A/N: - Let's see what trouble I can cause this time. To long time readers, it's nice to see you again. For new readers, welcome.

It's been a little while since I finished my last story, so I'm feeling a bit rusty. However, I am curious as to what I can do this time around and it would mean a lot to know if this is something you all enjoy.

As always with my writing, I do not use original characters. Anyone mentioned by name belongs to the Disney, Kingdom Hearts, or Square-Enix universes. So please read, enjoy, and review. It's the best way to make sure this gets continued. See you next time!

Gunmetal Lullaby

Chapter 1

Aviary

The mansion that stood off in the distance at the edges of the town was already an elegant and beautiful structure. Chiseled stone and marble made up its multiple stories that gleamed no matter what time of day and whether there was light or not. Yet the rich looking building wasn't what caught the townspeople's attention so much as the pointed cylindrical structure that blossomed alongside the mansion. This cage made of silver that shot towards the sky like a rocket caused everyone to go short of breath at its magnificence.

People referred to it as the "Aviary."

And rightfully so. The Aviary was a domed garden wonderland made to look like a giant birdcage. Exotic greens and flora filled the inside, creating a natural barrier that kept out prying eyes. Despite the clear crystal panels, nobody knew what else there was to this mysterious cage. All one saw was a silver beacon at the edges of town.

So, who lived in this extravagant place? Naturally, it was assumed someone of great importance or wealth would call such a place home. Every so often a series of cars would be seen traveling the winding paths to the mansion, never bothering to stop anywhere in town. Their destination was set, as if the Aviary was the only thing that mattered to those that made it their goal to reach.

Once again, the townspeople were correct. Those that made their way to the mansion were indeed set on their goal. For these people hidden behind the black tinted windows of their cars were important guests. They were wealthy clientele that sought the owner and master of the Aviary.

Sora Cinders Ella was a very unique person. From a physical standpoint he was a thin and youthful looking man of 25. Chocolate spiky hair with hints of burnt orange, bright blue eyes on par with gems, and a pair of lips that adorned a charming pearly white smile. Sora was a handsome man, but one that didn't immediately call for undivided attention. It wasn't his looks that his guests were looking for.

The young man was what the world called a "Dream Sketcher." Sora joined the tiny ranks of those born with the unique ability to create a realistic dream. He wove together an intricate and beautiful dream where his guests could experience their most desired fantasies in a manner that couldn't be distinguished from reality. It was as if they were truly living it. These services, however, came at a steep price and one only those with very deep pockets could afford.

Dream Sketchers were incredibly rare. And for that reason, also some of the most protected people in the world. A special organization was assembled that would recruit and train elite guards to be at their side not only to serve in every day matters, but also in case of potential trouble. They were a Dream Sketcher's right hand man ( or woman ), a person that they entrusted their life to. They were not allowed to use their given names, and were referred to by a color or mineral followed by the uniform code name: "Lullaby."

Sora sat in the very Aviary the townspeople saw every day, his fingers working the pages of a thick book strewn over his lap. The bright green of the trees hanging overhead created a spotted canopy that made patterns on whatever it was he was reading. He seemed slightly aloof, gazing at the writings he himself had written into the pages of what he as a Dream Sketcher called his "Storybook."

A Storybook was an essential tool for a Dream Sketcher as it detailed the dream or fantasy the client wanted. When a new guest came to him it would take an entire session to get the fine tunings to their desire just right. With all the components of their dream in order, Sora would then write in all the details so when his client would return on their next visit, he would have everything perfected for that following session. All Sora had to do at that point was read from the pages and the Dream would manifest itself for the client, allowing them more time to spend in their created world.

"Master Sora."

Blue eyes lifted from the pages of his Storybook and across the flower filled path leading into the mansion. A tall woman wearing a pink bow in her long brown hair bowed her head just a fraction. Sora acknowledged the newcomer with a tilt of his chin.

"Emerald," he said with a small smile, "is it time?"

Aerith, code name: Emerald Lullaby, was Sora's appointed guard and servant. Her bright green eyes and rosy cheeked complexion spoke of a delicate creature. But if her pedigree was anything to go off of, it was a mistake to make such an assumption of her. Emerald was a top tier Lullaby with the stats to prove it. Skilled in hand to hand combat, a master of the Earth Element in magic, and quite the renowned cook.

Even as she stood there in her pink dress and an asymmetrical coat buttoned up to the collar the same color as her code name, Emerald's facial expression never once showed an inkling of unneeded emotion. It wasn't that she couldn't produce it, but the situation at present didn't call for it. Emerald was calm, collected, and very much the epitome of what a Lullaby needed to be.

"Yes Master Sora, Lady Brahne will be arriving shortly. All preparations have been made as instructed. Shall I make more tea in the mean time?"

Sora shook his head then pointed to the silver platter that sat on a small table in front of him. "No, I've had my share for now. Please inform me the minute Lady Brahne arrives."

"Of course," she replied with a bow and then excused herself from the Aviary.

Sora was once again left to his musings and studying of his texts. The sunlight beaming through the treetop canopy fell on a particular word as he read, a small crescent shape siting perfectly underneath it.

"Satisfaction," he read aloud.

Ultimately, it was his job to satisfy his clientele. If his dreams couldn't replicate exactly what they wanted, then his role as Dream Sketcher was called into question. He was indeed a rare creature, just one of perhaps 30 in the entire world, but that also meant his reputation was at stake. There was nothing more embarrassing and potentially dangerous to his career than to have a client that left unsatisfied.

Fortunately for Sora, the handsome man that called the Aviary his home, there was little he needed to worry about. His reputation was world renowned and the intensity of his realistic dreams were incomparable to other Dream Sketchers. The proof was in his wallet, so to speak. Sora was vastly wealthy, all thanks to his talents and numerous clients of similar, if not more affluent status. It was for this reason that "The Cradle", the organization that handled Lullabies, that he received Emerald as his guard. A person of his degree required the best.

It wasn't long after Emerald came to inform Sora of his client arriving shortly that a powerful voice rang throughout the large open foyer of the mansion entrance. Maids and butlers stood in perfect order with their heads slightly bowed as Sora entered from within a hallway to greet the boisterous woman at his doorstep.

"My darling!"

The woman accompanied by an entourage in garishly colorful clothes practically ran to Sora's side and allowed her rotund body to embrace the slender man in her equally voluptuous bosom. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Emerald standing in the shadows of the hallway he came walking out of, her hands placed delicately in front of her. He blinked twice, to which she responded by disappearing back into the darkened corridor.

"My lady, it's so good to see you again," Sora replied after being released by her orangutan-like embrace. "It's always a pleasure to have you here."

"Oh my darling Sora, it has been much too long! I counted down the days with excruciating patience I'll have you know."

Sora produced a small grin. "I understand my lady, but you are aware that I have many others that call upon me for the same service I provide you."

Lady Brahne huffed her thick, bulbous lips in a prissy manner. Their dark shade of purple obviously unnatural and permanently stained that color. "Oh rubbish, I'd gladly pay any amount to have you solely for myself."

Her gaze was like a starving lion ready to pounce. To the random passerby it would be enough to send them into a catatonic state, yet Sora simply laughed and never broke eye contact with the boulder of a woman.

"You must be exhausted after your long flight, I'm sure you're famished. All of your favorites have been prepared if you would be so kind as to accompany me to the dining room."

"Oh yes, please!" Brahne squealed in salivating ecstasy. She gripped Sora's arm and practically carried him into the depths of the mansion, her group of handlers not far behind.

Lady Brahne was the only daughter of a conglomerate supergiant with businesses in every corner of the world. She could fill every ocean with money and still have mountains of if left over. She was Sora's number 1 client, and the most demanding of his services. It wasn't so much the dreams she asked of Sora, but the sheer amount of personality that oozed out of her blue-tinted skin was overwhelming to the point that many could simply not deal with. Other Dream Sketchers couldn't tolerate her, therefore Sora was now the lucky(unlucky?) person she sought out on almost a monthly basis.

"Oh delicious!" She moaned as she fisted food into her mouth. Lady Brahne appeared to have no need to breathe while she ate. If she happened to choke, nobody would be able to tell seeing as her face was already a warty shade of blue. She sat at the end of a large rectangular table, platters of food disappearing the minute they touched her greedy hands.

"I'm so happy you're enjoying the food," Sora said from his end of the table, a glass of sparkling water in hand. "Please, have as much as you like, I made sure the staff had everything you needed."

Brahne gripped a gravy boat full of thick brown liquid and gulped it down before letting out an unflattering belch. "More of the roasted chocobo!"

They ate for the better part of an hour with Lady Brahne only taking time out of her binging to compliment Sora and demand more food. By the time the skies were warming up to a rich orange did Brahne finally call it quits.

"I couldn't have another bite," she said wiping away the remnants of chocolate sauce from her mouth, "you have truly outdone yourself my darling."

"Think nothing of it, my lady. If you'd like to retire for the evening, we can be fully rested for tomorrow's session."

"Oh no," she trilled with an emphatic wave of her hands, "we shall have our session tonight! I'll need to freshen up of course, but don't be silly darling, I am most eager to start."

"If that is your wish, very well then. Your quarters are ready, so please make yourself as comfortable as possible while I prepare the Aviary."

With dinner coming to an end, Brahne and her group of handlers retired to their own exclusive wing of the mansion. Sora let out a sigh as he remained seated at the dining room table.

"Sir," came Emerald's voice, "you've not slept since last night. Is it wise for you to produce a dream this evening?"

He placed a hand against his cheek and rested an elbow on the armchair of his seat. "Emerald, I appreciate the concern as always, but this is nothing. I have Lady Brahne's dream so engrained in my mind I won't have any issues in overexerting myself. I promise I'll rest after tonight's session."

Fantastical as a Dream Sketcher's ability was, it did have its physical and mental strain. An enormous amount of energy was necessary to create not only the dream, but also in maintaining it. Not enough concentration or strength would cause the client to experience that oh so familiar sensation of knowing they were asleep. And when a client is supposed to be having a dream where reality can't be told apart, having that sensation was a mark of failure.

The Aviary was Sora's desired choice for his sessions. It was the one mandatory requirement for those that sought his dreams. Being surrounded by the lush greenery and sky high crystal panels created a perfect environment for him to do his work. A small, intimate clearing was set up with two plush seats and a table between them. Veils of almost translucent silk were hung from nearby trees to create a soft enclosure. Depending on what time of day he conducted a session, Sora would opt for the natural light that filtered from over head, but when night was nearing he relied upon Emerald's magic to give everything a special touch.

Emerald Lullaby walked around the circular enclosure igniting orbs of natural rock that burned a pale, almost white-green. With an affinity for Earth magic, this was but one of her special talents. With the last orb lit, Emerald watched the familiar figure of her master closing in.

"Beautiful, as always Emerald."

"I am most flattered," she responded with a rare smile, "is there anything else I can do?"

"Everything's perfect, you may retire for the night."

Curtsying, Emerald disappeared into the foliage of the gardens as the booming footsteps of Lady Brahne came thundering towards Sora. Her colorfully dressed gaggle of followers were nowhere to be seen, and rightfully so.

"You're looking ravishingly Lady Brahne," he complimented, despite not caring for her choice of wardrobe. Brahne was garbed in little more than a nightgown that was a bit too see-through for his tastes. She batted her thick, stubby eyelashes at him and made herself comfortable in one of the two seats set out for them.

Sora, wearing a charcoal colored tunic top with gold embroidery around the neck, joined her and sat opposite of Brahne. This wasn't anywhere near their first encounter, so there was no need for him to explain his process.

On the table in front of them was a small tray housing a pouch of herbs, a candle, and a gleaming silver needle. Sora grabbed the needle and with one last look at a very giddy Brahne, began the ritual.

"I thread this silver needle," a wisp of pale yellow energy shot out of Sora's pointer finger. "and offer a pinprick of blood."

The wisp of pale yellow wrapped itself through the eye of the needle. Gripping it ever so gently, Sora held out his free hand and jabbed the sharp tip into the middle of his palm. With a breathy sigh he retracted the needle and then followed by placing it over the unlit candle.

"Light this flame that will guide us into a fantastical realm."

A drop of blood fell on the candlewick before igniting into a shimmering red-orange flame. Sora took the candle and with a swoop of his finger, lifted the dancing flame onto it. Fire was burning the tip of his finger, yet Sora was feeling absolutely no pain.

"With an airy breath I blow," his lips puckered, Sora exhaled gently, sending the flame into the pouch of herbs. Almost immediately a single flower bloomed from it, a scent so intoxicating it caused Brahne to swoon.

"And until the last petal falls shall your desires be a reality."

Sora leaned back in his seat, the dream ritual now in effect. Brahne sat with her bulbous head caved into her chest, a grin taking up the entirety of her face. She was off in a land many would never experience. It was now Sora's job to maintain this dream of hers until the flower that sprouted from the herb pouch withered away. If he put all his efforts into it, the sun would be rising by the time his strength would give.

It should have been a session like any other.

It should have been nothing out of the ordinary.

It should have been one more client receiving the dream of their life.

It shouldn't have meant that his client would never wake up again.

Sora watched in stupefied horror as Lady Brahne fell forward and slammed into the ground with earth shattering force. The table that sat between them held no fight against her and promptly splintered under her weight. The flower with its intoxicating scent lay scattered, its petals withering into dust.

The pale white-green glow of the orbs around them suddenly felt cold. Sora couldn't blink let alone take a much needed breath to keep from passing out.

"Wha.."

"Master!"

Emerald came rushing like a gale, sweeping Sora into her embrace before retreating far away from the garden enclosure. His skin was clammy with cold sweat, eyes shaking.

"'Master, are you alright?"

"Emerald...what happened?"

Emerald's grip tightened around Sora's waist, her hold not going anywhere. "I detected something the moment the ritual ended, I came as soon as I could, but it appears I was too late."

Sora, having regained some sense of himself looked at her. "Is...is she...?"

"She's gone, Master. Lady Brahne is dead."

"But, how?" He said through gritted teeth. "How could this possibly happen?"

Emerald shook her head.

"Emerald?"

She held a hand out, the orbs that lit the enclosure burning brighter. The moment the light intensified the clearer it all became. Wrapped around Brahne's immobile body were plumes of purple smoke. Emerald's green gaze all but confirmed her suspicions.

"Poison. Lady Brahne was poisoned."

Sora, now standing at her side suddenly felt light headed. "Poison..."

"The herbs that formed your flower were tainted. Once the flower bloomed, the poison activated. Lady Brahne as the recipient of your dream was hit with the brunt of it. She had no chance. But I'm concerned about you, Master."

He felt his breath becoming labored. "I...I do feel a bit off..."

"We must evacuate everyone from the mansion immediately. The Cradle must be alerted as well."

"Why? I already have you here."

At this, Emerald Lullaby's expressionless face hardened. "Because this was the work of another Lullaby."

His voice caught in his throat. Sora couldn't believe what he was hearing. "That's not possible."

"A Lullaby was after your life, Master. There's no other explanation. As the ones tasked with the order of Lullabies, The Cradle must be summoned at once."

"But Lady Brahne..."

"It's too late for her, but your life is just as important. We must leave for the time being. We don't know if the perpetrator is still on the premises."

In a span of mere minutes the staff, without any details, were ordered to leave. Lady Brahne's attendants were another matter altogether and were proving difficult to deal with.

"What's the meaning of this? Where is Lady Brahne?"

"Has something happened to our lady?"

"Why won't you say anything?"

As Emerald took the brunt of their rightful hostility, Sora was busy attending to the matter of alerting The Cradle. Once they were informed that a Lullaby had gone rogue and attempted to take his life, an order of the highest caliber would be issued in finding out not only the perpetrator's identity, but also making sure the responsibility for Lady Brahne's death would not fall on his shoulders.

"Please state your full name and identification code."

He was standing before a floor length mirror, an intricate geometric pattern on the floor illuminating the darkened room in blue. Sora's hands were trembling, his breath still somewhat labored.

"Sora Cinders Ella, Seer of Deep Cerulean."

The mirror resonated with his voice. A second later, the emotionless voice replied.

"Identify confirmed. Please state your request."

"It's an emergency, a Lullaby made an attempt on my life and because of it, a client has died. I am requesting help."

Once again the mirror, which only showed Sora, spoke.

"Request accepted. An envoy shall be dispatched. Based on your location, they will arrive in approximately 1 hour. Please remain calm."

An icy shiver ran up his spine. Sora glanced over his shoulder only to find the blue glow provided by the illuminated floor.

"Calm down, it'll be ok."

Being asked to wait an hour would have seemed insane considering the circumstances. Alerting the police seemed like the most appropriate line of thought. But Sora's position as a Dream Sketcher meant he couldn't take that liberty. The nature of his work, the confidentiality of his clients meant he could only depend on the services of an organization like The Cradle. If the police got involved it meant bringing his life into the public eye. And that was something he couldn't afford to do.

Sora eventually returned to the main foyer. He couldn't remember the last time the mansion was this empty. Granted, even with all his staff on hand the place was still grand and imposing, but now he felt very isolated. He looked around, realizing that Brahne's party was nowhere to be found. He took it upon himself to search for Emerald and inform her that The Cradle had sent out an envoy.

He traveled carefully through the hallways, his senses on high alert. Sora understood he was in a delicate predicament knowing there was a threat to his life still out there. But Emerald was still around, and that seemed to ease his nerves just slightly.

Without really thinking, Sora wound up back in the Aviary. He normally enjoyed this place at any given time of day, but the shadows that were cast by the looming trees now caused him pause.

"Emerald," he whispered to himself.

The moment her name left his lips, Sora heard it.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Sora felt something against his forehead. He stopped his stride, the warm sensation trickling down the length of his face.

"What is..."

The smell was metallic. Sora's heart throbbed through his chest. A full moon hidden behind clouds peeked past to shine down through the Aviary glass panels, illuminating Sora where he stood. When he looked at his fingers after dabbing at his face, that's when Sora understood.

"Blood..."

His head shot upwards, the sight nearly robbing his stomach of the contents it held. Sora gagged. The revulsion was so strong it choked the breath out of him.

"Gah-!"

Falling to his knees, Sora was now kneeling in a lake of blood. Strung above him, as if suspended on marionette strings, was Emerald Lullaby.

"Emerald-"

He couldn't fight it. Sora heaved forward, the contents of his stomach meeting the crimson puddle he lay in. He couldn't look up, he dared not to. Her expression remained as he had always known it, void of emotion. Even in death, Emerald stubbornly held true to who she was.

"No," he cried, the stinging sensation leaking from his eyes, "this can't be!"

A cry escaped him before everything faded to a pitch black.

-One Year Later-

-The Cradle Headquarters-

He was seated in a small white room, four walls devoid of any decoration closed him off from everything else. His eyes held a cold look to them, a dark blue that mimicked the ocean depths.

His hands were placed on the tops of his knees and head tilted at the floor. He wore dark navy pants and a coat a dark shade of grey. He heard the soft hissing coming from in front of him, a set of electric doors opening up and a presence making itself known.

"It's time," the feminine voice said, "please come with me."

He did as he was told and rose from his seat. Without any hesitation, the young man walked behind the woman that came to collect him. They made their way through a long white hallway until they reached another pair of doors. The pair stopped, allowing the doors to open for them. He was asked to enter, the woman that led him remaining where she was. No other words were said, he simply walked into the new room and stood facing a panel consisting of five different men and women.

"It's unusual for training to only last one year, but we've taken into account how hard you've been working."

"Due to the nature of how you came to be here, someone of your status is also a first for our organization."

"You will be assigned to a Dream Sketcher from the southern province of Twilight Town."

"We have big expectations for you, please do not let us down."

"Have you chosen your new name yet?"

Sora lifted his eyes, a hint of silvery blue etched into the irises. A pink bow adorned his lapel, the last remnant of someone he once held dear.

"Yes, I have."

"Please state your code name."

Lifting a hand to his chest, Sora's lips parted.

"Sora Cinders Ella, code name: Gunmetal Lullaby."

-O-