Epilogue: Dearly Beloved

The Keyblade War... was finally over. The day of misery has ended. And at the end of it, Master Xehanort and Tenebris put aside their differences, made peace, and brought themselves closer to each other's hearts (however literal that may be). But with the χ-Blades of light and darkness' presence, many forces will go after it in order to summon Kingdom Hearts and seize it for themselves. That was why Tenebris and Aqua secluded themselves to the Realm of Darkness, where they will ensure that the χ-Blade of darkness and Kingdom Hearts are far out of reach. While they ensured that much, Terra and Lux used Eraqus' Keyblade to hide away the χ-Blade of light in the Land of Departure, transforming it into Castle Oblivion. But that task was nowhere near as dangerous as that if Aqua and Tenebris'.

Since then, the two of them braved the dangers of the Dark Realm together with their Anti forms constantly in use. And thanks to Kairi's Light that had saved them in Radiant Garden, they were unaffected by the Dark Realm's normally draining effect, although they did feel a bit tired. Whether that was from their fighting or from the realm itself, they didn't know. Regardless, they stood a better chance than any who have entered in the shadow prison. One might say it was second nature to have resisted this dark place.

The Realm of Light, however, was a different story. Upon hearing about Aqua and Tenebris' sacrifice to go to the Realm of Darkness, they were distraught. They'd hoped to see their young daughter again after the war had ended. But because they heard that Ardyn was still out there, although most likely back at Insomnia where he came from, they had momentarily ceased their tears to pause in tribute for Aqua and Tenebris' sacrifice. As much fear as they had for their daughter, if the Guardians' word was anything to go by, they knew that Aqua would fight to the bitter end.

And they always did, but it didn't mean they never needed rest. In the Realm of Darkness, Aqua and Tenebris had always fought the Heartless and Daemons constantly, but never once found someplace to settle down until one day, they'd found a beach with a fake sun in view along with dark waters in front of them. Upon gazing at this, Tenebris couldn't help but feel this to be familiar as he recalled how he and Xion watched the sunset at the Destiny Islands. With that memory in mind, Tenebris was in a daze as Aqua's voice spoke to him to break him out of this trance.

"Ten!"

"Hmm? Excuse me?"

"I was just saying that it might be a good place to settle down. It may not be permanent, but it's pretty tame compared to the rest of the Realm."

"Oh! Yeah. I was, uh, just thinking that, too."

With that, Aqua and Tenebris sat down on the dark sands near the dark margin and stared out at the dark ocean. As they did, they had thoughts in their mind that they wanted to get out.

"Hey, Ten?"

"Yeah?"

"What did happen between you and Master Xehanort? At the Keyblade War?"

Hearing his name, he wasn't filled with hate anymore and showed it as he smiled before looking to her.

"About that... when I defeated him, he was a lot like me when we first met. He didn't have any faith in the World or any friend in it for him to be with. I assumed it was because he pushed everyone away. If I did that... I would've been just like him. So... I decided to let him live a little longer, so that he could learn how this World really worked."

Hearing his story, Aqua smiled back at him as she spoke.

"That's good."

With that, they continued to look out the Dark Margin before Aqua had something else on her mind as she spoke.

"You remember what I said at Olympus Coliseum? That the darkness doesn't interest me?"

"Yeah. You said that to Bellator, didn't you?"

"Mm-hmm. To tell you the truth, I was trying not to be tempted."

Hearing Aqua admit it, Tenebris looked to her in surprise as he spoke.

"Really? So the darkness did interest you?"

"Yes. But not like anyone would normally think. I was interested... because I wanted to use it to protect the light like you did, no matter what lack of control you had back then."

"And look where we are now. Staring into the abyss."

"Yeah. And it's more beautiful than I expected it to be."

"True, but not as beautiful as you."

As he said this, Tenebris began poking Aqua at her chest, making her giggle as she spoke.

"Ten!"

"What? It's true, isn't it?"

With that, Aqua and Tenebris laughed as she jumped on him and rolled in the sand. As time went on, not that they noticed, they dawned on the realization that they'd be alone together. Taking this in context, they decided to make the most of their time together. Of course, the problem with food wasn't issue as the effects of the dark Realm seemed to take that away. So, that left them more than enough time for them to consummate their love as they did prior to the war. However, they quickly realized that they weren't officially married, so they withdrew from that. Little did they know that it was already too late.

The first time they consummated their love, it actually made Aqua pregnant. When they realized this, Aqua considered it a blessing rather than a curse as the mere thought of holding their children would brighten their experience in this dark place. And so, the two waited and waited until it was time for them to be birthed as Tenebris devoted that time to deliver the baby while Aqua birthed it. To their surprise, they'd found that it was actually a set of twin sisters that she'd birthed. Not long after, Aqua and Tenebris got started on naming their children as the former pointed to the one with a sliver of blue hair. And so, these two children came to be known as the first to be born in the Realm of Darkness.

"I'll call her... Maria. What would you call her sister, Ten?"

"Really? You're asking me?"

"Yes. I'd like to hear what you have in mind."

"Okay, um... how about Luna?"

"Luna?"

"Yeah. She's like a little star to me."

"I like that."

As Maria and Luna cooed, the parents held them up and pointed them out to the horizon.

"You see that, guys? Somewhere out there is the Realm of Light. We chose to come here to protect it. But one day, we'll go back there and be together like a real family."

As Maria and Luna took in the sights with wonder, Aqua smiled as she inquired of him.

"Why would you say that to babies who were just born, Ten?"

"I don't know. Just thought I'd lighten the mood."

With that, it earned Aqua's laughter as she spoke.

"Well, it's certainly working."

"Good. I hoped it would."

As they looked out to the horizon, Aqua laid her head on Tenebris' shoulder while she held Luna and the father held Maria as she spoke softly.

"I can't wait to go back home..."

With that, Tenebris leaned closer to her as he spoke just as softly.

"I know. Me, neither..."

Little did they know that in a void of space, Ardyn was having an audience with a tall, purple being wearing golden and blue armor as he sat in a throne while he spoke.

"And you're certain this... 'χ-Blade' would grant me the desired change for the World?"

"Only according to your heart's desire. But, of course, there's two of them. One in the Realm of Light, and the other in the Realm of Darkness."

"If that is the case, then why go to me, King of Lucis,for help?"

"Those wretched Guardians of Light have proven more powerful than I expected. And I've already got my hands full with my own plans in Insomnia. Which is where you come in. While you dispose of them and achieve the χ-Blade of light, I shall retrieve its dark counterpart and take care of business my way. Wouldn't you call that a perfect compromise... Thanos?"

Graced with such an offer, the Titan known as Thanos smiled down upon him as he spoke.

"I'm listening…"

Reconnect:

KINGDOM HEARTS

A/N: Dun-dun-dun! Thanos is officially confirmed in my later stories, people! But it'd be a while before I get to it as I have other stories to catch up on. Until then, enjoy life! :)