Chapter 52: Dubious Deliberations
Dust lingered in the air above, floating in soft, tan clouds. The air was hot and dry, the land barren, save for the dry soil beneath their feet and the cliffs stretching high into the sky. All around her lay a sea of discarded Keys, dented, chipped, with slivers of rust creeping in between the cracks. Yet, in spite of the destruction, she moved with steady footsteps, expression stern, eyes fixed on the figure ahead.
Shoulder-length brown hair, broad shoulders, a skin-tight top covered with two crisscrossing leather straps. As Aqua approached him, he turned around, his face blank. Only then did the weight of Yen Sid's words reach her. Her heart twinged, and her face fell to the cracked, dead earth below. But there was nothing she could do to change what had transpired. Steeling herself for the worst, Aqua lifted her gaze, locking eyes with her friend.
"I was told the Master was struck down."
His eyes widened, and he let out a pained grunt, quickly averting his eyes. "Yes. That's right." There was a long pause, and he gazed off at one of the many abandoned Keyblades. "I was stupid and helped Xehanort do it."
Aqua's only response was a sharp sound, like a cry and a gasp all in one, but Terra continued without hesitation.
"The Master… He tried to hurt Ven. I only fought because I wanted to protect him." Aqua's eyes once again fell upon the soil as he spoke. "But I was tricked. Xehanort set the whole thing up… all so he could awaken the darkness inside me."
His hand curled into a fist, then steadily unfurled. His eyes squeezed shut, and he inhaled the desert air. Finally, he met her gaze, sorrow etched into his face. "You were right, and so was the Master. I did need to be watched. I went astray, but no more…"
The landscape seemed to ripple. The earth began to rock. Suddenly, so very suddenly, a weight pressed down upon Aqua's shoulders. The color drained from her surroundings. Terra's hair shifted from brown to grey. His skin darkened, his eyes turned yellow, and her own words echoed amidst the vision.
"You'll go astray again."
Aqua's eyes snapped open, and she awoke with a start, clutching her ribs. Where she expected to see trees, she found simple, yellowed walls. Star and moon-shaped windows, providing a twinkling view of the sky. A cold sweat ran down her face. Her heart skipped several beats. It took several more moments for it to occur to her that she'd been tucked under thick, star-patterned blankets atop a comfortable cot.
That was all that registered before a thundering stampede tore across the room. Before she knew it, Sora had pounced, wrapping his arms tightly around her middle, while Kairi knelt at her bedside. Toward the back, Donald and Goofy whispered to one another, while King Mickey tentatively toddled across the room.
"Aqua!" Ven's voice burst forth like an explosion. "Are you okay? You're not too hurt, right? If you are, then just let us know, and—"Though she was still reeling, she placed a hand on Sora's head, ruffling his spiky hair. "It's all right."
"Are you sure?" said Kairi. "That was a super close call! And you're so strong, Aqua. I never thought we'd be the ones to…"
"Save me?" She formed a half-smile, shaking her head. "I admit, I was careless. I never should have run off without you."
"I'll say!" said Donald. "It's just not like you, Aqua! Usually you're the one who's all level-headed and serious."
Goofy nodded. "But I guess I can't blame ya! With Xemnas lurkin' around Twilight Town, anyone woulda gotten the heeby jeebies."
Looking down, Mickey folded his little arms. His tail flicked back and forth, and he frowned. "But how'd he know we'd be there? That's what I don't understand…"
"It's hard to say." Aqua gazed up at the ceiling, leaning back on her palms. "Honestly, I don't think the how matters. The fact is, he found us. They found us." Xigbar, Zexion, and Xemnas… Three ever so crucial Organization members, all at their doorstep.
And to think, she'd spared Xemnas' life.
A bitter laugh escaped her, and Sora finally pulled back. His lips tugged from side to side, almost as if he wanted to speak despite his mute status. His fingers tapped against his thighs, and he let out a silent sigh.
Silence hovered over their heads like a dense cloud. Did no one wish to address her folly? As Aqua looked them over, Donald and Goofy looked away, while Kairi fiddled with her necklace. Mickey glanced at the door, but remained quiet, and the cloud only thickened. Darkened, even.
Well, Aqua wouldn't have that.
"I know what you're all thinking," she finally said. "I'm a fool for saving Xemnas."
"Well, uh…" Tittering, Donald rubbed his neck. "I wouldn't put it that way…"
"You don't have to lie for my sake." No, she wasn't some weeping flower. Between her years training as a Keyblade Master and her decade in darkness, she'd gained thick skin. A little criticism wouldn't kill her.
Sora tapped his two index fingers together, but still refrained from writing. In his stead, Ven spoke up. "Well, if it makes you feel better, Aqua, I understand. Truth is, I probably would've done the same thing…"But his words would fall on deaf ears, so while she patted Sora's head once more, she kept her sights on the others. Soon, Kairi rose from her spot, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before clasping her hands loosely over her belly.
"I just don't get it. We were so close, Aqua! If we had killed Xemnas, it would've been a huge blow to the Organization…" Yet despite her words, her voice lacked any sort of edge. Any fiery fury. It was soft. Uncertain.
How fitting for a Princess of Heart.
"I just…" Hm. Was this really the time? The place? Here she was, tucked in bed, but the fact was, Xemnas' appearance merited more than idle chatter. The severity of the situation could not be ignored, and so despite the dull ache still eating at her ribs, Aqua pushed herself out of bed and hobbled onto her feet. "Look, I'll gladly explain, but this is something we should address as a group." And while they technically counted, they were a few replicas and Nobodies short.
So she dragged her feet across the room, stopping only when Goofy zipped to her side. "Gawrsh, Aqua, are ya sure about this? Maybe ya oughta get some more rest first."
"No. I'll be all right." In fact, she doused herself with a wave of green magic, dulling the aching in the process. "Besides, this is too important to put off."
And so she pressed on, through the double doors, down the winding hall. As she moved, a pair of turquoise eyes peeked through the cracks of one of the nearby doors. But that door slid shut before she could register more than that, and at this point, her feet carried her on autopilot. What mattered now was reaching Yen Sid. Revealing the truth. Once all was said and done, then she would rest. And though the others murmured and whispered in their pursuit, not a one reached out to stop her.
They must have known better.
By the time she entered Yen Sid's study, Roxas and a tall, silver-haired boy were already in the midst of conversation. Was that the Replica, Xiruk?
"Wait, she really…?" said Roxas, to which Xiruk sighed and turned toward the approaching crowd.
"Think we're about to find out."
This gave Aqua pause, and she turned around. "How much did you tell them?"
"Uh… maybe a few bits and pieces," said Kairi, her face caught between a grimace and an awkward smile. "Sorry."
"No, it was to be expected." Still, she lifted a hand to greet the others. "Hello, Xiruk. Roxas."
Roxas looked away, dead silent, while Xiruk crossed his arms and shut his eyes.
"Hey…"
Come to think of it, this was their first time meeting, wasn't it? Ah, if only the circumstances were less dire.
It was only when his deep, piercing voice caught her ear that Aqua noticed that Yen Sid had vacated his desk in favor of the windows once more. "Ah, so you are awake. Good, good. But are you certain you should be standing in your present state?"
She lifted her palms. "It's all right. Really. Besides, I have… important news to share."
Behind, she heard a slight creak in the door. Naminé and another black-coated figure slipped into the room, though she hung toward the wall and kept her hood over her face. For now, Aqua wouldn't press it. Meanwhile, Yen Sid turned from his spot, flicking his wrists. In a puff of stars and smoke, a ring of chairs formed around his desk.
"Then I believe proper seating arrangements are in order."
Soon the others made their way to their seats, save for Roxas. Though Xiruk looked to him and motioned to the chairs, Roxas grunted and remained planted in place. Aqua winced at the sight; though she knew he wasn't Ven, seeing that scowling face stung like a thousand needles, and she could hear those distant words.
You're awful, Aqua.But no. This wasn't a time to lose heart. So, breathing in, she readied herself for the inevitable disaster. "So. I spoke with Xemnas in Twilight Town."
Yen Sid nodded, his expression solemn and stern. Roxas' hands balled up tight, while Xiruk's fingers gripped at his sleeves. The others merely sat in silence.
But it was Roxas who spoke next, glaring over his shoulder. "Then why'd you save him?"
"Roxas!" Xiruk peeked over the back of his seat. "C'mon, is this really the time?"
"Of course it is! Our greatest enemy was right there. Kairi already said they came close, and she helped him!"
Immediately, Sora sprung to his feet, standing on the chair with claws raised. He gestured a little, though no words came. At least, none Aqua could hear. Roxas seemed to respond in spite of this.
"Look, Sora. I know she's your friend. I know she's this super important Keyblade Master, but you don't know what Xemnas did to us!" He slapped a hand over his chest. "He threatened to kill us with a flip of a switch. Forced Xiruk to fight Riku just so he could force Kairi into summoning her Keyblade! He's… he might be creating Kingdom Hearts, but he's done a lot of awful things to us and the worlds!"
By the time he'd finished speaking, his voice had grown shaky. Strained. His eyes slammed shut, and he looked away again.
Hearing it all in Ven's voice only drove those needles deeper. But still, Aqua kept a firm, steady gaze. This was no time to flinch. These were all valid concerns, anyway. There was no denying the atrocities both Xemnas and the Organization had caused. No defending her actions, really. This backlash was well-earned.
Still, Kairi pierced through the silence, albeit just scarcely above a whisper. "I'm sure she had her reasons…"
"Mm…" Yen Sid stroked his bushy beard. "Yes. I believe I understand. It is because of Terra, is it not?"
"Yes." What point was there in denying it? It was an obvious show of weakness on her part. "I won't ask forgiveness. It was impulsive- foolish. It's just…" How to put this? Aqua hesitated for a moment. "It's strange. He healed me. Defended me from DiZ. I was barely conscious, but I suppose there was this small part of me that saw a glimmer of Terra in there. Or I was just delirious."
It was absurd, anyway. Terra would never commit such atrocities. He would never knowingly treat the worlds like pieces on a chessboard just to achieve some wicked scheme. No, those were the actions of Xehanort. A madman who had torn her and her friends apart without even the slightest concern.
Roxas merely scoffed. "He probably only helped 'cause of your Keyblade."
A logical assumption. One she couldn't refute. She could only brace herself for further verbal lashings from her comrades.
But Xiruk, unlike Roxas, remained calm and quiet. At least initially. He ran a hand through his mop of hair, breathing through his teeth. "I… get it, you know. Wouldn't be the first time I wondered if he was someone else. Maybe… someone better."
"I can see why." No point in dancing around the matter. "He had taken Terra's body as his vessel, so the resemblance was uncanny." Even if his skin had darkened, hair had turned silver, and his eyes now shone that wicked yellow. Was her heart truly so weak as to falter based on a simple deed? One doubtlessly born from selfish intentions and not out of any true altruism?
Regardless, it seemed her words weren't enough to calm the storm brewing inside Roxas, as he drew one of his swords and slashed at the air. "So you gave up our chance at a real victory, just 'cause he looks like your dead friend?!"
And just like that, Aqua shot up from her seat. The words burst forth on impulse alone. "I did it for us, Ven!"
It wasn't until the words left her mouth that she realized what she'd just said. Her legs wobbled, giving out beneath her, and she fell back into the chair. Roxas lowered his blade, eyes glued open and mouth slightly ajar. The others' eyes remained fixed to Aqua. She could practically feel them drilling through her skull.
She wasn't thinking straight. Not now, and certainly not then. This only confirmed her actions as a severe lapse in judgment. She was supposed to lead the others. To set a good example.
Instead, she merely set them back.
There was a soft little thud. When Aqua finally looked up again, Mickey had made his way in front of her.
"Gosh, Aqua, don't beat yourself up. Sometimes the heart acts in ways even Masters can't control." He let out a little chuckle. "Not sayin' whatcha did was right, but I understand, too."
"…Sorry." Roxas turned his back on the group, head hanging. "I shouldn't have taken it that far."
"No, I'm sorry," said Aqua. "We've spent the better part of a year struggling against the Organization, and the most we've accomplished is a few small victories. We haven't taken out a single one of their members, and when the chance finally arose, I let my emotions get in the way."
Goofy, silent up until now, cleared his throat. "Well, uh. If ya don't mind me buttin' in, I think all this fussin' over what we coulda done ain't gonna make us feel any better. Instead, we oughta figure out what this all means and what we're gonna do next."
"Wise words," said Yen Sid. "I understand this situation has been rather fraught with emotion, but the fact remains that the Organization's leader has his eye on Twilight Town."
"And not just Xemnas!" said Donald. "Xigbar and Zexion were right there with him!"
"Seriously?" Xiruk struck his thigh with a fist. "Ugh… But why? How? Did they just coincidentally decide to take a daytrip there?"
"I doubt it," said Aqua. "It was clear that they wanted to speak with me in private. In fact, Xemnas had the gall to try and negotiate with me."
"But you didn't buy into it, right?"
"I… hesitated, briefly, I'll admit. He spoke of a mutual partnership. Us gathering hearts while they toil away in their castle, no longer meddling with the worlds." She snorted, a dry smile crawling across her face. "He even had the tenacity to act as though his Kingdom Hearts would banish all the darkness from the worlds. As if that would somehow make up for the atrocities he and his peers have committed!"
Sora shifted in his seat, cheeks puffing, then deflating. After a few seconds, he dug out his notepad and pen and wrote, 'Sounds a lot like what he said to me.'"Heh." Xiruk shook his head, and further chuckling slipped out in a single breath. "They must be getting desperate."
"That's what I thought as well. It's just too convenient, isn't it? We've driven their plans to a halt, and here comes their leader, practically begging me to draw my Keyblade once more." And yet, something else he'd said still lingered in the back of her mind. Something… troubling, albeit slightly less than the Nobodies' surprise visit. So, pausing that train of thought, she looked to Yen Sid. "Although… tell me, what becomes of the Heartless that aren't slain by the Keyblade?"
Yen Sid's eyes shut tight, and he let out a low grunt. Leaning back in his seat, he finally opened his eyes, his gaze was sharp, unwavering.
"Regrettably, their hearts will be claimed by the darkness once more."
This, finally, made Aqua flinch. Her shoulders drew up. Her teeth clenched tight. Her heart twisted into tight little knots. "Is that really…?"
Xiruk looked off to the side, his voice low. "Yeah. We're the glue holding their stupid plan together."
Aqua's breath hitched, hands clenching. When she spoke again, she tried to refrain from raising her voice, but just like before, pressure began bubbling within the pit of her stomach.
"Then is it possible that those same Heartless would continue stealing hearts?" Was it possible that Xemnas was right?
Yen Sid turned his gaze downward, and his hands fell atop his desk. "I fear that this is indeed possible and, quite frankly, it is entirely likely that this has already occurred."
This time, Kairi flinched, reaching for her rapier's sheath. "Then what're we supposed to do? We can't let the Organization get Kingdom Hearts, but I don't want to see more people lose their hearts because of us."
Sora's pen tapped against his notepad, though for the time being he wrote nothing. Meanwhile, Roxas paced back and forth, chin in hand.
"I bet they knew this'd happen."
"Ya really think so?" said Goofy. "But if that's true, then how come they've been pushin' us so hard?"
"Because either way, it's a win for them." Groaning, Xiruk lifted his palms. "Either they push us so hard that we crack, or our guilt piles up so high that we cave and fall back into line. I should've seen this coming from the start…"
"Xiruk…" Finally moving from beside the doorway, Naminé briskly strode toward the Replica and set her hand over his. "What choice did we have? If you'd have continued using your Keyblade, there's a chance that they would have won."
"…I know that." He paused, covering his face with his free hand. "But what if this is all my fault? It was my stupid idea in the first place!" He struck his thigh again, and his jaw clamped shut. Thankfully, Naminé bridged any lingering distance between them, pulling him into a one armed hug. The moment they touched, all the hot air that had built up inside him escaped in a single breath.
Breaking away from Yen Sid's desk, Mickey joined her on Xiruk's opposite side, smiling up at him before facing the others. "Gosh, fellas. I'm not happy about this either, but don't ya think we oughta look on the bright side?"
"What bright side?" said Donald. "Riku's still in the computer, we still don't have a plan, and now we've got this to worry about!"
"But it's not all hopeless. Sure, things have gotten a little rough, but we've still got each other, we've still managed to save a whole bunch of worlds, and even if we don't have a plan, we've managed to hold off the Organization for almost a year."
Sora's lips curled into a wide smile, and he gave the King two thumbs up. Before long, Kairi mirrored Sora's expression, and she stood tall, gesturing at the others.
"Come on, guys. This isn't like us! Keyblade wielders like us are supposed to bring hope to the worlds, but how are we supposed to do that if we don't have that same hope?"
…Of course. To lose hope was to admit defeat. They'd be giving the Organization what they wanted in the end. Like Xiruk said, it was just another path to victory, one that preyed upon their hearts.
Nonetheless, this was far from a simple situation. All the hope in the world wouldn't simplify the matter at hand, so Aqua once again turned to Yen Sid.
"If you were in our position, what would you do?"
"Ah… That is a difficult question." He looked down at the book upon his desk, flipping through the pages. "But I would weigh the odds. Consider the risks. In theory, those taken by the Heartless may return to their original forms, but the damage brought by Kingdom Hearts may very well be irreparable. This is not to say that we should continue down this path, but it is crucial that we consider all possibilities and act in the best interest of the worlds."
"Sounds like we've still got a lot a plannin' to do," said Goofy. "I don't know about you fellers, but I don't think we should rush this."
"Yeah…" Donald sighed, folding his arms. "We don't even know what the Organization's up to."
"Right." Roxas slumped, his expression caught between a glare and a pout. "Doesn't help that they've got that stupid barrier up…"
"Yes, that does present a problem," said Aqua, "but we shouldn't act as though it's completely impenetrable. Instead, we should proceed under the assumption that we will find a way in and plan ahead of when we do."
This must have inspired something within Sora, because he finally cracked one of his trademark grins and quickly scribbled a new note. 'Hey, I could draw a map of the castle! That oughta make things easier.'
"Sure you won't need help?" said Xiruk. "No offense, Sora, but you're not exactly artistic."
Sora's mouth flew open, and his cheeks puffed up, causing both him and Donald to laugh.
But Naminé was quick to move to his side. "Well, I think you'll do a great job." With those simple words of support, Sora looked towards Xiruk and stuck out his tongue. In turn, Xiruk rolled his eyes.
Under normal circumstances, Aqua would have probably joined in the excitement. At long last, they had a sense of direction. A starting point that could very well pave the way toward a proper solution. However, in the midst of their discussion, it seemed as though they'd forgotten the most crucial point.
Standing tall, Aqua cast a firm glance over the room. "But what about Xemnas? In case you forgot, he nearly reached the mansion."
"…And Riku." The smile on Kairi's lips vanished, and she sank back into her seat. The others soon followed.
"I'm still not sure what this means," Aqua said, "but I just can't ignore the fact that he came so close to one of our own. It suggests that he's aware of Riku's location, or at least suspicious…"
"But what're we supposed to do?" said Donald, gripping his staff in both hands. "We can't leave Riku behind!"
"I agree, but if there's even a chance they've discovered you, then the mansion isn't safe anymore. For all we know, they could be sending sentries to survey your every move. Wouldn't that explain a few things?"
"…It would." At last, Xion finally spoke up, though she kept her face concealed beneath her hood and her eyes fixed on her lap. "One of their members knew that I'm a puppet, so…"
"That's right." Xiruk massaged his forehead with both hands. "Xigbar said something about keeping an eye on the home base…"
"This is… troublesome," said Yen Sid. "If they have already discovered the mansion, then I must advise you all to tread carefully. If you must remain there, then do not discuss any plans within the vicinity. If they have not connected the mansion to Riku, then it is equally pertinent that you remain discreet. My suggestion is to move your Gummi Ship here for the time being. If they cannot see it at all, they will have less of a reason to connect you to the mansion…"
"And the Heartless?" said Aqua, her mind still fixed on Xemnas' words.
"…For the time being, I advise you to continue as planned. We cannot run the risk of completing Kingdom Hearts before we have uncovered a means to breach their stronghold and finalized our plan."
"On the positive side, it shouldn't take much longer until Riku's ready," said Naminé, her lips perking slightly. "At the rate things are going, I should have him done in just a few weeks. Maybe even sooner."
"Gee, what's a few weeks if it means havin' our pal back?" Goofy chortled. "For now, I say we oughta focus on a plan and work on doin' somethin' super special for once Riku's back on his feet."
Xiruk cocked his head to the side, brow raised. "You want to plan a party at a time like this?"
"Not right now! Just somethin' to think about. After all, Riku's been stuck dealin' with a big ol' virus for most of the year, so somethin' fun might be just what he needs!"
"It would seem we have much to look forward to," said Yen Sid. "But for now, you are welcome to take your leave. I suspect you could all use a reprieve."
With that, the others began filtering out of the room. Donald and Goofy followed their King out into the hall, while Kairi zipped over to Xiruk and Naminé, grinning mischievously. With a shrug, Roxas asked Sora if he wanted to spar, though at first he seemed apprehensive. He looked down at his hands and gulped, but eventually, they too left the chamber, leaving Xion and Naminé behind.
Strangely, Xion seemed reluctant to budge. With a slouch, she brought one hand up to her cheek and moaned. Soon, Naminé wandered over to her, leaning over her shoulder.
"You've been awfully quiet, Xion. Are you feeling okay?"
"…It's nothing." She tugged at the edge of her hood and finally slid down to the floor. "I think I'm gonna go get some fresh air."
She left without another word and Naminé trailed along. In mere moments, the chamber was all but empty, save for Aqua and Yen Sid.
"You appear troubled," he said, his voice softer than before.
Wincing, Aqua stared down at her palms, cradling her Wayfinder. "Sorry. It's just… I still can't get my mind off of Terra."
"Hmm…" He pushed his way out of his armchair, brushing a hand over the top of his desk. "I think what you're feeling is understandable. The two of you were awfully close, were you not?"
"We grew up together. Trained together…" She blew a soft sigh, pulling the charm over her chest. "I've anticipated this for months now. Knew sooner or later I'd meet Xemnas, and yet…" She winced, rubbing at her neck. "When I fell into darkness, I really did think I'd saved him."
"Well, it was not as though you could predict the future, Aqua. You had no mythical Book of Prophecies, as the legends describe, nor clairvoyance to guide you. You had only your heart." And like Aqua, he pressed a hand over his chest. "And though your actions may have allowed Xehanort to roam free, I do not think you weak-hearted for it. Out of everyone here, you are among those who have faced the greatest of hardships, and yet despite those hardships, you continue to persist."
She knew he meant well. Meant to reassure her, and yet, for one reason or another, the words felt… hollow. They fell short of the mark. Could she really call herself strong-hearted in light of what just transpired? Even with the others sympathizing, understanding… She was supposed to be better than this. Keyblade Masters, above all other wielders, needed to choose the greater good. Not their own flimsy desires and hopes.
Yet she had to admit, "I just don't want to give up on him! Out of all of us, Terra has suffered the most, and I just…" She gazed down at the floor, feeling as though she was steadily shrinking. "I just want to bring him home." The question was how? Earlier, she'd been so certain that killing him would free Terra. And yet, was it really that simple, or would he return as he was before, enslaved by Master Xehanort's blackened heart?
As if predicting her thoughts, Yen Sid said, "Well, there are a few possibilities, given the nature of Nobodies." He moved closer, bending down so that he was level with her. "However, I must advise you to not let your feelings cloud your judgment. As of now, Xemnas is and remains our enemy, and as Keyblade Master, you must consider what is best for all of the worlds."
"I know. I'd give anything to save him, but so much has changed. This isn't the same fight we faced ten years ago." No, it was something far greater than she ever could have imagined. "Now more than ever, I have to stay strong. It's what Terra would want… and Master Eraqus."
"You are a brave young woman, Aqua, and a capable Keyblade Master. I have full confidence that you will be able to lead these children on the path toward victory, but you must still allow yourself to grieve. Better that than to shoulder your emotions."
"I know, but the last thing I want is to burden them."
"Since when is friendship a burden?" He let out a quiet chuckle. "These are bright, spirited children who have faced great suffering and strife. Surely they would understand your plight."
She knew he was right. Master or not, this wasn't a fight she needed to face alone. The King knew her loss equally well, having survived the aftermath of Xehanort's evil. Ven, bless his heart, had spent almost twelve years trapped within a body outside his control. Sora, trapped in Heartless form, had struggled many times, be it manipulation, loneliness, or lack of control. She'd heard how Xiruk and his friends were used as tools in the past, how Xion was but a puppet now stripped of her original purpose. And Kairi, her sweet successor, bore the burden of filling Riku's place, while he remained trapped within the datascape, struggling with a darkness of his own.
Xehanort's darkness.
So why was she so hesitant? Was it due to expectations? As Master, she was supposed to provide a pillar of support for the next generation. She was the one required to impart wisdom, share the ways of Keyblade mastery, and serve as their guide. Their teacher.
But in the process, she'd seldom stopped and acknowledged her own fears and worries. Perhaps it was finally time to open up and let them see her as Aqua and not just a Master.
She opened her palm, uncovering her charm, as the corners of her mouth began to rise. With a single breath, the pressure that had risen in Xemnas' presence escaped, at least for now.
"I should probably get to know them better. Most of them are still strangers to me."
"Then go. Spend time with them. I suspect they're all quite eager to meet you."
x.x.x
How could so much change within a week? Within one instant? Before, the sky only occasionally flickered. Now it flashed every few minutes. Overhead, a swirling mesh of black and red veins cast Twilight Town under a cloud of gloom. The sky bellowed and roared. The plaza shivered. Cracks and craters scarred the once smooth concrete. Black blotches marred the station walls. Deep, thundering footsteps thudded like a beating timpani. Monstrous, clawed feet slammed into the cement, each stomp making the whole ground flash to the same black and red as the sky.
While Riku's body remained stable, Seifer wasn't so lucky. Hissing, he leaped towards the station's front steps, but as his feet brushed up against the distorted ground, his body gave an abrupt spasm. It flickered just as Hayner's had before, and the Heartless that joined them continued its slow, lumbering march, its tiny eyes fixed on the station's front doors while its horn shimmered with a ball of crimson light.
Riku'd recognize this Heartless anywhere, for compared to him, it was a mountain of muscle. Two blood red tusks jutted out of the corners of its tiny mouth. Though its body was black instead of purple, its four-legged physique, round, bulbous head, and barrel-like body were unmistakable. But just like the other Heartless he'd encountered over the months, bands of neon circuitry crawled up its legs, down its back, and around its cheeks.
After a few seconds, Seifer stabilized and, with his Gunblade shaking in his grip, he charged at the Heartless, pulled back his arm, and took a swing at one of the Behemoth's legs. With a low growl, it stopped its march, slammed one of its monstrous feet against the ground, and sent a white shockwave across the plaza. Gritting his teeth, Seifer leaped over the wave, only for two taloned feet to seize him by the shoulder.
A flock of Wyverns descended, bodies ashen in color, save for ruby red wings, talons, and circuits. While Seifer hacked at the Wyvern's legs, another rushed at him, twirling like a torpedo. Pulling Sora's necklace over his head, Riku wound it through the Keyblade's hilt, turning it black as the surrounding Heartless. His eyes darted from the Wyverns to the Behemoth; the energy surrounding its horn had swelled to the size of a boulder. Any moment now, he suspected it'd unleash its energy rain.
He had to act fast.
Through clenched teeth, he muttered a curse and charged down the station's front steps. Pillars of electricity ravaged the Wyverns' wings, knocking them off balance and sending them plummeting toward the glitch-infested earth. Seifer's captor loosened its grip, and one more slice across its legs sent Seifer dropping to his feet. All the while, Riku leaped up onto the Behemoth's flank, charged up its back, and began hacking away at its horn, slicing horizontally, vertically, and blasting it with a ball of blue flames.
It staggered and roared, but stubbornly continued its march. Thrusting its head back, it shattered its energy sphere, sending a rain of red orbs crashing down from the flickering sky. Slamming his Keyblade against the horn one last time, Riku leaped down from his perch and landed with a somersault. The surrounding air buzzed. Momentarily, the station plaza flashed into a wider landscape dotted with lopsided food carts, an enormous, collapsing Ferris Wheel, shifting shadows, heaps of rusted metal…
Pleasure Island. It figured as much.
As their surroundings changed, Seifer stumbled back, breathing rapidly and whipping his head from side to side. "What the hell is going on?!" He spun around, slicing across a descending Wyvern before charging towards Riku. "You better explain yourself, chicken wuss!"
"Seifer, now's really not the time." His voice was rough, almost a growl. Rather than deal with Seifer's temper, he swished his weapon and barreled through a wall of Neoshadows, cutting through them like blades of grass.
Behind, he heard Seifer let out a pained gasp. A series of bangs followed, and smoke seeped into the air. Riku would have turned around if the Behemoth hadn't sprung over his head, crashing down near a wobbling roller coaster. With its horn once again aglow, Riku tore towards the beast, sucking in a slow breath of air. Tingles raced through his veins. Shadows danced up his fingertips and around his wrists.
See? The darkness comes so naturally to you.
The sound of Ansem's voice froze him in his tracks. In seconds, he was on his knees, white-hot electricity shooting down from his skull to his feet. He caught himself on his palms and opened his mouth wide. He was sure he screamed, but the pain rendered him momentarily deaf.
His ears rung, but up ahead, he caught Seifer lunging at another Wyvern and slicing across its chest. When he landed, he glanced over his shoulder, eyes sharp as polished knives.
"Get up and fight! You're the one who started all this."
Pressing his hands against his knees, Riku slowly rose. His breathing staggered, and he shook his head, trying to push Ansem's words into the deepest depths of his mind.
With another wave of his weapon, a cool breeze began to wind around him and Seifer both. Three more Neoshadows charged, swiping their massive claws at Riku's chest. Grinning, he crouched low, then blew through them, cutting them straight down the middle. With the darkness coursing through him, he vaulted up the Behemoth with a single jump and slammed his weapon into the back of its horn with ten times as much force. The horn cracked, and the Behemoth started to shake.
The dying fairground flashed back to the station, but when the two started to sink, a thousand alarm bells blared in his head.
Looking down, he noticed a deep crack had formed around the Behemoth's feet. The very ground they stood on was started to dip, slide, and would surely fall before long. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw another black figure descend and swung his Keyblade upward, deflecting a Wyvern's talons.
The ground continued to slide. Crouching low, Riku flipped backwards, slicing the Behemoth's horn straight off before dragging his weapon down its chest. As he drifted toward stable ground, he watched its body erupt into pixels. The corner of the plaza finally dropped from sight, and with the Behemoth gone, the tremors slowed.
A buzz from behind brought his eyes back to Seifer, stumbling as six more Neoshadows lashed at his sides. One swing of their broad hands sent the Gunblade flying through the air, and Riku skidded towards the mob, slicing through one Heartless' ribcage, flickering behind another and hacking off its head, reappearing above the third and driving his Keyblade down its middle. Their bodies froze one by one, then soon exploded. Flickering slightly, Seifer fell onto the steps and scrambled backwards when another Wyvern came twirling their way.
"Get your weapon," said Riku. "I'll take care of this freak."
Scoffing, Seifer hobbled back on his feet, muttering something as he moved toward his sword. Licking his lips, Riku watched the Wyvern zoom closer and closer. When it got within range, he leaped up and slammed his weapon against his skull, kicking off, slamming again, jumping one last time and slicing through its back. He did a front flip and landed in front of three remaining Heartless. Now seemed as good a time as any to wrap things up.
He grabbed his Keyblade in both hands and took a step back, blue light stretching from head to toe. Heaving a slow sigh, he drifted away from the ground and began charging at the flock of dragons.
A cold, cold chuckle reached his ear, and in a flash of digits and ones, the Wyverns were gone, replaced with Sora, Kairi, Donald, and Goofy. His blade sliced straight through them, and the plaza echoed with their screams. Choking out a gasp, Riku tried to stop. His fingers turned blue, his hands were coated in strips of red, fleshy armor, and as his body rocketed toward yet another image of Kairi, he slammed the tip of his weapon into the ground, jerking to a sharp stop that rocked him forward and knocked him into the ground.
The blackness below him peeled away, replaced with the brick terrain of the plaza. A shadow stretched over him, and when he looked up, he saw Seifer's deadpan gaze.
"I hope you're proud of yourself," he said, voice hot as a wildfire. "This town's falling apart, and who do we have to blame for it?"
"It wasn't me," Riku spat, but Seifer scoffed yet again.
"Oh yeah? Well, I don't buy it." He whipped the other way, shoving his weapon into its sheath. "This town was fine before you showed up. There weren't any freakish blocks, no monsters. My friends could actually think straight!" Before Riku could even speak up, he flipped back around. "Everyone around me keeps going on with their lives like nothing's changed. They act like everything's fine, while the whole world crashes and burns!"
His voice started to crack. He was bent over, knees bent, face crumpled into a grimace, and Riku forced himself to look away.
"You think I wanted things to end up this way? If I had a choice, I'd have this place back to normal in a heartbeat, but it's not that simple. I've tried to find a fix, but—"
"Then you're not trying hard enough." He sneered, his voice suddenly cold. "Some hero you turned out to be…"
He trudged off, dragging his feet as he walked. As Riku pushed himself up off the ground, he noticed a slight twitch in Seifer's body and an open gash running down his left arm. His heart became a brick and promptly sank, and once Seifer reached the edge of the plaza, Riku quietly muttered a Cure spell. Something to ease the pain.
He made it back to the station steps before he collapsed, skin drenched with sweat. This was far from the detour he had in mind. What was supposed to be a simple patrol had escalated into a full on brawl, and when he shut his eyes, he saw his friends screaming faces, their eyes wide in horror. He looked to his hand, but found the traces of armor gone, replaced with his gloves.
What a mess…
Poor, poor Riku. And you said that you had control…
He covered his ears, trying to tune out that smooth, lilting voice.
The boy is right. This world is beginning to collapse… It will be lucky to last the coming weeks. Such a sad way to end their summer vacation, but darkness is unforgiving. It was all just a matter of time…
Riku grit his teeth, but managed to keep a cool tone. "You really like hearing yourself talk, don't you?"
I would hold your tongue if I were you, boy.
A red pillar flashed at the center of the plaza and, in no time flat, Ansem appeared, exposed abs and all.
Riku couldn't help but roll his eyes, even if, deep down, he knew it was hardly appropriate. "So, what are you gonna do? Go on a big rant about how great darkness is? Have your little bodyguard try and strangle me again?" He swung his Keyblade over his shoulder, as if to say, 'bring it on.'
But Ansem seemed unfazed, as his expression remained strangely calm. A smug grin unraveled across his lips. "Such confidence, but if you are so certain you can defeat me, why don't you put that Keyblade to use?"
His weapon's hilt dug into his palm, and his lips pulled back to reveal his teeth. Riku knew better than to charge, though. Chances were, Ansem expected it. Why else would he even suggest it?
"Hmph. Then perhaps I should give you some incentive…" He idly waved his hand. Riku watched him closely, expecting some kind of sneak attack, but when he saw something rushing down from above, he immediately shifted gears, rolling down the steps and hurling his Keyblade at a familiar, bandaged Heartless.
The Guardian flinched at the sudden contact, and Riku spun on a heel, rushing at Ansem himself. He had planned on taking an abrupt turn to the right once he got within a few yards, but he'd only made it a few steps before a wide wall of yellow and black blocks flashed into his path. Too sudden to escape, Riku crashed straight into the barrier and was hurled back with a sharp burst of pain. He tumbled into the Guardian's big, muscular arms and was promptly slammed against the steps.
Waves of electricity surged from its fingertips through Riku's body, and he violently twitched and thrashed. Biting his lips to hold back a scream, he turned his Keyblade backwards in his grip and sliced at one of the Guardian's wrists, staggering out of its clutches.
When he turned around, Ansem was gone. His voice whispered, soft as a breeze.
You see, it is a meaningless effort. In time, you will be mine…
x.x.x
DiZ's fingers brushed across the keys, and he suppressed the urge to yawn. He'd run himself ragged over the endless stretch of hours, seldom resting for more than a few moments at a time. And through the solitude, his mind had wandered. Was it wrong of him to snap at those children and their Master? Wrong for him to turn a weapon on allies who, despite his words, had at least attempted to defend the worlds while he sat away in isolation, tinkering with a computer?
That woman had even admitted of her own hardships with Xehanort. But then, why had she saved him? It made no logical sense. But then, she was not here to defend herself, was she? Just as he had with Xion in the past, he had driven the others away. Perhaps it was karma. Perhaps he was, as they'd said, heartless.
Though it was late and though his eye threatened to slide shut against his will, sheer will power propelled him out of the throes of exhaustion. He'd spent hour after hour sifting through the layers upon layers of scrambled data. Each screen flashed with an array of binary code, interrupted by clusters of disgusting, distorted pixels. Was this her doing?
Resisting the urge to strike the keyboard, he breathed in, then out, and proceeded to enter a new string of commands.
INPUT KEYWORDS:_
He began to type the name Xehanort, but stopped, laughing bitterly as he backspaced and corrected his mistake.
ANSEM_
SEARCHING… … …
A few seconds passed, and a new dialog box appeared over the strings of code.
ONE MATCH FOUND. CONTINUE Y/N?_
Y_
PROCESSING…
The machinery clicked, then halted. A minute passed, and DiZ could only assume that the corruption had caused a lag in the system. What he hadn't anticipated was the loud, inhuman screech that followed, proceeded by a loud, crackling sound that made him shiver and writhe. Clusters of pixels flooded the screens, duplicating like vermin.
In big, bold, letters, the following words appeared.
ACCESS DENIED
An admirable effort, but meaningless in the end.
"Xehanort!" The name came out in an explosive roar, but silence was the only response. After a few key inputs, he managed to pull up another dialog box and began anew.
EXECUTE DEBUGGING PROTOCOLS? Y/N_
Y_
PROCESSING…
And, yet again—
ACCESS DENIED
You have your puppet to thank for that.
Against DiZ's will, yet another dialog box appeared, displaying a series of images. Clusters of 'Bug Blox' rained from the sky above a sandy shore. Red veins marred the landscape. Riku ran with another figure, constantly shifting from his appearance to that of Kairi's.
The image cut abruptly into static. Playback ended the next second.
DiZ remembered it all too clearly. Seconds after the system detected additional corrupt data, Xion had tumbled out of a corridor of darkness.
And now she was gone, to parts unknown, having interacted with the very data from which she was born.
He should have felt the fires of rage blazing in his heart, but as he stared at the cluttered screens, a cold, hollow feeling overtook him. Was it… shame? Fear? It had been so long since he had experienced anything but rage and bitter resentment, so he laughed once again.
It was all he could do to escape his pain.
TO BE CONTINUED
END NOTE: This chapter was re-edited to coincide with the significant edits to Chapter 51. Original A/N below.
Updates have been pretty frequent, around every five days. Is this too fast? If so, I can slow them down to once per week. I've just made so much progress this month that I have a lot to share, and the current schedule guarantees I'll have TYB finished by New Years.
But, that said, I am more than happy to slow things down if you need more room to breathe. I know this is a busy time of year. :)
