Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Kingdom Hearts games except the games and a few merchandise. :3 Also don't own this "Needs More Love" Story Challenge… Nope, that belongs to Fruity-Fruit-Cups!
A/N: Wow, I feel really bad for not updating this since I started school. :( As a result, this one is slightly longer than the previous chapters. :) I'm going to say this right now: I'm not creative when it comes to making up worlds. LOL Then again…I don't want to unless I really have to. So! Here is another reason why this story is only semi-canon. There's a reason why I used this world as Eraqus's homeworld, but that won't be until later. :) Sorry if that bugs anyone, but it's just how I see it fitting in this story more for a symbolic reason than anything else. And yay! You guys get to meet Sofia at last. :D
Thanks for reading and reviewing so far! Please enjoy and R&R!
.: Affectionate :.
~ Eyes so bright and full of life… So why are they looking at you? ~
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Where in the worlds did he go? Eraqus casually looked from left to right for his companion. That Xehanort… Eraqus knew it was a terrible idea to have travelled to another world – behind the Master's back mind you – because Xehanort would be wandering off… And said silver-haired apprentice was wandering down the streets of Eraqus's homeworld. A small growl escaped the raven-haired man's throat before he inhaled slowly to meditate, Calm down, Eraqus. Xehanort hadn't a chance to travel to many worlds yet… He's just curious.
Having a moment to think, Eraqus examined his surroundings; taking in the sights of familiar buildings and common routines performed by the people. It suddenly sunk in that Eraqus was home again. His lips twitched slowly into a small smile the more he looked around. The train continued to run on-schedule like always, the marketplace always inhabited by casual shoppers, and the skies were always at its best during twilight. This was his boyhood home before he took his first step to becoming a man with a future to protect worlds such as this one.
The raven-haired Keyblade apprentice strolled in reminiscing steps as he continued his nostalgia tour. Perhaps Xehanort's meddling wasn't so bad… Eraqus almost forgot what it was like to be around such familiar settings. And yet it also made him feel out of place… For one, his choice of clothing had changed drastically. Eraqus was donning the same style that Master Ixen possessed. As a boy, warriors who followed the code of honor always fascinated Eraqus. The samurai especially; and that was probably what had influenced Eraqus's wardrobe when he left this world. It was an even better plus when his loose clothing fit the climate of his new home with Master Ixen and Xehanort…
Where was he?
Suddenly, Eraqus picked up a sound he thought he would never hear again. Looking around and keeping his eyes peeled, Eraqus heard her laughter. It still rang as clear as a bell and as soft as a song. Moving between a few people, Eraqus finally caught sight of her at a distance. It was almost as if the world had stopped just for her.
Chestnut hair tied up in a bun while allowing long tresses to flow down her back and right shoulder, straight cut bangs that gave her a bit of style, playful eyes of hazelnut, and a smile that radiated a glimmer of maturity. To Eraqus, Sofia hadn't changed at all. She was still a sight to drink in even after a few years they've been apart.
Before he could continue gawking at her (if he was indeed doing so), Eraqus was aware of Sofia being in the presence of another…a very familiar other.
What the…? Blinking, Eraqus shook his head to confirm that he wasn't seeing things. What in blue blazes was Xehanort doing with Sofia?
He didn't wait for his mind to process an answer as he closed in on two very important people he held dear. Once he was within a few feet, Xehanort noticed him from the corner of his eye and he greeted, unaware of the raven-haired man's dilemma. "Ah, Eraqus, there you are. This town was much larger than I anticipated. Had I known, I wouldn't have left you like a child in a candy store. My apologies."
"…Eraqus? No… Is that really you?" her silk voice asked with a hint of increasing glee.
"Sofia…" Eraqus mustered a smile. Right away, Sofia trapped him into a hug and Eraqus was quick to reciprocate albeit he was a little awkward with Xehanort watching. Pulling away, Eraqus chuckled. "You've changed since I last saw you."
"The notion is returned to you!" Sofia giggled as she pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. Looking him up and down, the brunette responded, "You look so different! Your clothes are almost something out of those books you used to read!"
"Hmm…so that's why he dresses like that," Xehanort commented with a cross of his arms and a witty smirk. "When I first met him, I was expecting Eraqus to have been from a more…feudalistic time."
Eraqus bit down a blush and glared at the silver-haired man when Sofia had laughed at his joke. "I merely followed the dress code of our Master!"
Xehanort rolled his eyes. "Dressing like the Master will not make you a Keyblade Master, Eraqus. That thought is a little naïve."
He made to say something, but Sofia interrupted with a clap of her hands. "Oh! Then Xehanort truly is from 'off-world?'" She turned to Xehanort and openly slapped his shoulder playfully. "You are positively mean for pretending not to have been an off-world visitor! I knew I've never seen you around here before!"
It surprised Eraqus of how quickly his friend and object of affection were comfortable with each other. Exactly how many minutes ago since Xehanort ran off did they click? Eraqus hinted, speaking quietly, "Sofia…such things aren't to be talked about so freely… I know I told you about it, but as I am now, I am truly under strict oath."
The brunette quickly covered her mouth and gave a sheepish smile. "Ah! Pardon me, Eraqus. I was just so excited! I've missed you and I've been wondering for days when you'd come back to tell me tales of your adventures."
At this, Eraqus lost control of his emotions and readily blushed. He was no longer the calm, mature young man. No. Eraqus was once again that young teenager who was on cloud nine because his crush had mentioned how much he meant to her. Almost uncharacteristically, Eraqus looked at his feet and stammered, "T-That's… I promised to come back after becoming a true Master. Then I would have many stories to tell you…"
"So shy… That hasn't changed about you at all." Sofia smiled, brushing his bangs away from his eyes.
Before Eraqus could possible revel her touch, Xehanort spoke up in curiosity, "Sofia, you are interested in the outside worlds?" Just as her touch was there, Sofia quickly reeled away; much to Eraqus's disappointment. She faced Xehanort, a twinkle in her eyes… One Eraqus had never seen before.
Sofia answered, "Oh yes! For as long as I can remember hearing stories from my Father, I've always been interested in places that aren't native to me. My Father was a traveler after all. Not a traveler of worlds like you or Eraqus, but of countries." With a sigh, Sofia continued dreamily with a palm to her cheek. "The vastness of the world… It's a never-ending cycle of different customs, cultures… Learning and hearing about them is like getting lost in a really good book; a good fantasy to run away from reality."
"…Oh I like her, Eraqus." Xehanort chuckled in amusement. Eraqus blinked in surprise when he noticed Sofia flinching in embarrassment. Her eyes were suddenly downcast and her hands were locked together in front of her. Sofia was more or less acting like…a schoolgirl. As his jaw slowly began to slacken in awe, Xehanort had slapped him on the back – causing Eraqus to stumble a bit – before he started walking forward with a smirk. "She has quite the appetite for adventure. Not to mention passionate about learning of other worlds. I'm surprised Master Ixen didn't make her a Keyblade apprentice."
Suddenly Sofia ran past Eraqus and started walking beside Xehanort. She looked up at him again – that same shine in her eyes – and enthusiastically spoke, "Quite possibly, but I probably wouldn't have the heart to leave home. I'm a bit of a coward that way… I'd rather hear stories though. Could you possibly tell me a few, Xehanort?"
"On the contrary, my dear." Xehanort smiled slightly. "Eraqus and I would be happy to tell you." Looking back, the silver-haired apprentice raised an eyebrow. "Eraqus, you are coming right? You seem to be falling behind."
"Ah! Yes… I'm coming," Eraqus replied after snapping out of his stupor.
He walked beside Xehanort as they headed down the street and Eraqus couldn't help but watch as Xehanort and Sofia interact. They were both engulfed with talks of worlds, sights, and a great many things and it didn't seem to sit well with Eraqus at all. It wasn't uncommon for Sofia to smile and laugh since she was very easy to get along with, but…she was far too entertained than usual; especially around Xehanort. The raven-haired apprentice knew from the beginning that silver-haired apprentice possessed a charisma unlike any other but…
Eraqus wished he didn't flaunt it so much in front of Sofia.
