Act I: The Lost Heart
Warning: Major spoilers for the ending of KHIII. If you haven't finished the game or didn't watch the leaks in Youtube, stop reading this story now.
You have been warned!
"How long has she been doing this?"
"Everyday at sunset. Ever since that day."
"A year?"
Riku nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the still figure sitting on the bent trunk of the paopu tree. In the dying orange glow of the setting sun, Kairi was almost engulfed by its blinding glare, nothing more than a shadow. Funny, because it perfectly illustrated what she was now: a mere shadow of her former self.
Funny, and also sad.
Naminé shifted next to him, whispering, "Can't we do something? At this rate, she'll just..." She did not dare continue her sentence. Even Riku hated thinking about it.
"If only we could," he murmured, clenching his hands until his nails dug into his palms. It was still fresh in his mind, exactly a year ago, right on where he and Naminé stood by the shore. Kairi had returned from who knew where, alive and well after Xehanort killed her right in front of him, Mickey, and Sora. Everyone was overjoyed back then, because Sora had succeeded; he brought her back just as he promised. And for a time, they were both happy.
Until that fateful sunset, when Sora finally bid farewell.
The Power of Waking had a price, Yen Sid told them as much afterwards. To reclaim a wayward heart lost to darkness was easy, but to revive one needed a terrible exchange: your own heart. And once you paid the price, there was no returning.
The next few months were the hardest for all of them. Kairi barely ate, and she stayed on the island for longer periods, waiting for Sora day and night by the beach, often sitting in the paopu tree like she was doing now. She talked less and less, her eyes losing the brightness they once held, until she would only respond on a minimum level. Seeing her like that tore Riku's heart even more than when their world was destroyed.
Kairi's mother took it hard. Seeing her daughter reduced to a sliver of what she once was, her mind almost broke. She begged to Riku, pleaded for him to do something about Kairi. But what could he do? Sora was lost. They had to accept that. Because if Kairi could not, then she would suffer the same fate as Sora's mom, preparing meals everyday with a detached expression, waiting for a son who might never return.
Tears welled in Riku's eyes, and he quickly squeezed them shut to prevent their fall. He felt Naminé's slim fingers caressing his cheek even as she held a sad smile of her own.
"It's alright to cry, Riku."
He turned away with a pained look. "It won't bring him back." Though if it could, he would gladly empty his eyes.
For a moment, the only sound was the water crashing on the shore. The sun sank lower and lower until darkness swallowed everything and only shadows remained. Steeling himself, Riku left Naminé and went to Kairi. It had been a daily routine for him, taking her back home after the sun sets. Often he barely had to say anything. But there were times when she fought desperately just to stay.
Riku rubbed his right shoulder with a grimace, remembering the last time it happened. He almost had to put Kairi into sleep after she struck him with her keyblade. If not for Naminé, things would have gotten worse from there; Kairi was no longer a pushover in combat, and Riku did not want to know how things might have turned out if Kairi had continued her assault.
When he finally stood behind her, Riku spoke softly. "Kairi, time to go."
She did not respond, her back stiff. So it was one of those days, huh? Then again, only two more days until the anniversary of Sora's disappearance. This was to be expected.
"We'll return tomorrow. Maybe... maybe it's when he would finally come back to us." A total lie, but Riku had to change tactics. Kairi was not in the mood to listen, and he had to make her listen.
Kairi remained facing the calm ocean, unmoving. Riku sighed and stood patiently, watching the stars winked into existence and the crescent moon rose beyond the horizon. How many times had he witnessed it right on this spot while waiting for Kairi? Countless, he knew, and probably more to come.
Can't we do something? Naminé's words echoed in his mind. But they had already done something. Riku had already did something. For six months he had searched far and wide for any trace of Sora—despite the slim chance—visiting all the worlds and realms he could have possibly ended up in. And yet Riku found nothing, not even in the Realm of Darkness. There was nothing left of his childhood.
Sora was truly gone. He was never coming back.
Guilt gnawed on Riku ever since. He was the one who supported Sora. He was the one who let him go away in search of Kairi. If he could have just convinced his friend to stay, or agreed when Donald and Goofy offered to go with him, none of this might have happen. All of them would still be together, and no one would be sad.
Kairi stirred, bringing Riku out of his turbulent thoughts. After one last look at the ocean, she jumped off the tree. Her movements were so like Sora—a habit she had developed—as if mimicking him would draw him back to where he belonged.
Riku watched Kairi's back as she brushed past him without a word, and followed her where Naminé waited. Riku locked gazes with the girl briefly when Kairi continued toward the docks, and he saw sadness crossed her face. Her connection with Kairi was still active despite being her own person now, and she had to be feeling her sorrow as well.
When Riku offered a hand to her, Naminé shook her head. The message was clear as day: they could not do this with Kairi around. It would be cruel to a person who longed for her other half.
Thus, Riku nodded in understanding and allowed Naminé to take the lead. They strode past the tree house and toward the pier where a boat was moored. Kairi was already waiting for them, head bowed and hands clasped in her lap. Her long bangs covered her face, obscuring her expression from Riku. But from the way her shoulders trembled, he knew she was robably crying again.
After Riku helped Naminé settled behind Kairi, he took his spot on the prow and let his paddle dipped into the water. Overhead, the moon shone bright silver, illuminating the ocean ahead and their way to the mainland.
But not the despair of the girl behind him, nor the guilt piercing his own heart.
Probably one of the best things in Twilight Town, aside from its amazing sunset, was the bazaar set up every Sunday.
Axel was never a shopper even before he became a Nobody. Born in a relatively financial stable family, he was a content boy and did not ask for more than what he needed. He preferred the company of friends more than material things, unlike most of the kids in his old school.
And that's why he really loved the bazaar. Not because of the stalls and shops, but because it was a chance to hangout with his friends both old and new, eating sea-salt ice cream together while they passed by the booths. The streets were packed with people, and crowd would only grow as the day wore on.
"So I heard Seifer is preparing seriously for the tournament next week," said Olette. "He said he's going to beat you this time."
Hayner snorted. "Yeah, he wished. You gotta admire his stubborness, though. Two years and he still never gives up."
"Well, that's Seifer for you," commented Pence. "Say, why don't you join the tournament? It might force him to finally quit." He glanced toward Axel.
With a grin, Axel crossed his arms behind his head. "Nah. I don't want to give the poor guy a nightmare he'll remember for the rest of his life." He smirked and elbowed the person walking next to him. "How about you, Isa?"
Much like Ienzo, Dilan, and Aeleus, Isa refused to be called by his other name, something that Axel understood very well and respected. Unlike him who possessed fond memories when he was still a Nobody, Saix's life was anything but a happy one. All he had ever held inside him were pain, hatred, and jealousy. It only grew worse when he was controlled by Xehanort, and Axel was sure his friend did not want to remember the horrible experience now that he was whole again.
"If you didn't want to give him a nightmare, then I don't want to break him permanently." Isa chuckled in amusement. Of course, just like how Axel had retained his fighting prowess, so did Isa. Axel learned that the hard way when he challenged him once.
"Well then, how about these two lovebirds behind us?" Hayner grinned. Together, all five of them glanced back over their shoulders.
Hands intertwined while eating a sea-salt ice cream each, Roxas and Xion jumped and disentangled their fingers at once, blushing furiously. They looked down at their feet, avoiding their friends' gazes.
Axel burst out laughing, and soon the others joined him as well. It didn't come as a shock to them when Roxas and Xion started dating. They were practically meant for each other, and he could never be happier for the two of them. They deserved this after everything they went through.
Xion pouted, hiding her flustered face with a free hand. "Stop laughing!"
"Sorry, sorry!" Axel wiped the tears from his eyes. "We just found it funny. You should have seen the look on your faces!"
"Like two frolicking deers caught in a headlight," Isa said with a snicker. Another round of laughter filled the air.
Olette wagged a finger at Roxas and Xion, sporting a teasing smile. "PDA is good and all, but you don't have to do it all the time, you know. You've been holding each other's hands for nearly thirty minutes now."
"It's not like we can help it," Roxas mumbled lamely. Axel had to suppress another laugh bubbling within his throat. It was so fun teasing these two.
"Of course, you can't. But please, do it I'm not around. People might think I'm an irresponsible adult who lets two underage kids go on a date."
"Except you are somewhat of an irresponsible adult," Isa commented dryly.
"Hey!" Axel swatted him in the arm, but Isa dodged the blow with a smile.
"You have to do better than that to hit me," he said.
Axel gave up after the second miss and huffed. One of these days, he was really going to beat Isa up and make him submit, then have the blue-haired treat him to sea-salt ice cream. For a year. "Watch out then. I'll defeat you next time!" He declared.
"Sure. There's always a next time."
A snap of fingers drew their attention, and they both turned to see Roxas with an excited smile. "That's it! Why don't you two joined the Struggle tournament together and fight at the end? I'm sure the people would want someone different for a change." He glanced at the others for support, but he did not even need to ask. They were all nodding in agreement.
Axel pondered the idea for a moment. Sure, he and Isa were both strong enough for this thing. More than strong, in fact. But there was no harm in having fun once in a while. Besides, this was his chance to prove himself as the better fighter between them amid a roaring crowd of fans. "What do you say?" Axel asked his friend.
Isa was silent, lips pursed and eyes hooded with some unreadable emotion. It was so much like what he would always do when brooding over his plans as Saix, and Axel shivered a little. He just had to accept that some things would never change even if they were back as their own selves.
Finally, Isa broke into a smile. "Prepare to lose."
Axel grinned back. "Say that when you're standing in front of a mirror."
Hayner smacked his hands together. "That's settled then! Many people always asked for a great fight, and we haven't got that for quite some time." He paused briefly. "That means I have to step down as champion, though."
Olette frowned. "Huh? Why? Wait, don't tell me you are scared?" Her lips curled into a teasing grin.
"Chicken-wuss," Pence snickered.
"Stop mimicking Seifer," Hayner grumbled, and his friends guffawed in glee. "Alright! Alright! I won't step down."
Axel clapped him on the shoulder. The kid was obviously scared. "Don't worry! I'll go easy on you… probably." They laughed again.
"Hey, wait. We should be probably decide on who to place our bets," suggested Olette. "I'm on Isa."
"Same," said Pence.
"Oh sure. Pick the one who's gonna lose." Axel smirked.
Isa snorted. "Overconfidence leads to defeat, Axel."
"Oh yeah? Wait until I show you my secret move? You'll be sorry then. Right, Roxas?"
The boy smiled and nodded. "I'll place my bet on you. Although," he added with a slight grin, "maybe not at all? I don't to lose all of my allowance." Isa snickered, and Axel shot the blonde an annoyed glare.
"Whose side are you on, anyway?"
Roxas shrugged. "Someone who can give me a lot of munny. But hey, it's not as if you don't have another fan, Axel. I'm sure Xion would bet on you too." He held her hand again, smiling.
Axel narrowed his eyes at her. "Yeah. You better be. Think of all the money you'll waste on Is—" He stopped, frowning. "Xion, are you okay? You look pale all of a sudden."
"I'm just feeling dizzy," Xion mumbled, clutching her head. She handed her ice cream to Roxas, who took it with a worried expression.
"Why don't we find a seat?" suggested the boy. They were near the plaza where restaurants and diners were prevalent, and chairs were in no short supply. "Should I carry you?"
"No, I'm fine," Xion said with a faint smile despite herself. When her legs wobbled, Roxas was immediately beside her for support.
"Maybe it's the heat." Olette looked up to the sky, and the others nodded.
But Axel was not convinced. True, it was kinda hot in this world bathed by twilight for the past few days, and the beach had seen an increase in visitors. However, Axel stared suspiciously at the two lovers. They were technically two years old by now, but their physical bodies looked the same as their original: seventeen years old. And, well, Axel was not stupid.
"Whatever you're thinking, I'm sure that's not how it is," Isa muttered next to him, shaking his head.
"Well, you can't blame me," Axel whispered back. Larxene flirted with him all the time, so he knew what he was saying. Of course, Xion was definitely not like that savage blonde, so he supposed there was nothing to worry about. Maybe it really was just the heat.
"Let's go, guys. We better find a seat for Xion."
Then it happened just as they were about to continue. Xion screamed and collapsed on her knees, clutching her head in agony. Roxas tried to catch her as she fell, but a gasp escaped him and he lost hold over the sea-salt ice cream sticks, where they splattered on the road with soft plops. Roxas' gasp turned into a scream of agony much like Xion's, and he stepped back, eyes squeezed shut while he held his head.
Axel was next to him in an instant while the others rushed to their aid. "Roxas? Roxas!" But the boy ignored him. He continued screaming, his voiced in sync with Xion's. Their cries drew the attention of bystanders, and now people were looking in their direction curiosly.
"What the hell is happening?" Axel shouted. His two friends were both paler than snow and screaming at the top of their lungs. Panicking, Axel tried to grab Roxas' shoulders.
His fingers passed through, and he recoild in shock. When he did it again, he was relieved to feel the boy's burning skin. Just my imagination. Just my imagination, Axel kept repeating in his mind while staring at Roxas fearfully. The others were yelling around him, but their voices were drowned by Axel's own thoughts.
There's no way he'll vanish again! Not again!
And yet when he looked over to Xion, dread clutched his heart like an icy hand. She was so pale, and her hands had briefly turned to smoke when Isa tried to grab it. Even their friends stepped back in fright; Olette's hands covered her mouth while the two boys behind her could only stare in terror.
Like a puppet cut off from its strings, Roxas and Xion both collapsed. Axel caught the boy, shaking his shoulders violently. "Roxas! Roxas!"
Isa was checking Xion's pulse, two fingers on her wrist. "How is she?" demanded Axel. Tears were beginning to collect in his eyes. He glanced back at Roxas leaning on his shoulders, unconscious and shivering despite the rising heat on the boy's skin. He was barely breathing.
"Weak," Isa murmured. "Her pulse is weak."
"No. No!" moaned Axel. Why was this happening? Why now? Xehanort was already dead, and the universe was saved. There was no reason for this to happen anymore!
Suddenly, Roxas convulsed. His eyes snapped open wide, and he gasped out a name that sent chills down Axel's back.
"Sora."
Then he was out again, paler and hotter than before. For a moment, Axel was frozen. Sora. He glanced over to Isa, whose eyes reflected the same shock Axel wore. The blue-haired pressed a hand on Xion's heart, an act Axel mirrored. Roxas' heartbeat was slow and irregular.
"Vexen," said Isa.
"What?" Axel mumbled with an unfocused gaze. He did not know what to do anymore. His mind was on overdrive, but nothing seemed to be registering.
When Isa spoke again, his voice was filled with an authoritive tone Axel knew all too well—the same voice he always used as the second-in-command of the Organization XIII. "Vexen! Call Vexen! NOW!"
That jolted Axel into action. He passed Roxas onto Hayner and Pence, who laid him on the road. People started crowding around them, asking if they needed help. Axel ignored them and fumbled for the Gummiphone he always kept near him. His fingers flew on the keys, searching for Vexen's name. As he dialled, Axel glanced back toward Roxas and Xion lying next to each other while their friends surrounded them, worried.
Hang in there, you two!
Aqua took a sip from her tea, savoring the sweet taste swirling in her tongue. Mixed from a herb only native to the Land of Departure, it was her favorite whenever she ate breakfast, partnered with blueberry pancakes and cinnamon toasts. She could not fathom why Terra and Ventus did not share her love for tea, though; coffee had too much caffeine for her liking, and Ventus often drink his milk with a load of sugar, making her wonder if that was he got his boundless energy.
She shook his head with a smile and gazed outside the balcony, admiring the flowing emerald valley spread out below the castle. A cool breeze blew past her face, ruffling her azure hair, and she inhaled the fresh scent of the air. She could not get enough of it, especially after breathing the stale and corrupted atmosphere of the Realm of Darkness for over ten years.
"Feels relaxing, isn't?" said Terra to her left. His brown eyes tracked an eagle soaring overhead, while in his right hand he held a steaming mug of his daily coffee.
Aqua nodded. "It always was. Remember when all of us used to eat here?" She placed a hand on the polished round table. "Master Eraqus would often scold you for speaking while your mouth is full." She hid her smile with a hand.
"Hey, I was small back then," said Terra defensively. "Besides, you arrived here before I did. It's obvious that you were trained the longest." He smirked. "Although, I'm not sure why you were afraid of ghosts back then. Remember that time in the bathroom?"
With a gasp, Aqua swatted Terra's arm, cheeks flushed. "Don't remind me of that! It's already bad enough that Ven kept teasing me about it after he heard from our master!"
Terra chuckled. "Well, what do you expect? Even I could not believe how you thought Master Eraqus was a ghost."
"That's because it's just the three of us here, and it's midnight and this castle is big!" She turned away, pouting. When she spoke again, her voice was low almost to a whisper. "Besides, you know, everything the Master wore was white and all…"
Their eyes met. Terra's mouth twitched, but his face remained a fixed mask of indifference. One second passed, then another. On the third, he could not contain it anymore. His lips trembled until he threw his head back and laughed so hard he had to set down his mug or risked spilling the contents. Aqua joined him an instant later, filling the air with their voices.
"Oh, my sides hurt!" Terra wiped away a tear.
"Not my fault," Aqua chortled.
When their laughing fits finally subsided, they grew silent once more and continued their breakfast. Aqua watched Terra from the corner of her eyes. It had been only been one year, and he was almost back to the same Terra she knew. Of course, there were still occasions when he would sink into a brooding episode, often when alone. But that was occuring a lot less by now. It was why she or Ventus always accompanied Terra whenever possible.
As for her, well, the nightmares had stopped long ago. She had to thank Chirithy for that.
"So, what is our plan now?" asked Terra.
The question was so sudden and out of the blue that Aqua was startled and could not answer at first. She lowered her tea cup and stared at her lap, thinking. She knew what Terra meant. Though they were finally reunited, they could not stay like this forever, laughing and eating at breakfast. Now that Master Eraqus was gone, it was up to all three of them to continue his legacy and mission to safeguard the Light. Even after they had thwarted Master Xehanort's plans, the threat of darkness still remained. The universe was not completely rid of Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed. And perhaps never would be. There were going to be others who would use them for their evil deeds.
Foremost of them, of course, was Malificent. They had heard nothing of that witch for the past few years. She had not join the battle with Master Xehanort, so they knew she was still out there. It worried Aqua because unlike the old Keyblade Master whose only wish was to balance Light and Darkness, Maleficent's sole gole was total dominion of all worlds. This made her an unpredictable enemy, one whose weapons were deceit and cunning.
Thus, they needed to have some countermeasures. Aqua was actually going to discuss her ideas with Terra and Ventus during breakfast, but the boy was still fast asleep, and her only companion sidetracked her.
She clasped her hands and took a breath, feeling like a weight had fallen on her shoulders all of a sudden. Since she was the only Keyblade Master in here, the task of being the Land of Departure's head fell on her as well. She did not know if she had it in her, but she had to try for the sake of Master Eraqus' will.
"I plan to seek potential keyblade wielders and train them here together with Ven. Roxas and Xion are among my choices, and maybe others too. And… I was hoping you could help me."
She waited with bated breath for Terra's answer, but his gaze remained fixed on the horizon. He was silent for several minutes, eyes hooded. Aqua wondered if she had asked too much. Terra failed the Mark of Mastery, and it was his journey to prove himself in front of Master Eraqus' eyes that sent him into Master Xehanort's waiting hands. She knew there was still guilt and remorse residing in his heart, no matter how much he tried to conceal it with smiles. Aqua should have been more considerate.
Just when she was about to apologize, Terra finally nodded and faced her. "Alright, I'll help you train them." He hesitated briefly, then continued. "But I have to leave once they have learned enough from me."
Though Aqua had already anticipated his answer somewhat, she still had to ask, "Why?"
Terra shook his head and smiled sadly. "Master Yen Sid offered me another chance to take the Mark of Mastery exam. I plan to accept it. Then once I'm a true Master, I'll return here and continue helping you teach our future students."
Despite the ache in her heart, Aqua managed a small smile. Terra did not say his students, or hers. He said our students, and it sent a warmth feeling over Aqua's heart. "Ven will be sad, though. And I don't know if I can handle three students on my own."
Terra patted her in the shoulder. "I'm sure you'll do fine. Besides, I told you I'll still help you train Ven and any students you'll bring here until you can manage them without me. It should be fine."
"I hope so." Aqua sighed.
Yes, she was confident of her abilities as a teacher. Whenever Master Eraqus was journeying to other worlds, she would always teach Ventus what she knew. She had no difficulty, really; the boy was a prodigy when it came to academics. So when she became a Keyblade Master, she had been ready to guide pupils of her own and mentally prepared herself for the task. But that was under the assumption that her own master would be there to help her if she needed. Now that he was gone, she had no one to turn to if problems arose that she could not deal with on her own. She could not always count on Master Yen Sid, and Mickey had a kingdom to run. Riku was out of the question; he was far less experienced than her.
She had no choice but to trust herself and Terra, then, and hoped her heart would guide he to the right path. Maybe it would not be so hard, after all; Roxas and Xion both came from one of the most powerful Keyblade wielders she had ever knew, and their skills were outstanding from what she had seen during the battle with Xehanort. They would be excellent students for sure.
Quiet footsteps drew her out of her ponderings, and she and Terra turned to see Ventus approaching their table, hair ruffled and eyes still bleary from sleep. He still wore his pyjamas, and his light green sandals padded softly on the marbled floor of the adjacent hall.
"Good morning, Aqua. God morning, Terra." The boy yawned and plopped down on a chair next to Aqua.
"Good morning, Ven." She smiled and placed a gentle hand on his head. "Had a good sleep?"
The boy nodded. "Yup." He surveyed the food laid before him, then grabbed a pitcher of milk and poured some for himself in a glass, and dropped three spoonfuls of sugar.
"Isn't that a bit too much?" Aqua eyed Ventus as he drained the whole thing down. She always pushed a healthy diet for all of them whenever she could. But alas, boys were boys.
"Nah." Ventus set his glass down and started tackling the toasts and a scrambled egg. Terra watched in quiet amusement while Aqua could only shake her head. She could not believe how Ventus was able to stuff so much food in his stomach and still be slim enough to perform aerial acrobatics and whirlwind attacks with his Keyblade.
While he ate, Aqua decided to tell him about her plan. The boy's eyes grew wide, and he gave her an enthusiastic smile. "That's wonderful, Aqua! I've always wanted to know more about Roxas."
"We still have to ask them, though," said Terra. "They might have plans of their own."
Aqua nodded. "I will call them later." Then she noticed how Ventus suddenly lowered his fork with a lamenting expression. "Ven? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he answered softly. "I just wished Sora was here." Then he resumed eating, albeit subdued this time.
Aqua shared a sad look with Terra. She, too, wanted him to be here. They owed much to him, Venttus most of all, and he could have been a great Keyblade Master with his own students.
It was one of the things she and Terra had researched extensively once they got back here: how to reclaim a lost heart. It was different from being turned into a Heartless or Nobody, where the victim could return to their true self once those two were destroyed. Once you lost a heart, there might not be going back unless someone with the Power of Waking saved you. But such power came with a terrible price.
And Sora paid that price when he brought back Kairi. He had exchanged his own heart for the one he loved, and without someone else that possessed the same power as his, they could never bring him back, even if that someone was willing to sacrifice himself. The ancient records never explained much beyond that, only that a rare few could wield such a power in each generation. It was said that the previous one belonged to the mythical Dandelions, but all of them were dead, and their descendants lacked that ability.
Aqua and Terra both gave up at this point, and shelved their research for the time being. Though it pained their hearts that they could not do anything to save the one who reunited all three of them, they had no choice but to accept the truth; Sora was never coming back.
The rest of their breakfast descended into a silent and somber atmosphere afterwards, one which neither three were willing to break. Terra had returned to gazing at the sky with a distant look, while Aqua neatly folded her hands across her lap and stared quietly at the floor. Ventus continued to eat, and when he finished, he stood up carrying his empty plate and glass.
"I'm gonna wash this and take a bath," he mumbled, eyes downcast. Aqua nodded wordlessly and watched him trudged away for a moment before transfering her gaze to the table. Her own meal was half finished, but she already lost her appetite. Even Terra refused to touch his bread with just a few bites left.
Then a loud crash, and they both jumped from their seats, Keyblades materalizing. They turned toward the sound, and Aqua gased before dashing forward with Terra hot on her heels.
Broken ceramics and chunks of glasss were scattered everywhere, and in the center of them was Ventus kneeling in pain and clutching his chest. Aqua was beside him immediately, grave concern masking her face.
"Ven! Are you alright?" Terra joined them soon and knelt on the other side, careful not to step on any glass shards.
A weak moan escaped Ventus' throat, and he clutched his chest tighter, his fingers digging into the fabric of his pyjamas. "He hurts! Aqua, Terra, he is hurting!"
"Who? Tell us!" Though Aqua had an idea already. Ventus had one connection to another one, whose heart sheltered his own when he needed it most. But that was impossible; Sora's heart was gone. The connection should been severed by now. Unless…
As if in response, a puff of smoke popped near them and Chirithy materialized with a horrified expression and rushed to its master's side, whimpering. Its face was pale, azure eyes wide with fear. "His heart! His heart is responding to the lost boy's distress!"
"How do we stop it?" Aqua hugged Ventus and stroke his back. His skin was burning, and he writhed in agony, murmuring incomprehensibly.
"We have to find him, the one with the key. The others, they will know how."
Aqua met Terra's gaze, and they both nodded. "I'll prepare the Gummi ship." He dashed out of the hall, leaving Aqua with Ven and Chirithy alone. Ventus' Spirit cast a spell, and the broken glass and ceramics melded back together, dropping lightly on the floor.
"Thanks," mumbled Aqua. She stared into Ventus' pain contorted face and whispered soothingly, "It will be alright, Ven. I'm here. We're all here. We'll fix this together."
A response, soft and weak. "Sora. Please find him. I… don't know how… much he can last…" Then his eyes closed while his skin burned even hotter.
Aqua hugged him tighter even as Chirithy let out a mournful keen and held one of Ventus' hands. Tears trickled down Aqua's cheeks. With her heart, she let out both a prayer and a promise.
We will find him.
What's up, guys? For the second time since writing Xion's Awkward Questions, I'm back in this fandom with another story. :)
Now this one will be really short at about 3 chapters, so expect this to be finished in a week or two. I am really brokenhearted by the ending of KHII, but it's not something I cannot aceppt. To be honest, I already saw this from miles away ever since Nomura revealed that the ending will indeed be bittersweet and hard to swallow. Thus, this fic is my own take on what comes after.
Anyway, hope you enjoy this story! Next chapter will be Kairi-centric, so be prepared! At the moment, Xion's Awkward Questions is on hold, and I have no plans to update it anytime soon. Sorry about that!
Please Read & Review! Until next time!