I was going to have Sora and Ava this chapter, but I decided to cut it since it didn't jive with me for the placement. Also, I'm almost at 1K for views/reads(?) On FFnet and AO3 each. I have one primary reviewer on FFnet (thank you Saturnmieze X3) and I wish I had more feedback on that side of things, lol. To the handful reviewing on AO3, thank you, I appreciate you all.

I'm a big believer in reviewing fics, and always have been since I joined ffnet in '02 and through now, to at least let authors know I enjoyed their work. On AO3 I'm more hesitant since one of my first reviews was responded to almost negatively for telling them I enjoyed it, but I've been trying to get over that, to keep to my personal philosophy of leaving a note of my enjoyment. Fic authors write for free here, it's the least I can do in respect for their time and creativity.

Please R&R!

I woke up in the trash and got adopted by the local trio.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Ventus and Vanitas came in just before Tsuyu had planned to retrieve him. She smiled, "Hey, Ven."

Ventus smiled and waved slightly, "Hello." He slid out of his shoes on the back matt and went over to the table, looking over what was left. He brightened, and after silently asking while taking a plate from Tsuyu, he took a few final portions and went to heat it up.

Vanitas stared at his small plate, his appetite still non-existent, and sighed, "Is there any… bread?"

Tsuyu blinked, "Bread?"

Vanitas winced, "I don't think I can stomach much else right now."

Tsuyu nodded slowly, thinking that over as she went to find their latest loaf. Soon enough she came over with a fresh plate of a few slices, and Ventus came up on his other side. The blond glanced between the previous plate and his brother before pointing and asking, "Can I have your old plate then?"

Vanitas rolled his eyes, "Have fun."

Ventus smiled and took it, settling down at the table where Xion had previously sat. Xion was already at the sink with Roxas hand washing dishes while Naminé dried them. Kairi was still working on the end tail of her own plate.

Kairi smiled at Vanitas, "Hey Vanitas, I'm Kairi."

Vanitas slowly nodded, "Ah. Hi." He squinted at her before shrugging, "You two look nothing alike."

Kairi blinked, "Huh?"

Vanitas looked at Naminé, who looked at him, who then looked at Kairi. The three glanced between one another before Kairi suppressed a giggle, "Oh. Well, we're similar, but I don't think we look exactly alike either. In fact, I think Xion is more similar, but I love them both the same."

Vanitas rolled his eyes and gagged, "Please."

Kairi and Naminé giggled while Xion simply smiled.

Kairi shrugged, "We're just sisters, all born of different circumstances. That's all. Just like you, Roxas, Ven, and Sora."

Ventus winced with a slight grimace, not entirely being sure if stating that was such a smart idea. Roxas turned to her with a glare, "Since when did I have brothers?!"

Ventus pouted as Kairi looked at Roxas with questioning innocence, "You mean, you don't want family?"

Roxas stared at her open mouthed for a moment before floundering, "Th-that's not what I meant!"

Kairi placed a finger on her chin and tilted her head just so, "Then what did you mean?"

Roxas tried to formulate words before turning back to the dishes and started scrubbing harder, "Whatever!"

Kairi giggled and looked to Vanitas, "How's life been in Twilight Town?"

Vanitas observed her before looking at the piece of bread he'd taken and methodically took a small bite and chewed it with a slight look of disgust. His stomach rolled and he set it down tiredly, "Alright, except when Elrena tried to kill me."

Naminé stiffened and Kairi glanced at her, along with noticing Roxas and Xion's shift in stance and atmosphere before looking back at him, "...Who?"

Vanitas struggled for a moment, "Uhm. Larxene? I- uhm, it sort of actually probably started with Lauriam showing up in Twilight Town. Larxene and Marluxia were usually together in the Organization when not on missions. Not really surprised she found her way back to him."

Naminé carefully set down her dry dish and started wringing her towel nervously. Kairi watched her for a moment in sympathy, "Are you alright, Naminé?"

Naminé slowly nodded, "I'll be fine. I...confronted them a little last night, with Roxas and Xion. They're broken people, just as much as Ven and Vanitas. They… They deserve a chance to pick up the pieces of their lives too, just like the rest of us who hurt Sora."

Ventus set down his fork and knife, his appetite gone, "Oh." He settled back into his chair, "...So Lauriam and Elrena made it here, too…"

Kairi abruptly recalled the other names Ephemer and Brain's Memories had mentioned and gasped softly. "-Oh!" She gave Ventus a sympathetic look, "Ven…"

Ventus smiled vaguely, "I guess I can't say I'm surprised that you were attacked by one of them, Vanitas."

Vanitas sniffed in annoyance, "I was minding my own damn business."

Ventus looked at him with a tired smile, and Vanitas relented by crossing his arms and looking away.

Tsuyu placed a gentle hand on top of Vanitas's head, catching his attention as he glanced slightly towards her, "Hm?"

Tsuyu gave him a warm look of affection, "You've been through a lot, huh?"

Vanitas frowned, "So what?"

Tsuyu sighed softly, "Can't eat?"

Vanitas winced, "Sometimes. I'll eat that eventually, when my body cooperates."

Tsuyu nodded, "Alright." She looked around to all of them, "I'll leave the house to you, have fun kids, and don't go fightin' on my front lawn again." She pointed at Roxas in particular, "The school'll label ya as a problem kid and give ya all sorts'a grief. Got it?"

Roxas nodded quickly, and she nodded once, "Good." She shifted her hand and lightly patted Vanitas's shoulder before backing off, "Have a good day kids. It was wonderful to meet ya, Vanitas. I hope to have ya back soon, okay?"

Vanitas watched after her in surprise before he nodded, "Okay."

Tsuyu gave him a big grin before giving them all one final wave before stepping out.

Kairi took a long drink of her juice before setting her glass down, "Araide was called in and already left for work."

Vanitas nodded at the answer to his silent question. He picked up his piece of bread and tried to stomach another bite.

Ventus slowly started to eat again too, but asked again anyway, "So other than that, have you been alright in Twilight Town?"

Vanitas nodded, "Merlin's a good caretaker. He's been good to me."

Ventus smiled. He was glad Vanitas could admit to and confess that much.

Naminé moved over to the table and sat down, "Vanitas." He glanced at her, and she blushed lightly, "Why did you have to kiss me on the forehead yesterday?"

Vanitas blinked, "Because?" Naminé gave him a blank stare and slowly raised her eyebrow. Vanitas made a disgruntled face, "What?! Why!? I know we talk about Hearts all the time, but don't emotions actually come from the brain?!"

They all slowly stopped and looked at him. He wasn't wrong but-

"Also, how else am I going to eat if it's not with my mouth?! I know Merlin can absorb whatever it is he needs ambiently, but- I can't do that anymore! I can't just naturally absorb negative energy! I can't even release my Unversed anymore! So unless it's with direct contact, I can't eat negative energy!"

Naminé blinked, and suddenly she realized. It really was mostly her side that felt too much.

Vanitas sighed heavily and ruffled his hair, "I know I could have tried to explain better, but there just wasn't enough time to think of how to do that. It was…" He made a few unsure faces before slumping, "I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. It was kind of embarrassing, in retrospect."

Naminé's eyes were wide, and everyone else was rather surprised as well. Slowly Naminé smiled, a light warmth to her cheeks, "Thank you for apologizing. I understand."

Vanitas shrugged.

"But, couldn't you try kissing my hand next time or-" Naminé cut herself off as she furrowed her brows. She thought about it, and the more she tried to think of something "more innocent" or "less misunderstood," it all somehow ended up embarrassing or… misunderstood.

Naminé huffed, crossed her arms, and slumped into her chair with a pout, "Oh. There really isn't an easier way to do that."

Vanitas was silent for a second, "I mean, the lips would be-" Naminé glared at him and he threw his arms up, "-I've read enough books and asked enough questions to know not to do that!"

Kairi looked between the two of them before she burst out laughing. Naminé and Vanitas turned to her with glares as she tried to control herself. Kairi waved her hands, "I'm sorry! It's just! It's kind of cute how you two are fumbling over this!" She breathed out a sigh, "Well. I get it though. I'd be pretty flustered if Vanitas shoved me into a corner and asked to eat me."

Vanitas turned red while Ventus gaped at him in flustered shock, "Vanitas!"

Vanitas glared at him, "Oh shut up, idiot."

Ventus frowned, "But, Vanitas-"

Vanitas gave him an even dirtier look, "Ventus. I did educate myself on how boys and girls work. I'm not that ignorant." He crossed his arms petulantly before looking away from all of them, "So fuck you, and keep out of it."

Ventus sighed and shook his head as he finished off his final bites, "You need to be nice to girls, Vanitas."

"Oh, girls like Maleficent?"

Ventus glared at him, "You know what I mean."

Vanitas stared off to the side with an aloof expression before slowly grinning. Ventus became slightly worried before Vanitas lifted his arms up with a stretch and slumped while staring at his bread, "Well, it still stands. Fuck you."

Ventus rolled his eyes and finished his and Vanitas's old plate before standing to bring it over to the sink. He took Kairi's along the way and passed the dishes off.

Xion smiled, "What's your favorite thing to do in Twilight Town, Vanitas?"

Vanitas raised an eyebrow at her attempt to shift the subject, "Stay in Merlin's little bubble World. Why?"

Xion pouted, "I meant in Twilight Town, though!"

Vanitas frowned, "...Sit on the roof and people watch."

Kairi blinked while Ventus watched him for a moment before he responded, "...Really?"

Vanitas shrugged, "Can't learn about how people interact without watching them, right?"

"...True… but is it really that fun?"

Vanitas thought about it for a moment, "Fun isn't the word I'd go for, but… I don't like interacting with people directly, so observing them… it's… enjoyable, I guess. I prefer quiet, though. And not being surrounded."

Ventus nodded absently as he made his way to sit down again, "I see."

Xion hummed, "Isa joins you sometimes, right?"

Vanitas frowned heavily, "Yeah."

Xion gave him a warm look, "I think he feels out of place with the three of us sometimes… and I think he enjoys your presence, too."

Vanitas became calm, "Ah." He crossed his arms, "He's… okay."

Naminé sighed gently, "You really should say when you like being around someone. It'll help."

Vanitas hummed tiredly, "...Liking anything is dangerous for me." Naminé's brows rose as he explained himself, "I've never been allowed to like anything. It's always been destroyed… even myself. I'll admit to finding certain people bearable, but Xehanort was sure to beat only hatred and negativity into me. I thrive off of it- I didn't need the extra push to drown in it."

Naminé nodded sadly while Kairi was giving him the most pure and sympathetic look he'd seen yet. It made his stomach roll, the way her Light shone and tried to soothe him. "Stop that."

Kairi blinked with a frown, "Do what?"

"Have compassion towards me. It hurts."

Kairi's eyes widened as she sat up straight, "Huh?!"

Vanitas sighed as he forced himself to eat more of his bread, "You Princesses and your Pure Light. It hurts. Even Ventus's Light hurts a little bit, but not the way yours does."

Kairi slumped with a sad look on her face, "...So are you saying we can't be friends?"

Vanitas paused and mulled that over. He slowly winced, "...No, I'm not. But… you may have to keep your distance."

Kairi's expression brightened just a little before she forced herself into neutrality with a nod.

Vanitas sighed, "Besides, this is your home too, right?"

Kairi nodded, "Uh huh, why?"

Vanitas looked her in the eyes, "Show me all of the places Sora loved to be, excluding the Play Island."

"Show me the places that brought him joy."

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Terra was leafing through some of the Master's old notebooks. He smiled a little at times as he recalled past incidents recorded within.

A tear was wiped away on occasion, too.

"You alright?"

Terra looked up to Aqua, and she smiled uneasily at him from the doorway.

"Yeah. I'll be fine."

Aqua's pleasant smile slipped off her face as she looked around. There were a few neat piles. "It would be nice, if we didn't have to go through this room."

So they could leave it in Memoriam.

"I know… it's a little frustrating, but there's a lot he didn't get to teach us. You especially."

Aqua moved over towards the desk he was sitting in, "What are you looking over now?"

Terra lifted it slightly, "A record of various incidents. It's almost a journal of our younger years from his perspective, but still analytical."

Aqua hummed with a nod, "I see. Anything stick out?"

Terra grinned, "That one time I twisted my Keyblade into your hair."

Aqua glared at him, "Oh. That." She pulled the journal out of his hands, and he let her take it easily. She thumbed through it, "I wonder what he had to say about Ven when he joined us?"

Terra nodded slowly, "I wonder that too… but I was kind of stuck on our earlier days of apprenticeship."

Aqua was silent as she glanced through well written pages.

Today I have received a new student, Ventus, from my old friend, Master Xehanort.

Ventus's Heart has been completely stripped of Darkness, and is most fragile.

I have never heard of a Heart being so thoroughly ravaged, let alone to survive such horrific endeavors.

"A training incident." I'd eat my Keyblade if that were simply the case.

Another Heart has touched Ventus's to stop it from eroding further into death. A most peculiar situation, as Hearts dare not cross such boundaries as we get older. It, in and of itself, is a taboo due to its low success and high death rate for both parties.

Aqua pulled another chair over and settled the journal between them. Terra read to where she'd stopped, and they glanced at one another before continuing.

A Keyblade is the only tool that could have been used to cleave Ventus's Heart so. Yet, Xehanort claims the boy was amnesiac when placed into his own care. I suppose that in and of itself is true.

But my Keyblade recognizes this Heart, this child too full of Light.

This ancient Keyblade passed down through various Masters… it is its own enigma, but it wept at the state that Ventus was in. "An old friend, lost, reunited, but so very hurt."

My grandfather, Brain, had many stories to tell of the past. Of Foretellers and Union Leaders- he himself had been one, as our history books once spoke of them and the Dandelions.

Lost children of the Keyblade, never to be seen again.

Aqua pursed her lips at the notation about the Dandelions and the Union Leaders, Terra as well. It was the Memory of Ephemer that started Ventus's exodus, and made him take hold of that "very ancient Keyblade."

Ventus is peculiar. Unlike many young children, who even after forgetting things still have a solid base, a cornerstone, if you will, to create the basis of their personality. It has been stripped away from this child, and it is as though there was nothing ever there before he was placed into my care. Even Xehanort seemed a little more than simply off-put by this.

I will have to watch carefully. I am burdened by this boy's loss of identity.

As my grandfather would say.

May my Heart be my Guiding Key.

They read through more entries, yet another stuck out more prominently than the others intermixed with their regular training schedules and growth.

Ventus has a fear of the Keyblade, yet, he has managed to summon one without my guidance.

He Wields in reverse grip. This would never be allowed for anyone- it is too risky for the Wielder. However, he was able to strike with practiced precision. He is swift for someone who is still unable to perceive the world around him. He is formidable, and his attacks, while lacking knowledge, are devastating. I must look through my records to see if any other has ever been so trapped within their own mind.

My Keyblade sings and weeps for him, and it is a continuously unnerving sensation.

I will have to find my grandfather's journals, to see if he left any clues behind.

I must journey back to my childhood home, to see if there is anything left that I might recover.

A few pages, and another entry spoke to them.

Ventus was an ancient Keyblade Wielder.

At least, this seems to be the case from my grandfather's journal. I'd had no idea where it might have been sealed away and kept safe during the fall of Scala ad Caelum. Yet, an old retainer android, Sigurd, assisted me in retrieving it to better prepare me to look after Ventus. It would seem my grandfather had no idea what sort of state Ventus would be in when he reappeared within time… but he was already prone to Sleep due to emotional damage before the fall of Daybreak Town. My grandfather was concerned for his mental state, despite his own misgivings about the boy.

Terra hummed, "I… kind of remember the Master leaving for two days after Ven woke up the second time."

Aqua nodded, "Yes, but why was he trying to find further information?"

Terra shrugged, "Maybe it had to do with what happened to us?"

Aqua frowned. She supposed that could be the case, since Ventus was someone who could cause the x-blade to be formed. Summoning Kingdom Hearts on purpose was more than a taboo, but forbidden.

Sigurd has informed me that the boy's name was registered into his data banks as an individual of interest. They even had instructions of care for his possible arrival there, but the date had not yet come for him to appear in Scala.

Somehow, the originating Master, Ephemer, had had some idea when the other "Union Leaders" would return "home."

I could not believe such a thing, yet, Sigurd insisted that the reverse-Wielding child, Ventus, was most certainly an individual that had held the rank of "Union Leader" within the Dandelions.

They refused to elaborate when I asked him questions. It would seem that Ventus's information was highly restricted due to sensitive subjects related to his person, and due to his being a minor.

I must look through the journals I have retrieved more thoroughly. It is of grave importance that I understand.

His Authority is beyond his present state of mind.

Aqua tilted her head, "...Authority?"

Terra glanced at all of the book spines that he'd looked through. "You don't know anything about it?"

Aqua shook her head, "I can understand respecting a Master's authority due to their rank, but this seems to be something more."

Terra nodded and flipped to the next entry.

I have discovered possible means of creating the most holy and mighty of Keyblades, which goes hand in hand with summoning Kingdom Hearts. Some of my findings are mere supposition- unconfirmed beliefs.

However, as it was Xehanort's primary focus of study, I am gravely concerned.

"Two Hearts, one of Pure Light, and one of Pure Darkness, if brought to clash on the soil where many Wielders have shed blood, shall call forth the holy weapon, the "x-blade," to summon forth Kingdom Hearts."

Is this what Xehanort is planning?

I must restrict Ventus's movements. I will not allow his Mark or allow him to step foot out of The Land of Departure.

It is a grave punishment for the innocent, to imprison him upon one World when Aqua and Terra speak of grand adventure upon Mastery.

But the x-blade must never be born, and he must never step foot upon the Keyblade Graveyard.

Aqua gently wiped a tear from her eye, "...I'm not sure what's worse." Terra glanced at her with a questioning hum, "How we spoke to Ven about going to different Worlds, or how the Master was just doing his duty to protect the Worlds. He should have told us something, to help us understand what was actually going on."

Terra was silent for a moment, "Well. We all should have talked to one another back then, but we were all too focused on our own issues before us."

Aqua sighed softly before bemoaning, "And then Ven asked us to end him."

Terra swallowed thickly at that, "Ven knew by then that he could be used to create the x-blade… right?"

Aqua nodded, "Yeah."

Terra ruffled his hair in distressed contemplation, "...What else is he going to learn about himself, his past, in Scala ad Caelum? Is it really going to help him?"

Aqua bowed her head, "...I don't know, but I hope so." Otherwise, it would simply be more pain.

Ventus has the ability to make Aqua and Terra act as mentors, to teach him how to be a "person" again. They are close, though, Ventus seemed to become more aware after Terra had given him is wooden Keyblade.

They turned the page.

Ventus has returned to himself, as though he were never "sleeping awake."

He is confused about our shock. As though he was fully aware all of this time. Had he truly been absorbing everything he had been taught? His silent interactions with Terra and Aqua?

Or is there something else from his past filling in some of the blanks?

I am more concerned than ever, as he is a pure child with a desire to please and grow with his peers.

He has the heart for adventure, and to force him to stay here will become all that much more difficult.

If he truly is an ancient Wielder, he will be capable of using Lanes that are now lost to us to leave, unbidden by boundaries.

I must ground him, and ensure he believes in only one method of transport.

I hold the Key that unlocks the Lanes Between. He cannot escape from here unless it is by my will that they are opened.

Please, let me protect these children, grandfather.

May my Heart be my Guiding Key.

Terra's throat closed slightly, "...Ven was so happy to get his Keyblade armor."

Aqua sniffed lightly, "And we were so happy for him, that the Master had acknowledged him as capable enough to gain his own set." Keyblade Armor was rare and difficult to obtain, considering the only crafters left were the Moogles.

Terra nodded, "To think the Master made something so important into a shackle for him."

Aqua wiped away another tear, "I feel horrible."

Terra rubbed his own eyes, "We didn't know any better."

"...Should we tell him?"

Terra sniffed to try and keep himself under control, but he was empathetic to Aqua's sorrow. He felt sadness as well. "I don't know."

"Terra!"

Terra grit his teeth, "...I think Ven should read this, just like we are. I don't… I don't know how to handle this otherwise."

Aqua slumped slightly, "...Me neither. We all loved the Master."

Terra swallowed thickly again, "...Yeah." It had been for Ven's sake that he'd unintentionally helped to strike him down, after all.

Aqua sighed lightly before moving on through the journal. Pages passed without upset, and slowly they were able to calm.

Their Master had done all that he could with the knowledge he had.

Ventus is unaware of it, but he has touched something within this Castle. I cannot explain it with words, but something answers to his calls to usurp my wards.

Terra and Aqua have never been able to sneak out of the Castle at night without my knowing it, yet, Ventus sneaks out constantly. He merely stargazes, yearning for the Worlds beyond… but that alone is worrisome. He cannot have boundless freedom.

Each lesson I give, each attempt I make to impede him compared to Terra and Aqua… he is already in step with them in no time at all. I know not what sort of lessons the ancient Wielders had, but his capabilities are fearsome. It is no wonder he could slip into a leadership role despite his young age. Somehow, his charisma brings Terra and Aqua to aid him in any way they can, and their friendship flourishes.

He cries silently in the night without seeking comfort, and he reaches for hands that are long lost.

He is pitiable, but I must not let my Heart be swayed. He must never leave this land, lest all fall to darkness.

They moved to the next journal, and it is much the same.

I have noted that, other than an occasional spar, Ventus refuses to face live opponents. This is a tremendous stumbling block for a Wielder, but it is my boon.

If he cannot bear to face the denizens of darkness, then he is not fit to leave this Land. It brings me a small measure of comfort, but it is comfort all the same.

He is a gentle child. I hope that he never recalls that which made him fear hurting others.

Ventus is a child covered in blood.

They stopped. What did that mean? What did the Master stumble upon to state that?

The entries soon ended.

Aqua's Mastery was celebrated, and worries about Xehanort's plans were recorded.

Ventus has left after Terra for reasons unknown to me. I have sent Aqua after him to bring him back.

Grandfather. You loved Ventus as a little brother in your own way near the end, and I have come to love this child as well.

No matter the journey ahead, and the trials that may come, he is still my dear student. A noteworthy Apprentice who has far too much on his shoulders.

May their Hearts be their Guiding Key.

Let us all join together again on this Land and break bread as we have these past four years.

However, in my deepest of Hearts I know.

This was the last time the four of us will join together. I need not the Book to know that the end is coming soon.

It is my own fault. My love for my heart-brother, Xehanort blinded me. I have allowed him too much freedom. It is not Ventus I should have imprisoned, but him.

It may be my downfall, but I pray the children will one day return home safe despite Xehanort's machinations.

I will still pray that we will reunite.

It is a small hope, but hope and love are the greatest of weapons we Wield. I will fight to prevent the end, to prevent the summoning of Kingdom Hearts, no matter how much it will break me to bind and possibly end Ventus's life.

But one life cannot be held as more important than the Worlds.

Ventus must die, and I will stain my hands with his blood to protect the balance.

May Terra and Aqua forgive me.

Aqua sniffled, the Master's journal had come to its end. "Did he tell Yen Sid anything?"

Terra shrugged, "They spoke a lot, but who knows."

Aqua wiped away more tears, "Yen Sid was kind to us. He told me Ven would find his way back to us."

"So long as you love him, I am sure his Heart will find its guiding light home."

But Ventus hadn't come back the way she'd hoped. They'd had no way of knowing his Heart had found its way to another, to Sora's. That it had left his body completely.

A Master can remove a Heart from body only once. Do not take this power lightly, Aqua.

Had Ventus removed his own Heart, or had it been called? If he'd had the Authority of a Master all along, was it possible that when he'd fallen, he'd made use of that ability?

Had he even known of it?

Aqua sighed wearily, "There's so much we don't know."

Terra nodded and leaned back into his chair, "Yeah."

Aqua was quiet for a long time, "...Do you think Ven'll come back?"

Terra blinked, "Of course he will."

Aqua buried her face into her hands, "He left us on bad terms again. Just like the last time we parted… we… we didn't have the chance to talk, and say sorry… I didn't get to say sorry last time, either." They'd been too focused on their personal goals. And then this time they'd been too stuck in their roles as his older apprentices. As if there were a line for Mastery, and Ven wasn't allowed to step in yet.

Terra clenched his fists, "...I'll be here, no matter what."

Aqua paused before straightening up to look at him, "...Terra?"

Terra smiled at her tiredly, "I wouldn't mind going out on occasion… but when I gain my Mark… I think I'll stay here and protect this World as its Steward like Master Eraqus. I… I can't trust myself to make good decisions when it comes to other people."

Aqua turned her face away from him. She knew what he meant. She'd followed after them, and Ventus had ended up fixing part of Terra's messes, and she would sometimes deal with the rest as well.

Terra had left a trail littered with good intentions and poor choices. Xehanort's influence more than likely a contributing factor.

She sighed gustily and stood, "Let's get out of here."

Terra gave her a brittle smile, "Yeah." He set the journal down and stood to follow her out.

They missed their friend.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

The six of them had wandered to various places on the Island all day. They'd stopped for some lunch at Sora's favorite restaurant and Vanitas had chosen Sora's favorite dish on instinct. It was painful how he could do things in a similar manner as Sora without even trying. Even the way he ate was occasionally the same.

Roxas and Xion were also in the habit of doing Sora-like things, but they didn't look like him the way Vanitas did.

They didn't have his face and voice.

Sure, Vanitas was gruffer, but if he was excited enough or feeling pleasant enough, he sounded just like Sora.

Kairi had to take small mental breaks throughout the day to recover from such instances.

She missed Sora terribly. She had so much she wanted to say to him!

Ventus's presence also brought out interesting moments. He, too, was affected by Sora in his own way… or maybe Sora was affected by him? It was hard to know, with how long Ventus had been resting in Sora's Heart.

Ventus had times where he'd suddenly remember something they'd done and excitedly talk about it before freezing, realizing it wasn't his Memory, but Sora's. He'd then get all guilty about it, and Kairi wasn't sure if she wanted to hug him and tell him it was okay, or cry.

Ventus had far too much going on, honestly.

She hoped Aqua and Terra would forgive them for their messy parting.

Vanitas would sometimes stare at his reflection in passing windows, lost in thought.

Kairi didn't know what he was looking for, or if he was simply reassuring himself he was there and existed as himself.

Naminé would sometimes pull him along if he got too caught up in something, or Xion would gently pull him out of it. Both girls had a way of dealing with him that she had no hope of accomplishing purely because of their opposing natures.

Ventus was passive due to trying to understand his brother, and Roxas was…

He was Roxas.

Which was an interesting mix of aggression to playfulness that she couldn't always wrap her head around, as it depended on who he was interacting with.

She was so used to him being sweet with Xion or Naminé, and sometimes teasing or aggressive with Ventus, that she wasn't used to him being particularly biting with Vanitas… who did not help the situation. Vanitas seemed to enjoy making things worse.

She and Roxas had an odd relationship that had no time to really develop, but he treated her similarly to her sisters most times.

Sometimes he just seemed confused when dealing with her, as if Sora's Memories were influencing him somehow and he'd have to step away.

It was an awkward problem with no solutions.

At the moment the others had gone into a candy store, looking for all the candies Sora liked when Vanitas got stuck staring at his reflection in a shop window again.

She carefully approached him with her hands behind her back when she saw a flicker of something.

Something wasn't right with his reflection.

She pursed her lips, staying still to try and see if the flicker would happen at the corner of her eyes again.

Moving lips when Vanitas wasn't speaking. Different clothes, hair, and eyes.

Is this what Vanitas was seeing? Was he really seeing and speaking with Sora?

Her throat closed up as tears threatened her.

Why couldn't she reach him when she so desperately wanted to? She'd delved deep into her Memories, spent time searching for a whole year in Sleep to find him! He had even reached back to protect her from Xehanort's Memory when she'd become too exhausted!

"Kairi."

She gasped softly and looked at Vanitas. She knew it had been him to call for her, since he was looking at her with a concerned expression.

"Huh?" Vanitas seemed to search her before motioning her over. Kairi hesitated, "It hurts when I'm close to you, right?"

Vanitas rolled his eyes and took a few steps toward her and firmly grabbed her hand before pulling her into his space and his arms, "You noticed it just now, right? My reflection?"

Kairi stared up at him with wide eyes before she slowly nodded. "Y-yeah." He was too close. She could understand how Naminé got caught up in his presence.

He turned his grey eyes back to his reflection, and she followed, looking towards it.

"Kairi!" She stiffened, as if nothing else could surprise her. The reflection of Sora smiled brightly as he held her reflection the same way as Vanitas.

If only she could actually hold his hand.

But she wouldn't begrudge the pain she might be putting Vanitas through to grant her this moment of breakthrough.

She was trying desperately not to cry as she softly responded, "Sora!" Aaah, it hurt!

Kairi squeezed Vanitas's hand tightly. She didn't want to hurt him, but to see Sora again, to hear his voice! It was a relief and heartbreaking all at once. She sucked in a breath, "Riku's gone to look for you… in Quadratum!"

Sora's eyes widened, "What?! Really!?"

She nodded as he became contemplative. Vanitas squeezed her hand back, and she didn't know if it was him, or Sora that was doing so… but it seemed Vanitas and Sora were reflecting each other almost perfectly.

Vanitas was simply taking the passive role of observer.

Sora eventually nodded, "Thank you, Kairi. I'll have to talk to Ava about that, and see if she can look for him."

Kairi blinked, "...Ava?"

Something flickered, and Sora winced, "She's helping me. Vanitas said I could trust her. I'm sorry I can't stay any longer. I-" His reflection washed out, as if smeared by watercolor as Vanitas's reflection returned.

She didn't realize how stiff Vanitas had become until he released his hold on her. She nearly fell over at the shift in balance when he caught her, "...Are you alright?"

Kairi looked up at him with soulful eyes and nodded, "...Yeah." She kept a hold of his hand for a moment longer before she went to release him, yet, he held fast. She blinked, stared at their linked hands for a moment before booking up to him again, "It hurts, doesn't it?"

Vanitas had an unreadable expression, but it wasn't cold nor warm. She didn't know how to describe it.

"It does." He clasped her hand tighter and lightly directed her as he began to walk, "But sometimes comforting someone is more important than physical pain."

Kairi wanted to protest that, to say alleviating physical pain was more important, but stopped herself.

Was this a form of Vanitas's kindness? It would be rude to snub his concern.

She swallowed her protests, "I care about your physical pain, too, you know."

Vanitas blinked. He had slowly come to accept the concept of others being concerned about his physical condition. But he had lived with pain his whole life in a body made of flesh. It was only recently that he had learned of the wonder of being pain free for moments of time.

The pain Kairi brought him was a different sort. If he was prepared to come into contact with that pain, he could brush it off and ignore it. It didn't hurt the way Magic or physical abuse did.

It was almost like background noise, if he were honest.

"Bruises hurt, right?"

Kairi blinked, "Uh, yeah. Why?"

"Right now, that's kind of how it hurts. It's there, but negligible. Your heart's pain is more acute."

Kairi's eyes widened. "...I-" She stopped. It was dumb to try and fight about who's pain was worse. Vanitas was offering her his own form of comfort. She could shut up and accept it. She smiled uneasily, "Okay. Thank you."

Vanitas gave her a small smile, and she felt like she was seeing something new as he spoke gently. "You're welcome."

She understood Naminé's problem immediately. Vanitas had his own charm that, while very different from Sora, was just as devastating. He didn't even have to try!

Kairi couldn't help but snicker at her own perceptions, "I think I understand why Hayner, Pence, and Olette came to like you so quickly, Vanitas."

Vanitas blinked and raised an eyebrow, "I'm naturally a joy to be around. Of course they like me." Kairi gave him a Look, and he tried to keep a straight (almost) innocent face before he burst out into a harsh laugh, "I don't really understand you people."

Kairi tilted her head, "What do you mean?"

Vanitas exhaled shortly to try and calm himself, though he still had a mischievous smile, "I know I'm an asshole. I don't have any good qualities that would cause anyone to actually like me."

Kairi frowned and gave him a pouting look, "You know, I don't like that you talk about yourself that way." Vanitas gave her a slightly disgruntled look before becoming somewhat contrite as she shifted to hold both of his hands gently. He was forced to give her his full attention as she continued, "You have a sharp wit and tongue, yeah, but that's kind of refreshing in our group. You're charming in your own way, Vanitas. You're still getting used to living outside of Xehanort's plans, right?"

Vanitas slowly nodded, "...Yeah."

Kairi smiled slightly, "You're a being of darkness, I won't deny you that. But that's ok. It might make you prone to negativity, but that's part of who you are. We won't shun you just because you tend to be that way- but we, and really, I will be upset if you talk down about yourself all the time. It isn't comforting to us the way you think it is."

Vanitas shifted and broke eye contact with her. It was difficult to continue looking at her pure look of concern and attention.

Kairi squeezed his hands lightly, "You're someone who's worth it, Vanitas." He glanced her way as she continued, "You're smart, and you have a very different perspective on life than we do. It's good to have differing opinions. And besides, there's a lot about the Worlds, and even ourselves, that we don't understand."

Vanitas frowned as his eyes darkened, "...I just don't get you people, you children of the Light."

Kairi grinned brightly with a chuckle, "And I don't understand darkness, so I think we're even there."

Vanitas blinked, and they looked at one another for a moment before Xion came out of the candy shop looking for them, "Kairi?"

Kairi slid her hands from Vanitas's and clasped one hand onto her other arm behind her as she turned with a smile, "You guys find everything?"

Xion grinned, "Yup!" She came over to them and presented a small bag to Vanitas, "I got these for you." Vanitas looked at the small bag before gingerly taking it with silent questions clear in his body language. Xion answered his silence, "They're not Sora's favorites. They're just candies I thought you might like. A few of them are my own favorites."

Vanitas slowly nodded, "...Thanks."

Roxas, Naminé, and Ventus soon joined them outside. Naminé had some drinks, of which she passed to the others, while Roxas was glowering at Ventus who rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

Vanitas raised an eyebrow before glancing at Xion and stage whispered, "So Roxas hates Ventus too?"

Xion blinked before she covered her mouth with a light snicker, "More like Roxas hates when they like the same things, because he feels he liked them first and Ven's just copying him."

Vanitas smirked before speaking with a teasing tone in his voice, "Aawe, does the faker not like it when Venty-wenty shares his interests?"

Xion rolled her eyes while Naminé gave him a put out glare. Kairi smothered a giggle as Roxas took the bait. "You-! Shut up Vanitas!"

Vanitas laughed rakishly as Ventus shook his head tiredly, "C'mon Vanitas. Leave us alone."

Vanitas stopped and pondered that for a moment, "...Nah. It's fun teasing you."

Roxas cracked his knuckles threateningly, "Well, I have a sandwich for you that seems to quickly be becoming your favorite."

Vanitas gave Roxas a shocked look while Ventus was looking at his twin wearily. The girls also paused before Vanitas laughed, "A sandwich!? What!? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

Ventus blinked, "...You've never heard of a knuckle sandwich being a euphemism for getting punched?"

Vanitas went blank as they all vaguely looked at Ventus with concern. Ventus rubbed the back of his head, "...What?"

Vanitas went over to Roxas and patted him sympathetically on the shoulder, "Maybe you should stop eating them first."

Roxas roared and Ventus immediately jumped to restrain his twin as Vanitas danced back, only to collide into Xion who snatched his hand, spun him around a few times, and then dipped him back like they'd been dancing, and she was the lead. Xion gave him a mischievous look, "Are you enjoying yourself, princess?"

Vanitas spluttered, "What!?"

Xion pulled him back up and made him do another clumsy ballet spin before tapping him to take a few steps back, She winked, "If you don't stop teasing Roxas, I will get mad, and you don't want me mad, Vanitas."

The Darkling felt something from that statement. It was its own sort of threat.

There's more than one way to skin a cat, as they say.

Vanitas threw his arms up in surrender, "Fine! I'll stop teasing Roxas." Xion smiled, "For now." She gave him a tired look.

Naminé poked him in the side lightly, "Have you been enjoying our little trip today, Vanitas?"

Vanitas looked at her as he thought it over, "...Yeah. It's been… nice."

Naminé smiled with a hint of mischief, "Even though Roxas got a nice couple of hits on you?"

Vanitas sniffed and lifted his head proudly, "...He's got more guts than Ventus."

"Hey! I so do have guts!"

Vanitas sneered at him as Ventus pouted before Naminé pulled on his wrist lightly to pull his attention back to her, "I know today's been a lot for you, but have you really been okay?"

Vanitas paused, realizing she was now back into concerned territory, "...Yeah. I didn't feel great this morning, but I've felt… fine for the majority of today." He'd actually sort of felt great, if he were honest.

He was not honest.

Naminé smiled gently, "Alright."

Oh right, she could see right through him because of their sessions.

Vanitas's face warmed as he glanced away from her, "...I wouldn't mind coming back, someday."

Naminé's eyes widened, "Really?"

Vanitas nodded.

Naminé clapped lightly as Xion bounced a little and spoke, "I'm happy you enjoyed your day with us. There were a lot of times I wasn't sure!"

Vanitas turned his attention to Xion as he couldn't help but ask, "...So where do you guys live?"

Xion, Roxas, and Naminé blinked. They knew he was directing the question at all three of them, but Kairi piped up first, "I've been living with Master Aqua, Terra, and Ven in The Land of Departure since I woke up so I could train."

Vanitas nodded slightly, "I've been there a few times."

Ventus was giving him a slightly put out look at that comment.

Naminé tapped her chin, "I… kind of wander? I sometimes stay at Radiant Garden, but I don't exactly… like it there. I have my reasons for being there, though. Otherwise I sometimes live with Kairi and her father, or sleepover at Sora's house with Roxas and Xion."

Xion went to answer his question next, "I sometimes stay with Kairi's family, too… But Roxas and I kind of bounce between Sora's house, an apartment Axel rents in Twilight Town, and an occasional stay at Radiant Garden when Even wants to give us check-ups."

Vanitas nodded, "Ah."

Xion smiled as she clasped her hands in front of her, "I'm really glad Merlin is able to give you a stable home, Vanitas."

Vanitas frowned in slight confusion, "...Why?"

Xion swayed a little bit, "Well, it's just… from what I understand, it's best for teenagers like us to have a stable home. As far as I understand, you didn't really have that before. We're still getting there and figuring out our place in the Worlds, but… You've at least found a place to call home and settle, right?"

Vanitas felt himself pause. He mentally checked out for a moment as he thought over the past number of weeks. He'd been with Merlin for around a month now, and he'd changed drastically from simple interactions. Moments of silence between him and Naminé, simply hanging out with Hayner, Pence, and Olette with minimal input.

Sure, he'd still have his issues to get through, but… he didn't feel like making everyone suffer.

That's all he used to ever want.

Now he just wanted peaceful days, and to figure out what he should be doing… maybe not for the Worlds, but for himself.

Merlin had assured him that trying to decide what he needed to do for himself, first, was a step to being able to branch out to others eventually.

But others already reached out to him, and he found himself so easily reaching back to their kindness.

Vanitas ruffled his hair, "...I guess, yeah."

Xion nodded happily while Ventus smiled slightly before he spoke, "I'm glad, too, Vanitas."

The Darkling looked at his brother tiredly, "Oh yeah?"

Ventus sighed internally as he shrugged, "Yeah. I'm learning about my own past, and I feel a little lost, honestly."

Vanitas frowned, "Even though you have your precious friends to go home to?"

Ventus's face became unreadable for a long silent moment before he sighed in longing and looked up at the sky, "...I'll always love Aqua and Terra… but… Now I need to see Lauriam again… and maybe, one day I'll be able to see Skuld again, I…" He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of how to deal with everything or how to feel, "I wish I could at least thank her… For caring for me and encouraging me, when I was so unsure of myself…" He slumped slightly, "Even if I wasn't supposed to be there… I'm glad I met them." He placed a hand on his chest and smiled sadly, "I'm so glad I got to meet them all, and help them. Even if we'll never truly be together again…" He closed his eyes, "At least I know, that in the end, Ephemer and Brain still cared for me." Ventus looked at Vanitas, "And it's because of me that you're here… so… I look forward to seeing how you decide to live, Vanitas."

Vanitas turned his face away and shoved his hands into his pockets, "...Whatever."

Vanitas's chest hurt.

These people of the Light cared too much. Loved too much.

He didn't deserve it.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Lauriam stood in front of the Old Mansion with his hands in his pockets as Elrena kicked various pieces of foliage and complained, "So why are we just standing around this creepy place, again?"

Lauriam sighed softly, "...I suppose I'm waiting."

Elrena gave him a bored look, "For what, exactly?"

His sanity? "...A friend." A spark of unfathomable Hope.

Elrena threw her arms up with a scoff before moving over to the outer garden wall and leaned against the old brickwork, "Whatever."

The sounds around them became amplified in the silence. The bugs and various wildlife. The trams in the distance as vague scents of food and machinery carried on the breeze.

Lauriam was a patient man. He would wait. He hadn't asked, he honestly felt he couldn't, but… He hoped for much.

"So you are here."

Elrena nearly jumped as she straightened and bit out, "Saix!"

Isa sighed internally with a vague roll of his eyes as Lea laughed and clapped him on the back, "Oh man, that's hilarious!"

Isa elbowed his friend and grumbled, "Shut it, Lea." He went up to Lauriam and looked him over before explaining himself, "I was curious when you didn't join me like usual last night or this afternoon."

Lauriam smiled uneasily, "...You were actually concerned?"

Isa crossed his arms over his chest, "...Concerned might be a bit exaggerated. However, you've said a few things that have caught my interest, and may align with a long-standing goal of ours."

Elrena raised an eyebrow, "Ours?"

Axel stretched, "We've been looking for an amnesiac girl who disappeared." He refused to elaborate to Elrena where they'd ended up meeting her.

Lauriam nodded slightly, "So Isa has previously stated to me."

Elrena tilted her head slightly as she placed her hands on her hips, "So what's that got to do with us, Lauriam?"

Lauriam exhaled to try and keep himself calm, "It might be Skuld."

Elrena spluttered, "Wh-huh?! Really?" She withdrew slightly, a gentleness sneaking into her features as she contemplated, "...It would be nice to see her again." She glanced at the two men before them, "But do we really need their help?"

Isa raised an emotionless eyebrow while Lauriam turned to her, "I think we could use all the help we can get, Elrena. They're our most current leads on her even being alive, let alone possibly in this era."

Elrena relented, "Fine. I don't care for it, but I guess, for Skuld."

Lauriam nodded, pleased, as he turned back to them. "I would greatly appreciate any help you could give us, Axel, Isa."

Axel summoned Flame Liberator with a grin, "Of course! Let your Heart be your Guiding Key and all that, amiright?"

Elrena sneered, "Augh! Don't sully that phrase with that stupid mouth of yours!"

Lauriam smiled. He felt a warmth in his chest that had been missing for some time. He summoned Divine Rose and shifted, "Does Isa have a Keyblade..?"

Isa shook his head in the negative, "I have no desire to-"

Lauriam summoned another Keyblade, a basic Starlight, and held it by the shaft towards him, "I cannot guarantee your safety with the methods we use without one."

Elrena gaped at him, "Are you serious!?" She was having trouble with her own!

Lauriam smirked slightly as he glanced over to her, "Elrena. It's still up to him to accept."

Isa was unnerved while Lea was similarly flabbergasted, "Wait, you can hand out a Keyblade, just like that!? I had to beg Yen Sid for mine, and it wouldn't even manifest for a while!"

Lauriam chuckled softly, "Keyblades are finicky, but if you have truly been looking for someone for this long… to a greater extent than I could ever realize, then you may have done far more than I could ever hope to in search for Skuld. You deserve the chance to find her, just as much as we do."

Axel ruffled his hair, "We… could ask to just use the Gummi Ships though."

Lauriam looked at him dead serious, "I have no desire to know how you pilot through Heartless infested space, Axel."

Axel's jaw dropped in shock, "Wh-"

Isa burst out laughing, "Well, I suppose I can agree with you there. His piloting skills are… questionable at best. I still make use of Dark Corridors in secret when I can, with my Coat."

Axel flailed, "You traitor! How could you!? The King scolded me for still using those!"

Isa shrugged, made a few choice faces of uncertainty and displeasure before steeling himself and grasping the Starlight. Lauriam closed his eyes, and Isa felt the Keyblade judge him. It searched his Heart, his motivations, and his Will.

And then Lauriam released it into his hold, and it stayed within Isa's grasp. Lauriam looked him in the eyes, "What gives you strength, Isa?"

Isa stilled and he contemplated, "It is not merely the moon, but my ambitions which drive me to greater heights."

Lauriam continued, "What is it that you fear the most?"

Isa swallowed, "...To lose sight of myself, and to be a tool of nothing again."

Lauriam asked in finality, "And what is your greatest wish?"

Isa squeezed the grip of his Keyblade in thought, "...To find the place where I belong, with a family of my choosing."

Lauriam nodded and placed his free hand over his heart, "Then I, Union Leader Lauriam, acknowledge you as a fledgling Keyblade Wielder. It is a difficult road, but so long as you keep the Light in your Heart strong, you will triumph over that which seeks to harm you and yours, as well as the Worlds. May your Heart be your Guiding Key, Isa of Radiant Garden."

Axel glanced between Isa, Lauriam, and Elrena before scratching his head, "Is… Is that how it used to be done, in the past?"

Lauriam shifted his attention to Axel with a shrug, "That is how I have deigned to pass on the Keyblade. There is no exact method of inheritance, though a more standardized version may have come about later."

Axel nodded as Isa turned to him, "How did Yen Sid grant you yours, Lea?"

Axel winced, "Y'know what? I don't wanna talk about it."

Isa raised his eyebrow while Elrena pouted, "Well great, now we got one of the higher ups with a Keyblade."

Lauriam, "None of that, Elrena. We don't have ranks anymore."

Elrena scowled at him and clicked her tongue. "Fine." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She tried to coax her Starlight back into her hand. It took a painfully long time, but eventually it came to her, and she gripped it desperately.

She looked up to him and Lauriam nodded before looking between all three of them, "Alright. Well, if you all are ready, we'll take the Lanes to see if we can find Skuld." He placed his hand on his chest, "Please have thoughts of her at the forefront of your mind, and communicate your will to your Keyblade." He turned, took a deep breath, and then pointed his Keyblade forward. Light coalesced at the tip and shot out, creating a Light Corridor. He looks at the three of them, "It is up to you, do you want to travel together, or separately?"

Isa frowned, "I believe for now, it would be more wise to travel together, to ensure we are all capable before splitting up on our own journeys."

Lauriam nodded, "Agreed. It would also be good to make sure that you have a handle on your Keyblade."

Isa nodded while Axel grinned. Elrena shook her head morosely and started walking towards the Corridor, "Well, it's not like we've got all day! C'mon, guess we gotta babysit the newbie!"

Lauriam shook his head and gave the other two an exasperated look before smiling and following after her. They all entered the Corridor with no idea where Lauriam's Heart had decided to search first.

But they weren't alone, and they would find their friend, one way or another.