Synopsis: Riku's sidestroy to 'Court of Souls'. Riku searches for Sora's lost Key Chains in worlds closely related yet far apart, and hiding a life-changing secret.

Kingdom Hearts III: Hearts of Gold by Mrfipp
 * Status: Complete
 * Recommended by Nightelf 37
 * Synopsis: Sora, Riku & Kairi, must travel the worlds to deliver the Hearts of Gold, items that will give people to wield Keyblades. They must also do this while under the threat of a new and powerful group. The Incompletes.

Kingdom Hearts IV: All's End by Mrfipp
 * Status: Complete
 * Recommended by Nightelf 37
 * Synopsis: One year had passed since the business with the Golden Hearts and Incompletes. Sora and co. have sensed a great evil and must now gather the Keyblade warriors and stop it.

Another Side, Another Story by Kay Willow and Libek
 * Recommended by Mechwar, Meteor
 * Pairings: Hints of Roxas/Namine and Sora/Kairi.
 * Synopsis: At the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 2, Roxas ended his summer vacation and existence as a separate entity from Sora so the Keyblade master could awake. But what if something changed? What if the Nobody became the Somebody ?

The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun by Scribbler
 * Recommended by whitesouldragon, moooomoooo
 * Pairings: Cloud/Aerith/Zack, Yuffie/Leon, Yuffie/Lea, and a handful of side-pairings tossed in
 * Synopsis: Zack, Cloud & Aerith. Before Sora was born, others fought the darkness, but even the greatest love stories can become tragedies in a heartbeat.

Broken Shield by BrokenRepublic
 * Recommended by whitesouldragon, stupidcracker
 * Synopsis: After sacrificing himself to save Sora, Axel passes into a strange realm where an old man in a bowler hat offers him a second chance at life.

White Knight by The Dani-Chan Replika 2.06
 * Recommended by Zero Potential
 * Pairings : Ventus/Namine, Terra/Aqua
 * Synopsis : Ventus is the lowly servant of Naminé, The Master's curiously insane ward, and yet, she's become dangerously attached to him. With the secrets Terra is hiding from him, and the secrets Aqua is trying to hide from the Master, it's hard for Ven to be Ven.

Reverse by RamaLlama
 * Recommended by CelestialPuppet
 * Pairings: Axel/Roxas. [However there is also Roxas/Namine, Sora/Kairi, Marluxia/Larxene, ect.]
 * Synopsis: Roxas just wanted a sea-salt ice cream. He didn't plan on dying. And he definitely didn't plan on having his life rewound like a cassette tape. AkuRoku

Paths of Our Fathers by IluvAUs
 * Recommended by FarisV
 * Pairings: Sora/Kairi, Riku/Kairi, vaguely implied Sora/Riku, referred to Vincent/Lucrecia, implied Sephiroth/Rydia nonconsensual and implied Cloud/OC
 * Synopsis: After the destruction of each of Xehanort's remnants, Sora thought he was finished saving the world. He thought wrong. Sephiroth, who until now has bided his time, has started to act. When Riku discovers his shocking past, can Sora keep him from the dark?

How to Become a Nobody by Junipertree
 * Recommended by Mrc Hen
 * Pairings: Axel/Roxas, Sephiroth/Cloud
 * Synopsis: "Sora goes to the perfect school, has the perfect girlfriend and the perfect life... but sometimes he just needs to let go and become someone else."

Beating Drum Heart by Tuna Salad Sonnet
 * Recommended by Nal
 * Pairings: none
 * Synopsis: "You know, Lex, there's a reason we call you the Silent Hero. Maybe you'll finally find it out there." (This story mostly takes place in the universe of the movie Pocahontas.)

Brutality by Gundam Kaizer
 * Recommended by Eva Unit 01
 * Pairings: (apparently) a little Roxas/Larxene
 * Synopsis: "What if Axel had been accidentally sent on a long-term mission just before Roxas joined the Organization? Xemnas needs SOMEBODY to mentor Roxas, and there's no time to wait for Axel's return. Now suppose it's Larxene..." An Alternate Universe of Days.

''Maid Service by Sorax Kairi 7
 * Recommended by Rytex
 * Pairings: Plays with Genesis x Sephiroth, Riku x Namine, Zemyx, Akuroku, and a lot of yaoi pairings. However, the only true pairings seem to be Clerith, Sephaerith, Tifaroth, and Roxine.
 * Kairi and Namine are poor, and live with their aunt Tifa, a binge drinker. One chance encounter with Sora and his brother Roxas change their lives forever, as they go to live with their "Chief," who takes care of them until they are grown. Also, everyone else seems to be mildly psychopathic.

Shipping Fics
Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast.

Het Pairings

The Old Life, Alive Again by Xion Roxas 1314
 * Recommended by Very Melon
 * Pairing: Roxas/Xion with Axel/Larxene
 * Synopsis: Roxas wishes everything in Organization XIII would go back to the way it was...but he never expected that would actually happen! Now he has to keep himself sane as he goes through all the trials that his wish brings.

Sweet and Salty by swaswj
 * Recommended by Trollbez
 * Pairing: Sora/Yuffie
 * Synopsis: After losing to Sora twice in a row, Yuffie decides to train with him out in the woods as she struggles with her feelings and a not so little secret.

Those Without Hearts by The Lionheartless (AU)
 * Recommended by Pata Hikari
 * Pairing: Sora/Kairi
 * Synopsis: An AU story taking place all on one world, a world being ravaged by the Heartless. King Mickey adopts Sora, the young wielder of the Keyblade. However, there's a problem, his heart is missing.

You Don't Miss It Till It's Gone and You Don't Miss It Till It's Gone: Nobody's Perfect by numina
 * Recommended by Zagreus
 * Pairing: yes
 * Synopsis: Sister fics set post KH2. Sora leaves Kairi behind on his newest adventure, setting off a chain of events that pit Sora, Kairi, and Riku against each other and ressurrect Organization XIII. Events unfold from the perspectives of the Nobodies in Nobody's Perfect and the perspective of their Somebodies in the original, creating a unique reading experience.

Heaven Help Us Now
 * Recommended by Corben Cypher
 * Pairings: Namine/Zexion
 * Synopsis: An AU fic with an alternate drastically different setting where certain original members of the order, Ansem, Xaldin, Saix, and others, are called "Lords" and rule a kingdom, follows the story of Namine through this world and her search for her brother Roxas.

Omega Dawn
 * Recommended by Not JM Keynes
 * Pairing(s): Implied Riku/Kairi, Kairi/Sora (but he's dead in this fanfic )
 * Synopsis: After the events of Kingdom Hearts 2, Sora and the gang return to normal high school life, until one night Sora is viciously murdered by a Nobody named Ruxik; Kairi becomes the new Keyblader and with Riku and a few of their friends from the games, they battle Ruxik, who is determined to plunge the universe into darkness and make himself king of the darkness.

Incandescence by Arcticwaters
 * Recommended by King Sonn Dee Doo
 * Pairings: Axel/Larxene
 * Synopsis: A series of one-shots (with occasional dashes of AU) featuring the frienship/relationship of Axel and Larxene, during their time in Organization XIII.

Boys Will Be By Lizzie Rebel
 * Recommended by whitesouldragon
 * Pairings: Sora/Kairi and some Roxas/Namine
 * Synopsis: oneshot, dark, Sora/Kairi—it's like little boys in the summer, young and covered in blood

Reaching the Understanding By Varanus
 * Recommended by Exceptional_Chocolate, Comartemis, CCIB, moooomoooo
 * Pairings: Ven/Aqua/Terra
 * Synopsis: Before the journey, through their days laughing together, they finally found an... understanding. Oh, but let's be clear, the Master must never know. Seriously. Has a half-related follow-up called As I Remember It.

The Lion In The Meadow By Guardian1
 * Recommended by moooomoooo
 * Pairings: Leon/Yuffie, mentions of Aerith/Cloud, Leon/Rinoa, and Vincent/Yuffie
 * Synopsis: Yuffie, Leon, and the fine art of how to disturb the dead. A one-shot.

Birthday_Massacre by Skitts
 * Recommended by: Ronasokily
 * Pairings: Roxas and Namine.
 * Synopsis: Roxas tries to solve the mystery of who killed Namine and how she died. A horror story, but not because of gore.

Knight of Flowers by Zachere
 * Recommended by Animenutcase
 * Pairing: Goofy/Aerith
 * Synopsis:: Goofy buys a flower from Aerith and the story flows from there.

The Law of Proximal Attraction by Redeeming Endeavor
 * Recommended by Hollownerox
 * Pairing: Roxas/Namine with a bit of Sora/Kairi
 * Synopsis: Set in an alternate universe where there is no Keyblades, darkness, disney characters and whatnot; basically an ordinary life fic focusing on the relationship of Roxas and Namine who at the beginning hate each other with a passion. In other words this is an opposites attract fanfic, very well written and the humor is well delivered as well as the character development and dialogue.

Yaoi and Yuri Pairings

The Renegades by abby_sarajane, chigrima and silvestris. (slash, explicit sex in some versions.)
 * Recommended by L Guardinal
 * Pairings: Lexaeus/Zexion, Vexen/Marluxia, Axel/Larxene - also cases of Marluxia/Larxene, Vexen/Larxene, Lexaeus/Larxene, Lexaeus/Marluxia, Marluxia/Zexion
 * Synopsis: The Plot-Bunny of Doom/The Renegades, by three different authors, is the story of the Castle Oblivion Nobodies. I can't summarize to save my life, but essentially, they messed up. They messed up bad, and so the six Nobodies fled the castle and Organization XII VII, hopping from world to world in a paranoid dash to save their hides.

Deceitful Above All Things by Quillslinger (slash, M-rated [though the explicit material is about two paragraphs out of a 18,000-word fic], AU due to being written prior to 358/2 Days)
 * Recommended by Rocha, whitesouldragon, moooomoooo
 * Pairings: Axel and Roxas.
 * Synopsis: Contrary to popular beliefs, most of which were disseminated by Axel, he did not meet Roxas in a life-or-death situation involving a million Heartless and gravity-defying acrobatics. That part really did happen, just not on the day they met. Way before that, there was this summer day in Twilight Town.

Hourglass by Kuko-chan
 * Recommended by Anderling
 * Pairings: Sora/Riku
 * Synopsis: "Sora's life was going fine until an older version of himself literally falls from the sky bringing news of a horrific future and a mission to turn back the hourglass. Now Sora must fight fate to protect the one he loves. Post KH 2 Riku/Sora."

Marigold by Falaphesian
 * Recommended by thebutterflyeffect, Ellamew
 * Pairings: Axel/Roxas
 * Synopsis: "He never knew what not to do. But he always got it right. Up until The Lightning, The House, and The Kid all came crashing down. Now he just can't stop doing it wrong."

The Violet Room by Sarehptar
 * Recommended by Meteor
 * Pairings: Demyx and Zexion, except it's not there yet in the story.
 * Synopsis: While working a psychology internship, Myde is given the challenge of analyzing Ienzo, a mysterious patient who spends his days writing on the walls of his hospital room. But when the story of 'Zexion' and 'Demyx' starts to sound familiar...

Come Home by Lady Karai
 * Recommended by Mademoiselle Anime Amour. Seconded by BlackPearlPrincess
 * Pairings: Cloud/Leon, Axel/Roxas, Zexion/Demyx, Riku/Sora, Vincent/Yuffie, Mild Kadaj/Kairi
 * Synopsis: A single night's mistake separated them for six years. When chance throws them back together, it will take more than love to heal the wounds and bring them home.

Binary by Lost Forevermore [Warnings: Contains strong language, slash, het, and lots of references to gang activity]
 * Recommended by Mokyn
 * Summary: It all starts with a motorcycle accident, a missing blond, and a stolen computer disc. Detective!fic, featuring Riku/Sora and Axel/Roxas among various other scattered pairings.

Butterfly Kisses By Pikachumaniac
 * Recommended by bickazer
 * Pairings: Riku/Zexion
 * Synopsis: As DiZ and Riku prepare for Sora's awakening and the defeat of Organization XIII, Riku finds himself being haunted by a familiar figure. For even with no powers left, Zexion still knows his every weakness. Riku x Zexion.

Valiant Hearts II By Kuugen the Fox
 * Recommended by Weird Raptor
 * Pairings: Aerith/Tifa, Kaira/Namine/Olette, Olette/Yuffie
 * Synopsis: An AU, Shipping fic about Kairi as the Keyblade Master instead of Sora. It's her struggles against the Organization XIII together with the Radiant Garden Restoration Commity and her fellow Keybladers, Olette and Namine. A far darker take on the story than the original. Takes place during the story of Kingdom Hearts II.

The Unfamiliar By the.israel.project107 (slash, rated M)
 * Recommended by fanfictor, and generalwinter.
 * Pairings: Axel/Roxas, Riku/Sora, Zemyx, Leon/Cloud
 * Synopsis: Roxas leads a semiperfect life. He's a good person, with reasonable grades, friends he's growing out of, and a regular home environment. Until Axel comes along. Roxas doesn't realize just how much of a sham his whole existence is...

The 'C' Word by Demon's Halo
 * Recommended by: Lililedger
 * Pairings: Akuroku and Zemyx
 * Synopsis: Four teenage boys. Four different types of cancer. One journey.
 * Comments: Wonderful story, if a bit rough around the edges. The author manages to write yet another 'It's AU and they are high school students' fic without falling into the cliches that litter most other 'normal' AUs. The author is the son of a PA, and it shows with the amount of research that has clearly been done. He manages to handle a sensitive subject without being unbelievable or over the top.
 * Warnings: It would be hard to write a story with four cancer patients without including at least a little character death.

Darkness Rising by Chibi Nataku
 * Recommended by: ittybittybot
 * Pairings: Cloud/Sephiroth (although it's implied, it actually takes awhile to get there)
 * Synopsis: Cloud made a deal with Hades to search for someone, but he may have taken off a bit more than he expected. There are some in the world that wish to control him for more than his fighting ability!

Boys by Casey V
 * Recommended by: suadela, moooomoooo
 * Pairings: Sora/Riku and Sora+Roxas friendship
 * Synopsis: It's about growing up, mostly. Sometimes it's about love and sometimes it's about friendship. Sometimes it's about hockey. But sometimes it's about the difference between what's real and what's fake, between being a boy and being a man.
 * Comments: I'm not usually a big fan of AU high school stories, but this one is honestly one of the best pieces of fiction I have ever read. I would pay money to buy this in book form if it were available.
 * Warnings: Rated Mature for language, drug use and sex.

The Laws of Motion by owlpostagain
 * Recommended by: vampire_scooby
 * Pairings: Zemyx, AkuRoku (Which seems to be bigger than the Zemyx at points), Sora/Riku
 * Synopsis: Closeted band geek, Demyx, suddenly gets the urge to join the high school marching band when he sees Zexion, a member of the drum line. This story details his adventure though the marching season, and how all the relationships grow and change with band drama.
 * Comments: One of the best AU's I've ever read for this paring. Not only are the characters all very in character, but it really captures that marching band feeling: including the drama, friendships, after parties, cheesy speeches, and why people do love the marching band.

Yellow Zinnias by A Crimson Evil
 * Recommended by: Axisfiraga
 * Pairings: AkuRoku
 * Synopsis: A story of loss, and coping, and remembering. It's not easy to die, but it's also not easy to be left behind. It's hard to smile when you want to cry, and it's hard to move on like nothing happened. This is a story about acceptance, and how hard that one word can weigh on the soul, but at the same time allow it to fly.
 * Comments: A Tear Jerker if I've ever seen one. It's one of the best AU stories I've read, and it's bittersweet until the very end. It's stories like this that shows you how your world can come crashing down, but you'll still be able to pick up the pieces.

The Life Left Behind by Neriede
 * Recommended by istolethecheese
 * Synopsis: "What if…" he pauses, trying to find the right words, "What if there is a life after this one? What if we've already lived a hundred lives before this one?" Isa shrugs easily, "I wouldn't know the difference."