Special thanks to Riku Kingdom Hearts for your advice on this chapter.
This battle was for keyblades only.
There was something immeasurably thrilling about those sparks flying around his clenched fists — the anticipation of that moment when his new weapon inevitably materialized into his hand in a burst of smoke and flames. Lea took a breath, and then another, as deeply focused as he could be. Ventus was waiting, already in his fighting stance with his own weapon behind his back. He looked so smug, just standing there casually like he was some sort of expert. Lea was going to show him. He was going to prove that he was worthy of the keyblade he'd been granted. With his eyes closed, visualizing his target in his mind, he listened for the telltale crackling as his fierce determination came to a head. In one swift blast, he felt the heavy weight of metal between his fingers. He leaped into the air with a mighty roar, swinging his blade with all his weight behind it. There was a loud clang as their weapons collided. Ventus blocked the attack with ease, quickly parrying with one of his own. When Lea made to strike again, he ducked, swiping at the man's shin on his way out of a side roll and finishing with a twisting pirouette. It was as if Ventus hadn't lost a single day of training in all those years he spent in a deep sleep. Not an ounce of his skill was lost to time. His attacks were swift and his movements speedy as ever. Lea could hardly keep up with him. But he was no pushover — he'd had years to practice his combat techniques, and who knows how long he spent in that forest learning how to use a keyblade. He was bigger than Ventus, stronger than Ventus, more experienced than Ventus. It might take some doing, but with clever strategizing, Lea would surely gain the upper hand.
He strafed the perimeter of the arena, watching for an opportunity to take another dive toward the boy. Ventus stood in the center of the ring, a lone gazelle in the savannah, alert but vulnerable. Lea was a lion on the prowl, biding his time until the pounce. It was only a matter of time before his prey's guard slipped. They both waited in tense silence for the other to make their move. A hush fell over the field — not a soul breathed nor blinked. Finally, the moment of truth came and Lea didn't hesitate. Ventus was wide open, having grown too impatient to maintain the standoff any longer. Lea seized his chance, casting a ribbon of flames in his wake as he closed in on his opponent. He tossed his keyblade ahead of him and it spun like a fiery disc aimed directly at the boy's head.
CLASH!
Ventus deflected Lea's keyblade so hard that it vanished from sight. Stunned, Lea took a few defensive steps backward, frantically trying to summon it back. He could feel the vibrations beneath his skin, could feel his fingers trembling with the effort, but the weapon would not come when he called it. Ventus was getting closer and closer. Lea squeezed his eyes shut, begging the keyblade to come back to him, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. In his distraction, he tripped over his own feet and toppled backward to the ground, staring down Ventus' keyblade pointed directly at his face. The battle was over. He'd lost. Again.
"Ready to call it a draw?" his old friend giggled before extending a hand to pull him up.
Lea scoffed as he rose to his feet, brushing the dirt off his pants. "I was just going easy on you since you were asleep for ten years."
Ventus laughed heartily, giving Lea a sportsmanly pat on the back. "You almost had me. One more go?"
With only a feisty grin, Lea took his position, calling back his keyblade and waiting for Ventus to start the next round. Several matches later, Lea had claimed no victories and was rapidly losing steam. It was getting more and more difficult to summon his keyblade, and he was struggling to react to Ventus' moves. He could feel Roxas and Xion standing at the edge of the arena with their eyes burning into him, watching him so intently that it only heightened his nerves. He fought diligently, but it was no use. He would swing, and Ventus would block. He would dive, and Ventus would parry. There was nothing he could throw that the kid couldn't dodge. At the end of the sixth round, Ventus exploited a gap in his shield and took him down once more. That time, he had no energy to climb back to his feet. He lay there in the dirt, staring at the pale blue sky and catching his breath. Footsteps were heard approaching him as his friends cautiously stepped forward and peered down into his face, cringing on his behalf.
"Wow, Axel… you suck."
Lea glared at his surly companion as he propped himself up on an elbow. "Oh thanks, Roxas!"
Roxas winced, having earned himself a slug on the shoulder from Xion. With a defeated sigh, Lea allowed Ventus to help him up for the last time that afternoon. He flashed the boy smile of gratitude, receiving a rather apologetic-looking one in return. Great, he thought. He pities me. He marched back to the center of the field, rolling his joints a few times as his friends followed him. Roxas, a bit more careful to protect his feelings, reached for his arm to correct his stance. "Here, you're holding your keyblade all weird. It's no wonder you don't land any hits if you fling it around like that…"
Any other grip felt clunky and awkward. Lea made several attempts to follow Roxas' instructions, only to nearly drop the weapon every time. "I'm not used to this damn thing. I just want my chakrams back."
"Why not use them then?"
"Because the forces we're up against can only be defeated by keyblades. I have to figure out how to work this thing or I'll be a useless guardian forever."
All that training, all that hard work, and it was all for nothing. Of all the guardians of light, Lea was clearly the weak link, and that was never more apparent than it was right now. Even Kairi had performed better in those brief moments before Xemnas had taken her away. Lea remembered how proudly he cheered her on as he watched her toss her keyblade like a frisbee — just like he did. It warmed his heart to see her picking up some of his techniques. Made him feel like he had something worthwhile to contribute to this war. Like he really could set a good example. Like maybe he'd managed to redeem himself just a little. But now, the mere thought of her brought stabbing pains to his chest. He dismissed his keyblade and trudged to a nearby bench, slumping into his seat and letting his head fall into his hands.
The others seemed unsure if they ought to join him at first. He could once again feel their eyes on him, but he did not lift his head. After a few seconds, a very hesitant Roxas sat beside him. "Hey… I was only joking."
They were staring. Every one of them. But they weren't looking down at him with pity. They stood at his level, and he could see the concern on each of their faces. These were his friends. They were here to listen. Lea returned their compassion with a grateful but weary smile. "I know. I'm not upset. I'm just frustrated," he assured them. "I was thinking about that day… I suck so bad at this I was out within ten minutes of battle."
Xion chimed in. "That didn't have anything to do with your fighting ability."
"Pfft," Lea scoffed. "I've fought Isa so many times I can predict his every move like it's choreographed. I should have been able to take him. Maybe then…"
He trailed off. It was a can of worms he didn't want to open. But he'd already said too much, and his friends were waiting with heightened anticipation for him to finish his sentence. "Maybe then what?"
He let out another heavy sigh. "Maybe then, Kairi would still be here."
The young trio froze, visibly uncomfortable. Lea knew immediately that he'd now opened a floodgate that should have stayed closed. He didn't like to bare his weaknesses to anyone, especially these kids who were counting on him to be stronger and wiser than he could ever hope to be. It was much easier to just be their listening ear, their moral support, the big brother who dispensed helpful-sounding advice at regular intervals like an old sage. Though no one had asked him to, Lea gladly took on that responsibility, vowing to help these poor kids grow into functional adults. They needed smart, disciplined, parental figures like that in their lives. They needed to be nurtured. They needed guidance. They needed to not end up like him.
They each took a seat around him, emitting an air of deep sympathy. The roles had been reversed, and they now acted as the listening ears and open shoulders. The gesture invoked a sense of warmth and trust in Lea, and he couldn't help but smile at their predictable generosity.
Xion was the first to speak after the long silence that followed. "Axel, it wasn't your fault."
Her insistence fell on deaf ears. Lea could remember the first time he and Kairi trained together. They woke up early and were going to get a few practice rounds in before Merlin came to formally begin the lesson. Lea never was a morning person, and he'd been restless all night, tossing and turning as images of a girl he didn't recognize plagued his nightmares. The lack of sleep left him feeling groggy and sluggish by the time the sun had risen. But he couldn't let Kairi down. He couldn't let Merlin or Yen Sid down. He couldn't let the Guardians of Light down.
"On the count of three, Axel! One, two, three!"
He promised her he wouldn't hold back. She wanted a fair fight. But Lea figured just a little head start wouldn't hurt. It would give him a chance to size up his opponent, get a feel for her fighting style, see where she planned to go first. It wasn't hesitating, it was strategizing.
By the time he decided to take a step, she was nearly on top of him. It was almost cute how she gritted her teeth with determination, growling as she lunged toward him with her keyblade aimed at the center of his chest. She was quick and eager. She was little and feisty. Just like… Lea blinked, unable to complete the thought. He could see her eyes, wide with excitement as they focused intently on their target. Those same eyes that usually looked so gentle now pierced through his defenses, scanning him for an opening. He was watching her just as carefully, prepared to block when the time came. She smiled at him. She was having fun, and she smiled just the way she used to. Just like on the clock tower. The subdued sunlight was hitting her face just right, and he remembered how she laughed at his dumb jokes. How she enjoyed the ice cream. How happy she was back then.
"Gotcha!"
Kairi struck him in the hip. Not hard enough to hurt, but enough to jolt him from his daydream. She looked like herself again. The girl with the auburn hair that he only ever knew from his shameful past. The clock tower and the ice cream were just a fantasy. She wasn't his friend. She was only ever his victim. Some part of Lea wished she'd hit him a little harder.
She pumped a fist in the air, celebrating her victory. When she looked to him for congratulations, she found him just staring at the ground and nursing his bruise. There was only curiosity and mild concern in her voice when she questioned him. "What's up? You seem a little distracted," she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You're not letting me win, are you?"
Lea scratched his head. It was aching a bit. "Huh? Oh, sorry. I guess I'm just tired," he shrugged, trying to shake it off. "Didn't sleep that well."
"Do you want to stop?"
"Nah, I'm good," he readied his weapon. "Let's keep going."
He held his breath as she counted off once more. He would be ready this time. Her tactic now was to rush to the side, hiding in his periphery and preparing for a sneak attack. He was onto her, though, and he tracked her every step like a hawk awaiting an ambush. She dashed around the field, trying to confuse him and open a gap in his defense, but he would not fall into her trap. He followed her diligently as she zipped back and forth, grinning with delight all the way. Emboldened by her taunting motions, Lea gave chase, darting after her as she bolted from mark to mark. It wasn't long before he'd deciphered her pattern and caught up to her. This time she took a daring leap, holding her keyblade high over her head. She was graceful as she floated toward him, her delicate form was expertly posed. Her face, framed with that familiar dark hair eclipsed the setting sun behind her, casting Lea into shadow as he waited for her to land her blow. Inside those blue eyes shone an expression he would never forget. He'd seen that look before, been on the receiving end just once. On that day he made that same promise to give it everything he had, begging fate for enough anger to carry him through his mission. But that face stared down at him a second time, those eyes brimming with motivation, and once again he could not stay angry at her. He only won because he couldn't be hurt anymore than he already was. The pain of every strike ran together until he couldn't feel it anymore. He was numb.
It was the last possible second when he lifted his blade and blocked her attack, instantly breaking through her guard. He countered with a quick, burning swipe that sent her flying across the field until she crumpled in a heap on the grass.
"Ouch!"
The tears came on almost immediately. Lea stood there in shock as the cascading wetness fell down his cheeks, seemingly out of nowhere. He stared at her motionless body lying among the greenery and was overcome by a flood of emotion. Images rushed into his mind faster than he could see. He'd been in this place before, looking down upon the young girl he'd just incapacitated. This same gut-wrenching scene existed somewhere in his memories, and it triggered a sadness so powerful as to be blinding. All he could remember was telling himself it was for the best. That it was right. That it was what she wanted.
His head hurt like crazy. His chest hurt even more. He was so dizzy he thought he might be sick. He clasped his hands to his temples, fighting against the overwhelming pressure, as if to prevent his brain from exploding. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her face. He saw the last time she ever smiled at him. Who was she? Why did these pictures torment him whenever he looked at Kairi?
Moaning slightly with pain, Kairi climbed back to her feet. She brushed the leaves off her skirt and out of her hair, grumbling under her breath about her oversight. "Whew… that one hurt… I should be more—" she squinted across the field at her companion. "Axel? Axel, what's wrong?"
The noise was beginning to dissipate and he could hear her footsteps as she hurried toward him. He straightened his posture, hastily wiping the tears off his face and making quick efforts to slow his breaths. She skidded to a halt at his side, panting and with worry on her face. "Hey, are you okay?"
He couldn't look at her. The pain returned every time he tried to meet her eyes. He kept his head down, offering not a word in response.
"Whatever it is, Axel, you can tell me."
"I'm sorry," he muttered, turning to leave. There weren't words to adequately describe his shame. He truly had nothing to say.
"Wait! Please, Axel!" this time, she reached out and grabbed his sleeve. "Something has been bothering you for awhile now. I'm worried and I want to help. Please, talk to me."
Why in the world did she want to help him? Why did she want him to open up to her? Why did she care about any of his baggage? Maybe she was just trying to live up to her title as a Guardian of Light. Maybe it was because she was a Princess of Heart. Or, Lea thought, maybe she was just a nice person. He took a seat on a nearby fallen tree trunk and began with a long, slow breath. "I… I miss Roxas."
Lea wasn't entirely sure why he brought up Roxas. There was just something about those images that flashed in his mind that reminded him of his old friend. Although he couldn't understand what was happening, whenever the pictures came, his first impulse was to cry. His first emotion, before he even had a chance to process what he was seeing, was grief. All he could feel was an overwhelming sense of loss and despair. Those thoughts — those feelings — made him think of Roxas, he supposed. Whoever that face in the images belonged to, they filled the same space which Roxas had left empty. They carried all the same weight as the memories of the friend Lea had lost. And, whoever they were, their absence stung just as deeply as Roxas'.
Kairi sat beside him, listening respectfully as he continued his explanation. "He was my best friend. He made me happy when I thought being happy was impossible. He was everything to me," he clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as he spoke. "I want him back."
For the first time since being recompleted, Lea recognized the anger in himself — anger at having lost another best friend. He could acknowledge now how much it hurt to watch Roxas walk away again and again, just as he'd let another companion from another life slip through his fingers. Roxas wasn't the first, and somehow Lea knew that he wasn't the last. Every friend in whom he'd ever placed his trust eventually turned their backs on him, and the last images of those people he could recall were the billowing black leather of their coats at their heels. On the surface, anger seemed reasonable, until he dug a little deeper into their motivations. The remorse he'd unearthed consumed him almost instantly, and he questioned whether his actions now — and his actions then — were noble or selfish. It was that flame in his chest — the anger he'd reserved especially for himself — which burned the hottest. His breathing grew heavy, panting loudly through his nose as he pursed his lips to keep from snapping. Kairi, patient as ever, emitted nothing but compassion for him as her hand met his shoulder.
"Axel… we'll get him back."
His eyes threatened to leak tears yet again, but he fought them off with all the discipline he could muster. Several times, Lea asked himself why he was doing this. Getting Roxas back was always the answer. That was all the justification he'd ever needed for his crimes. His crimes against Sora. His crimes against her. All the people he was willing to sacrifice. As long as he got Roxas back, it didn't matter. But the chase was nearing its end as those crimes caught up with him. One day he'd have to answer for them. One day he would have to pay.
"You know, I… I never really got to know Roxas," Kairi's cautious voice drew him out of his rumination. "Tell me about him."
When the wounds from his gradual falling out with Saïx were still fresh, still finding new ways to reopen, Axel met Roxas. The boy was an empty husk at first, shuffling about with a vacant stare in his eyes, but it was not long before he'd grown attached to Axel. At the time, Axel resisted, baffled by his almost human behavior, but there was something special about that kid. He couldn't put his finger on it then, but he came to understand much later. Roxas was Sora's Nobody, but by no means could he be described simply as an exact duplicate of Sora. Lea talked at length about his old friend — his personality, his ambitions, his dreams — he could have gone on for hours about what kind of person Roxas was, but none of the words he used seemed adequately fitting for someone like him. He was unique in every meaning of the term. He was kind and altruistic — infuriatingly so. He cared more deeply for his friends than Lea had ever thought possible for such a young kid. Roxas greeted him every morning with a smile on his face without ever being taught how to do so. Every day, it looked more real, more sincere. As if the boy felt genuine happiness in his presence.
"I didn't deserve him. The world didn't deserve him," Lea sighed, shaking his head and smiling nostalgically. "We're all unworthy. It was an honor to be his friend."
Kairi matched his smile. "I'd expect no less from Sora's Nobody."
Lea told Kairi everything he could remember about their evenings on the clock tower, eating ice cream, watching the sunset, and talking about life as they knew it. Their missions together. That time they both learned to fly. The closer he looked, Axel saw more and more of himself in Roxas. He saw the kid he used to be, just as naive, just as innocent, and just as fragile. And Axel decided that he had to shield him from the cold, cruel reality that was being a Nobody. He had to protect Roxas from the dark intentions of the Organization, and from the bitter taste of heartache that only a man with no heart could feel. It was too late to save Isa, too late to save himself, but it wasn't too late to save Roxas. Axel couldn't let that child grow into the man he had become.
"Roxas was special," he insisted. "I haven't been that close to someone since…"
He trailed off and Kairi pressed him for the conclusion. "Since who?"
Guilt. Lea recognized that emotion now, and it pierced him just as hard as he remembered. Several times more he'd paused and asked himself why he was doing this, and still his answer was for Roxas. But in the process, he ended up hurting Roxas more than the world ever could, driving him away just as he had with Saïx all those years ago. With the boy gone, Axel's world descended into chaos and ruin. And, just like he'd done during his tenure with the Organization, Axel went on another crime spree, desperate to bring back the friend he'd lost. He set off on a fiery rampage, acting without a care for the people he'd hurt and the sacrifices he'd made along the way. Again and again he would ask the same question, and the answer grew foggier each time. He began to doubt himself, to wonder if it was really for Roxas after all. There was someone else back there, someone else he had left behind. Someone he'd forgotten.
Lea didn't answer her, instead picking up his keyblade and assuming his position. "Let's get back to training."
He didn't give her much warning before he began the next battle. He fought aggressively this time, no longer standing around and waiting to see what she would do. They wouldn't have that luxury when he was up against the Seekers of Darkness. He swung his weapon viciously, sweeping flames around from its blade. She barely matched his speed as he sprinted around the field, trailing smoke and sparks behind him. He promised her he wouldn't hold back, and he kept his word to the letter. He was ruthless. He had to be. It was the only way to get her back. It was the only way to set things right.
"Axel! Axel, slow down!"
The girl was quick, but she couldn't outrun him. Her puny keyblade was no match for his chakram. He caught one last glimpse of her blue eyes widened in terror as they peeked out from behind the jet black fringe on her face. With a final clench of his jaw, Lea tossed his weapon at full strength, and it spun like a wheel of fire and steel as it careened in her direction. She raised an arm to block the attack, but was too late. She cried out loudly as the weapon struck her and she fell to the ground, clutching her elbow.
Something crashed inside Lea's head. Even more images slammed him without warning and he doubled over from the sudden pain behind his eyes. He stared at the child lying motionless on the grass, watching as her appearance shifted right in front of him. Shrouded in black leather, with hair just as dark, concealing her like a shadow. Light was returning, washing it away. Rays from the morning sun peeked through the canopy of leaves overhead. The veil was slowly lifted and color returned to her form. Auburn hair tangled in her face. Red blood spilled onto her pink dress. All at once, Lea realized what he'd done.
"Kairi!" He bolted to her side as she tried to sit upright, nursing a deep gash and a savage burn along her forearm. Tears sprang to his eyes yet again as he tracked the borders of the wound, watching as blood flowed over her skin.
I will overlook any nicks or scratches…
Kairi nudged him, squeezing the injured limb tightly until the bleeding slowed. "It's nothing, Axel, I'm fine—"
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"
"It was just an accident. Really, I'm okay."
"I'll get your bag. You just hold still."
"Axel, listen to me," Kairi insisted a bit sternly, stopping him in his tracks. "We're going to be together in here for a long time, and if you want it to work, you have to talk to me." She reached for the bag she'd brought along, pulling out supplies as she reprimanded him. "I don't want a thousand apologies. I want you to tell me what's really bothering you."
Again and again until the words ran together, Lea asked himself why he was doing this. From the moment he woke up with his face planted into the cold tile floor of Ansem's research lab, inexplicably alive and human again, he had a choice. He could count his blessings, cut his losses, and leave while he still could. He was free. They were free. In that moment, he remembered someone. The other half that he'd left behind. Someone else that he'd forgotten. He scanned his unconscious companions, searching for that head of blue hair and finding no trace. All the apprentices had been revived, but Isa was nowhere to be found. That was when Lea decided that this time he was going to do it right. He was going to get his friends back, and he wasn't going to create any more victims in the process. He flew to Yen Sid as quickly as he could, got down on his knees and begged the man to help him, and never in a million years would he have dreamed that he'd accept. To think that such a wise old sage would ever consider a sorry wretch like Lea to be worthy of a keyblade was nothing short of laughable. But now, here he was, sitting beside one of his former victims. This sweet girl who supported him as he poured everything onto her, patient and kind to a fault. Even as he was dressing another wound he'd inflicted upon her, even though he didn't deserve a single shred of her cheerfulness, she still repaid his transgressions with an optimistic smile. Just like Roxas used to do.
"Kairi…" he began after a shuddering sigh. "Have I ever told you… about Isa?"
Lea had dug so deep into his memories that he'd nearly forgotten that there were six matching blue eyes glued to him, absorbing his every word as he recounted the pathetic tale of his not-so-distant past. His cheeks flushed slightly when he realized the depths to which he'd become so vulnerable in front of them. But still, not one of them showed a hint of embarrassment or shame.
Roxas broke the long silence, smiling on Lea's behalf. "You two were pretty close."
Lea nodded with a fond glow to his face. More times than he could ever count, he asked himself why he was doing all this. He faced him now, the subject of his entire story, the person he'd come all this way for. Kairi had begged him to talk to her and he held his tongue for days before finally opening up, and when he did, he began with Roxas. "We spent a lot of time together in that magic forest. We got to talk a lot at a time when I really needed it the most. I hate that I never got the chance to thank her for everything…" he hung his head. "I just… I wish I could apologize to her just one more time… for failing to protect her."
Xion leaned forward and gingerly laid a hand on his arm. "Axel," she said softly. "She doesn't blame you. And if she were here now, I know she would tell you that."
Xion. The phantom images that plagued him for all that time were of Xion. He knew that now, and he could see that same tenderness in her that he saw in Kairi, mirrored perfectly as she sat beside him on that stone bench. Lea had forgotten her. A man who could pride himself on his memory and he'd forgotten one of his best friends. But in remembering her, he remembered that there were others to save. He remembered his vow to bring his friends back. All of them. And so when that question sounded again inside his mind, Lea had more than just one answer. Roxas. Xion. Isa. And now, Kairi.
"Thanks, Xion," he met her hand with his own, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. "You're probably right."
Their eyes hadn't left him for a second, glistening with esteem. Where Lea cast his gaze to the side, wallowing in self-doubt, on their faces shone expressions of warmth and admiration. They were smiling like they were proud of him, but he didn't deserve a sliver of praise or laud from any of them. There were portions of the story he'd left out for their sake — portions he would always keep to himself. If they knew the lengths he'd gone to bring them back, if they had any idea the sins he'd committed on their behalf, they'd be disgusted. They'd be as ashamed as he was. "I wasn't always a good person. I've done some things I really regret," he sighed. "But I have a chance now to make it right. I can't screw up this time. This is too important to me."
"Lea," Ventus piped up. "Let me see your keyblade."
Lea arched an eyebrow, but decided to humor the boy. He extended his hand, reaching out into the air in front of him and calling his weapon out from the void. Just as before, sparks began to fly from his outstretched fingers, and he could feel the vibration and hear the hum of its metal hilt. But for as long as he sat there waiting, commanding it to show itself, the keyblade would not come. He squeezed his eyes shut, concentrating, now pleading with the weapon to materialize in his hand. He could see its fiery blade, could feel its heat, but it was still just an image in his mind. Before he could get too discouraged, he felt small fingers close around his own. His eyes opened and he turned to see Xion holding his hand. At the same time, Roxas was holding hers, and Ventus was holding his. Whatever emotion struck Lea next was overwhelming. He could feel it deep in his chest, the bond their hearts had formed. The sensation was so powerful it nearly brought tears to his eyes. With a sharp hiss and a bright flash, Lea's keyblade appeared swiftly in his fist, shining brightly in the afternoon sun.
Beaming along with the rest of his companions, Ventus made his point at last. "The keyblade chose you, Lea."
Roxas stepped in after that, nodding in agreement. "Maybe you made some mistakes in the past," he patted Lea's shoulder. "But that's not who you are anymore. Got it memorized?"
One needs a strong heart to wield a keyblade. It was the first lesson Lea had to learn when his training began. The words were pounded into his head until they left marks on his skull, and he resolved never to forget them. Now, surrounded by kids much stronger and more mature than he'd ever be, he saw those teachings coming true right before his very eyes. These kids had it all figured out ages ago. Lea had been convinced that he had a duty to protect them, to nurture them, to raise them into adults who knew how to live their purpose. He was supposed to hold their little hands and guide them along their journey, shielding them from harm, carrying them over obstacles, easing the way for them. But reality was just the opposite. They didn't need his coddling. They were profoundly wise. They were disciplined fighters. They were more kind and thoughtful than any other kid their age. And as humans, as people, they were far better adjusted than Lea and his adult friends. In many ways, it was they who were raising him.
Lea met each of their eyes, taking a peek into their hearts as he did so. Roxas. Ninety pounds of unfiltered teen angst. He was a formidable individual who had defied all odds, obliterated the laws of nature, and out-humaned his human counterpart several times over. He was not one to mess with, but with such loyalty and dedication to his friends, he was an asset to any team that would have him. Xion overflowed with compassion that transcended even her own best interests. She had a sweeter disposition, but was no less fierce than Roxas. She was small, but her voice never went unheard. She always fought for what was right, carrying along all the sass one would expect from a girl whose first mission had always been to prove that she had a right to exist. Ventus was a full-grown Great Dane in the body of a small puppy. He was as cheerful and sunny as a young Lea used to be. He was tender and soft, but with just as mean a bite as the others. Always protective of his loved ones and with an unyielding sense of courage, he never wavered in the face of life-threatening danger. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. The sweetest angels heaven could have sent, but some of the most powerful warriors Lea had ever met. He was honored to call these kids his friends.
"Okay come here, all of you."
After wiping the moisture from his face, Lea opened his arms and swept them all into a strong embrace. He squeezed them so tightly and held on for so long that they all slowly sank into fits of laughter, and even then he wasn't sure if he ever wanted to let go. Not now, while he finally had them back. Not now, while they were safe and thriving. Not now, while they were making him so happy. But eventually, he had to let them breathe, and when he'd had his fill, he released them from his grasp, panting and giggling with blushing faces and tears welled up in their eyes.
"I am wiped," he said, slouching heavily. "Let's go get some ice cream."
Lea promised then that he'd never again ask himself why he was doing this. He had his answers, several of them following him out of the training ground like ducklings, others probably off taking a nap in the castle, and still more, hard at work on other worlds. His friends. Knowing that they needed him, and that his heart was strong enough to fight for them. His friends were the answers.
A few were still out there somewhere, waiting to be rescued. Kairi, Sora, Naminé, even Braig. He could still feel the sharp tug of those bonds in their hearts, leading the way like guiding stars. The fact that he hadn't forgotten them was enough to clear away his doubts. There was no question in his mind — he knew that he would find them. Lea always brought his friends back, and that was all the answer he needed.
Thanks as always for reading this story. The saga continues as we follow Lea around for awhile. I haven't got much for notes today, but I hope you enjoyed this installment. There are some exciting things coming soon so stay tuned!
Follow me on twitter ( ostelan) and tumblr (Ostelan Excruciasm) for the occasional sneak preview. I also draw sometimes (badly), make music (don't tell anyone), and post a lot of Data Greeting photos!
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Peace and Love,
Ostelan
