TW: Blood/wound/injury

FFnet really messed up the formatting on this chapter. D,X Also, I dunno if anyone needs a reminder, but in about 75 percent of this story, Merlin is heavily influenced by and looks like Fate Grand Order Merlin.

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

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

"What is your Dream?"

She could barely move as her muscles ached and seized throughout her body. Her training had been hell, and she spat out a glob of black and red onto the dead earth beneath her to prove it. Her visor was half shattered as she pushed herself onto her backside with shaking arms while Unversed crawled in her bones. Her myriad of chaotic negative emotions made way for simple confusion as she settled back to glare at her Master. Her voice was deep and dry as she graveled incredulously, "My what?" Why would she even state such a thing to him?

The Old Goat held his hands behind his back, gripping them in apparent annoyance as he shifted slightly to give her a tiredly disdainful look,

"Your Dream, your Motivation!" The Master turned to look down upon her with a strange passion in his voice, "What drives you to continue breathing on this plane as I train you?"

She sneered up at him with teeth bared, "What's it matter to you?"

Xehanort almost smiled, but his expression stayed grave, "You may merely be my tool, and a means to an end for my life's goal, but what use are you to me without your own form of motivation?"

She laughed in disbelief, "Motivation?! What's the point of having something as stupid as a Dream?"

Xehanort sighed with a shake of his head as he paced, "Countless years I have searched for answers- from the Light and from the Darkness both. Two opposing Powers in such fragile disbalance as one overtakes the other. For what reason did those who died here fight? Was it truly only for the Light of Kingdom Hearts, or something more? I desire the answer to such questions, the things that motivated our forebears to pick up their blades and fight! I seek Kingdom Hearts for a multitude of reasons- not merely to restore True Balance, but to answer the countless questions I have for the days foregone." He turned to her, "Tell me Vanitas, other than that pathetic excuse of bloodlust for me which you so blatantly display, if you are to obtain the x-blade and fulfill your simplistic goal, what comes after?"

She paused, "...After?"

Xehanort was silent for a moment, "Yes. After, when all has come to Nothing as you destroy the World around you, after making the Worlds suffer as you have by my hand. What comes after that? Is it mere Nothingness? Is your most simplistic wish merely to die and take everything with you?"

Her mouth opened to answer, with lips moving silently as if there were anything more to say.

But Xehanort knew everything already. Had dragged each miserable Truth out of her bit by bit throughout years of training.

Her only answer was pathetic and simple, "I don't have anything to call my own." Just this miserable half-life she'd been given.

"Then you will only be a tool to me, a mere stepping stone on my path towards Knowledge. Without a Dream, a Vision, you will never gain my favor if you are to survive the culmination of my Hope."

Naminé woke up and stared at the ceiling as disquiet buzzed through her nerves. She took in a deep breath and exhaled quietly as she tried to bring her focus back into herself.

Ever since that fateful moment when Sora had returned, when everyone's Chains of Memory had fallen into a frenzy, she had slowly come to the realization that she, too, was affected by it.

Memory Dreams would come, though rare, and she would always take the place of the person who's Memory she shared.

The others had a similar experience, but she was not accustomed to it as Roxas and Xion were. Ventus seemed to not really be too bothered by it, and Vista had stopped saying much about it since Sora had returned.

She didn't know if Sora had such Dreams either.

Naminé slowly pushed herself up and looked at her Gummi Phone. A couple of hours had passed since she'd last messaged any of the others, as Merlin's medicinal droughts had taken effect. She felt a great deal better for the extra rest, and read over Merlin's simple message.

Vista has agreed to see Yen Sid. Will you be joining us?

Naminé pursed her lips as she contemplated for a moment before finally replying, 'Would that be alright?'

A long moment passed before Merlin responded, Feel free to ask him. I, however, believe it would help.

Naminé exhaled softly before nodding. She pulled herself out of bed and took her time getting ready for the day before she dressed in something a little unlike herself.

She looked herself over in the mirror, unsure, before she smiled uneasily as that strange Memory came back to her.

What sort of man had Master Xehanort been, anyway?

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Vista leaned back loosely with a groan as his shoulders ached from painting. He closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he barely held onto the Memory he was trying to get onto the canvas before him. There were several layers of paint, and he'd had to figure out cautious ways to get the layers to dry just a little bit faster without smudging details.

He wasn't great at painting- not at all. He was a total novice going at this with barely any knowledge and pure instinctive bullshitting… but he'd gotten enough sketches onto blank notebook paper with whatever colored medium he could find to be able to keep an idea of what it was he wanted to keep hold of.

The more he tried to recall the Queen of the Deep, the more her face morphed into-

Vista sat up and shook his head with a grimace.

The Queen was beautiful and terrifying. But beauty was merely a concept based on an individual's perceptions.

Vista chewed on his bottom lip and stared tiredly at the grim image before him.

Aqua would understand that he was painting a landscape of the Realm of Darkness. What he was trying to achieve with it was more dubious. It was an image of an untainted Realm, without the remnants and scraps of fallen Worlds.

"The Worlds used to be One, once, before the Darkness fell and the Great Heart shattered into many to protect its precious Light.

Then 20 pieces to create a Great Key were made manifest in one way or another.

Some of Light, and some of Darkness.

The numbers were arbitrary of course, but all that mattered was that those numbers represented the current Balance of All Things."

Vista shifted his gaze towards the ceiling and tried to drown out the Memory of a rare Truth Xehanort had graveled on about.

Darkness had been in recession, beaten back time and again. Of course it bucked up eventually to regain balance.

He vaguely understood that the reason he and Ventus could once create the x-blade, was that at that time, Light and Darkness were in balance… or at least, as much as could be allowed.

They were all that had been necessary to create the Great Key.

Ventus had made many connections and had enough Light to represent ten pieces.

He, of course, had been an original consciousness of darkness. He had created enough Chaos with his Unversed to count for ten pieces of Darkness. But that simply wasn't the case anymore. He'd gained his own real Heart, and had been gifted his own Light.

Vista didn't know what happened to cause Scala ad Caelum to fall, but that incident alone must have been enough to put the Balance into the favor of Darkness.

Had Master Eraqus, and perhaps even Master Yen Sid been enough to forcibly rebalance the Light?

Vista knew very little about the two Masters. Maybe it was fortunate that he'd be meeting with the one still living today.

Vista yawned and stretched with a crack of his shoulders before a light knock rapped on his door. He froze mid-action as he panicked with a snap, "Who is it?"

There was a hesitant pause before her voice muffled through, "It's me… Is something wrong?"

Vista winced at Naminé's voice. He wasn't ready to share this with anyone, and yet… yet…

Would it upset her if she knew he'd picked up a brush and pen?

Vista swallowed harshly, unable to put away any of the scattered materials without causing even further upset, "No. You… you can come in."

Naminé paused at the door at his hesitation. It was unusual behavior for him, and slowly the doorknob turned and she peaked her head in.

She immediately recognized the smell of paints and other mediums despite the open window to let in fresh air. There was simply something about it that could never be mistaken as she carefully slipped into the room and closed the door behind her with a near-silent click. Vista had his head slightly bowed, his expression somewhat puzzling to her as she took in the sprawled outlines on scattered parchment.

Vista finally shifted and looked at her before his breath stilled for a moment and a light flush mixed with clear confusion crossed his face as he blurted, "You have different clothes?"

Naminé blinked before she covered her mouth with a snort, "Vista!"

He flushed deeper as he ducked into himself, annoyed with his hasty words, "Everyone else wears the same clothes all the time!"

Naminé snickered before carefully moving over to him, avoiding any paper as she cautiously sat down on the edge of his bed where it was clear. He watched her intensely, quiet, before he stated, "It looks good on you."

Naminé beamed, and her uneasiness about her choice melted away as she brushed her clammy palms over her black pants that were tucked into black combat boots. She wore a black cropped jacket with a deep red shirt underneath as a simple silver necklace with star charm hung around her neck. "Thank you." She looked at his painting, "Is this what you've been doing in your spare time..?"

Vista bit his lip uneasily before turning back to his painting as he rasped, "Yeah. I'm… trying to hold onto the fragments of what I remember, because one day it'll all be gone. None of it will remain within me."

Naminé felt her chest grow heavy at his solemn tone. He had to bring to life that which was dying within him… but for who's sake was it? "Why?" Vista glanced back at her slightly as she continued, "Why do you say that?"

Vista smiled a joyless smile before turning to her properly, letting his tray of mixed paints rest on his lap, "That's just how it is. The longer I'm human… the less I remember, and the less I remember the less I'll be able to teach everyone about the darkness. I…" His eyes slunk away from her as he tried to explain it, "I don't remember my purpose as a being of darkness- why I wanted to tear everything apart… Why we wanted to have physical bodies to possess. I just…" He slumped a little, "I-"

Vista winced as he abruptly pressed the heel of his palm against his temple, while shooting pain reverberated through his skull.

The Master of Masters turned a page with a hum, nestled in his Black Coat as he giggled and hummed to himself in wonder.

T(he)y could not understand this man sometimes, but t(he)y liked to stick close and watch as curiosity won out against preservation.

The Master of Masters jolted with raised hands, "Oh! Where are my manners?" He turned to them (him) and pointed, "You've been watching me for some time, haven't you?"

T(he)y simply wavered as if to nod, 'Yes.'

"The words on these pages aren't for you, little Shade."

'We are merely observing.'

The Master of Masters hummed and hawed, and the scene melted to a cliffside as the man stood with one hand behind his back while the other hand twirled a wildflower, a weed really, in his hand, "Do you know why I tolerate your presence, Darkling?"

T(he)y would have frowned if t(he)y'd had a face. 'No.'

"You see, you're just a little bit, not much of course, but just a little bit more special than those other darknesses that came before you. You're certainly not anywhere near as strong as them, though still far too powerful in your own right."

T(he)y felt annoyance ripple through them. 'Stop rambling.' (T)he(y) got closer to The Master of Masters, like a moth drawn to a flame. Every action this human took drew him.

"You are slowly becoming individualized, more than any of the other darknesses before you. Did you know that?"

(T)he(y) were bothered by that. 'I will destroy everything you have built and rend those Dandelions of yours asunder.'

The Master of Masters whirled on him with a barely seen grin on his face, and the Shade felt a shiver of fear for his singular existence for the first time. "Oh, you see, now you've proven that I've already won this little fight. You might think you're clever, but those children are strong. Their Hearts will Guide them, and their Light will keep them safe."

"No matter what mischief and strife you may cause, they will overcome it."

"You've chosen your piece poorly, old friend, and I gleefully await the culmination of your defeat by your own hand."

Vista gasped as sweat beaded on his skin. Naminé was gently holding his wrist, and he hesitantly looked at her and licked his lips. His throat was painfully dry as he focused on her, "Naminé…"

She sighed softly, "Did you suddenly remember something?"

Vista hesitated for a moment before setting his paints and tools aside before settling himself next to her on the side of his bed. He didn't know what to say, how to articulate what he'd recalled.

As a simple darkness, the only thing special about him was the fact he had become singularly aware, and was powerful enough to be lauded as a Knight of the Queen of the Deep.

Beyond that, there were at least seven others stronger than him, and it nagged at him that they'd merely disappeared.

"...Vista?"

Vista turned to her, his violet eyes tired before he leaned towards her, "Can I..?"

Naminé tilted her head up and met him halfway, and he slowly found himself grounded by the touch of her lips and the gentle brush of her fingers. They allowed themselves to be absorbed in one another for a time before Naminé gasped as the calloused heat of Vista's bare hand pressed against the naked skin of her back, "Vista."

He paused, and after a breath he placed his forehead against hers, and kept his hand at the small of her back. A comforting warmth for the distant ache that plagued her, "Naminé…I didn't want you to go with me to see Yen Sid."

She nearly pulled back as hurt squirreled through her before she pushed it away, "...Why?"

Vista breathed softly, "Because you're more than just someone who can mess around with people's Memories."

Naminé was calmed by this sentiment and almost smiled. A lot of their relationship was built on the fact that she didn't have to ask him invasive questions. She could simply brush her fingers across the threads of his Memories and apply to paper the feelings she picked up from them.

She wasn't a tool, just as he was more than the tool Xehanort had raised him to be.

"Do you have a Dream?"

Vista stiffened at her question. She hadn't meant to phrase it the same way as the Old Master, but Vista eased despite it and shifted to hold her close as he pressed against her, "Maybe."

Naminé rested her head against the side of his as she pressed back slightly and lowered her eyes, "Would you tell me?"

Vista was quiet for a long time before he pulled back a little and whispered hesitantly into her ear, "I think it might be you."

Naminé's eyes widened as something shivered through her, "M-me..?!"

Vista was slightly flustered and kept his face hidden in her hair, "I know we're too young to know, but right now… I'm thinking about the future for the first time. For more than just tomorrow, or next week. I've never had any hope beyond wanting to desperately die… so… while I don't really know what I'm hoping for, I am hoping you'll be there by my side in that future someday."

Naminé buried her flushed face into the crook of his neck and nodded, "I think… I'd like that, too. We'll learn together."

Vista pulled back slightly as the light of the midday sun created a golden silhouette behind him, a light blush dusting his face and a deep warmth in his eyes that she never would have imagined from him as he looked at only her, and she knew this was an expression solely for her.

She grinned as warmth bloomed on her face, "It makes me happy, you know?"

Vista's eyes gained a hint of confusion as she continued, "That you're creating art." She glanced at his painting, as dismal as it seemed before she tucked herself under his chin and hugged him tightly, "It's wonderful."

Vista held her back and rested his chin lightly on the crown of her head, "I thought you might be upset about it."

Naminé minutely shook her head, "Not at all."

He relaxed and closed his eyes, comfortable in the silence between them before he gently asked, "Would you come with me to Yen Sid's?"

Naminé nodded, "Of course, but are you sure?" It was odd he'd changed his mind.

Vista slowly eased back as she looked up at him and was slightly surprised by his sheepish response, "I'm afraid of what they'll find in my Heart." He took a deep breath, "I think I might really need your support, Naminé."

She gently cupped his face and nodded, "I'll be right there by your side."

Vista smiled, "Thanks."

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

If Vista had been nervous about going to Yen Sid's before, he felt downright sick as he stepped into the Old Wizard's study. As expected, Yen Sid sat with his eyes closed and hands clasped in contemplation in his chair.

Either Vista rubbed off on Merlin, or Merlin had rubbed off on him as his Young looking Guardian frowned at his old friend, "Are you well, Yen Sid?"

The Old Wizard opened his eyes and gave Merlin a bit of a sharp smirk, "Yes, I was merely observing the Stars."

Merlin subtly glanced out the window that was clearly behind the Wizard instead of in front and shrugged, "So you say."

Vista felt his tension ease a little at Merlin's glob attitude and smothered the snort he almost made.

Naminé simply stood with her hands clasped before her in wait.

Yen Sid looked at her kindly and nodded his head in greeting, "Naminé, Vanitas. It is good to see the two of you are doing well."

Naminé bowed slightly, "It's good to see you are well also, Master Yen Sid."

Vista bit the inside of his cheek and nodded while Merlin observed him with a quick side eye before fully focusing on the Master of the Tower, "You have read my letters regarding Vanitas's Heart Guest and condition?"

Yen Sid's face fell into deep introspection as he ran his hand over his beard, "Yes. It is quite concerning, to hear of another Heart full of Light planting roots into one so steeped in darkness."

Vista wanted to yell, and Naminé pursed her lips as she tensed. Yet, it was Merlin who took in a deep breath before exhaling tiredly, "Vista is not as steeped as he once was while bearing the name Vanitas, Yen Sid."

Vista snapped his attention to Merlin in startled frustration, but the Succubus held up his hand to stay him as Merlin kept his focus on Yen Sid, "I have written to you and spoken at length about this."

Yen Sid observed them all critically before pushing himself out of his seat with a peaceful smile, "It is as you've said, Merlin. All of you come with me, there is no time to waste."

Vista frowned deeply as Merlin turned to follow his friend. Naminé came up beside him and clasped his hand, supporting him as they glanced at one another in agreement before moving after the two Wizards.

Merlin hummed as he became intrigued by the hall they wove through, "I sense a strange Magic here."

Yen Sid chuckled deeply, "It is as you say. You are not the only one who can shed the years of time as need-be." And it was so, as they walked Yen Sid's posture became just a little bit straighter, his shoulders a little bit stronger. Soon enough the familiar blue robes changed as his height decreased bit by bit. His grey-white hair shortened and became white-grey with strangely wispy layers that reminded Vista of Ephemer's wispy hair, but longer. A dove grey bolero with decorated front panels and white lining replaced his simpler robes along with a long black vest over white shirt, blue belted straps, grey pants with a hanging chain on his left side, black gloves, and boots. He glanced back at them with now grey eyes that belied the vigor he'd lost over the decades as age had darkened them and he smirked a little as his voice also softened from his regained youth, "It has been many a year since anyone other than Eraqus and Xehanort have seen me like this, so you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little rusty."

Merlin's eyebrows were raised high, "I didn't realize you could also change your form, Yen Sid."

The young man (teen? Wizard?) waved his hand dismissively as he looked forward again and the strange hall opened up into a rich classroom that would have had his comrades ache with nostalgia, "I have found myself to be a bit of a concept, such as yourself, Merlin. However, I am, shall I say, young in comparison to your mastery. I discovered this Magic by chance, as it was the only way I found I could preserve the Legacy of the Keyblade once Master Eraqus had passed."

The now young Wizard moved to the center of the room and turned to them with slightly spread arms, "Welcome to the Academy of Wielders, where fledglings learn the ways of the Heart so that it might Guide our Paths towards the Light."

Vista snorted and Yen Sid was unphased by his blatant disgust with the place. However, it was a room that held his most treasured Memories, no matter how painfully everything had ended.

How Master Xehanort had left to Seek answers from the Darkness, while he had chosen to Seek answers from the Light.

Yen Sid was iffy about Eraqus's explanation on how he'd come to possess the Master's Keyblade, which had forced him to become the Guardian of the Land of Departure. The other Master had been troubled by it in ways Yen Sid had never been able to pry out of him, as tired grief had weighed them all down over the years.

As hopelessness set in that perhaps they would be incapable of passing on the Keyblade and the end might come to fruition.

Eraqus had always been late, he supposed, and late was better than never.

He, on the other hand, had created a different stronghold, separate from the previous Lands, and simply observed.

If need be, he would take on an Apprentice and train them anew, should the lineage come to an end.

He too had Blue Blood, as miserably thin and worthless as it was.

Yen Sid took in a deep breath and exhaled tiredly before giving the three who had entered this special room alongside him his full attention. He placed his hand on his chest, "Yen Sid is the name I chose after Scala ad Caelum fell, and everyone was devoured by the darkness. I carried the weight of my Keyblade for many years, and finally, after many trials, I set it down so that I might preserve it in a time capsule of sorts such as this."

Vista gave the room an odd look, taking note of a plaque on the wall that was large enough to hold a Keyblade.

The sun had bleached out a familiar shape in the wood, and he swallowed bile as he recognized the cursed shape of Xehanort's Keyblade.

Yen Sid smiled morosely as he followed Vista's line of sight, "Ah, the most Ancient of Keyblades next to the Master's Keyblade… the Keyblade that was dubbed 'No Name,' as it refused to speak to those with Hearts of Light." He turned back to them all, "It watched over generations of Wielders as an example of a Keyblade of Darkness."

Vista snarled, "You kept that wretched thing as- as some sort of trophy decoration?!"

Yen Sid's amicable expression became stormy as he thundered, "What do you know as a fledgling Wielder yourself?"

Vista winced, and Yen Sid exhaled tiredly, "We had no idea what that Keyblade was doing in our classroom. It was guarded as an Ancient relic- a thing to avoid, but cared for all the same."

Merlin watched his old friend with a frown. "...Yen Sid." Light grey eyes turned to him, "What was the name you had, when you lived here in Scala?"

Yen Sid gave him a pained smirk, and Vista couldn't help but be a little humbled as he realized that there were many, many reasons why one might change their name.

Yen Sid looked between them all, focusing on Naminé for a lingering moment before turning his attention back to Merlin, "Baldr. That's the name I was called by, before Scala ad Caelum fell, and we were scattered."

Merlin closed his eyes with a hum, and slowly put the pieces together, "I see. So that's how you have been able to change yourself." He looked at his friend with sad eyes, "You certainly chose a painful path, Baldr."

Yen Sid shrugged, "It is as you say."

Vista glanced around and crossed his arms, "So what are we doing here?"

Yen Sid extended his hand, and a Keyblade that was similar to the Starlight Keyblade Sora would sometimes Wield made itself apparent. Vista felt a brush of something soft, like small velvety leaves with tiny berries brush against him, and the name Luxlight felt right. The Darkling furrowed his brow, "...Luxlight?"

Yen Sid nodded, and Naminé tilted her head between the Keyblade and Vista as she minded her lip, "Oh, I…I thought the same thing."

Yen Sid's eyes lit up a little, "You felt this one's name as well?" Naminé nodded and Yen Sid became clearly relieved, "That is good."

Naminé frowned, "Why would knowing your Keyblade's name be good?"

Merlin observed silently for a moment in hesitation, mindful of conversations Master Ava had pulled him aside in private to discuss, before speaking, "Because it means you can call one of your own as well, Naminé."

Naminé's eyes widened as she started, baffled before she felt the presence of something trying to summon into her hold. It was like silent laughter and deep love before a Keyblade came to manifest in her hand. She stared at it in puzzled wonder, "But I was never… I was never bequeathed a Keyblade."

Yen Sid closed his eyes and shrugged before opening them, "Keyblades are willful things. Your creation was unique, and your existence began within the transformed Land of Departure. Only Wielders may be summoned there, and most certainly, while it is transformed into Oblivion."

Vista growled, "Enough." They turned to him as he griped, "I don't even know the name of my own Keyblade. What's so special about knowing what they're called, anyways?"

Yen Sid stepped forward, and Vista immediately became defensive as his Keyblade came to his Heart's call. Yen Sid paused with a Keyblade's length between them, and lifted his Luxlight towards his chest undeterred as he stated, "To not know your Keyblade's name is to not know your own Heart. Do you truly believe to be so ignorant of your own sense of self that you would deny the name of your most precious weapon?"

Vista's eyes widened as he took a step back, a weird sense of deja vu plaguing him as he stared at the tip.

"Do you have a Dream?"

He took in a wavering breath and Yen Sid pressed him, "What are you most afraid of, Vista?"

Vista swallowed the dry lump in his throat as he rasped, "Forgetting who I once was."

Yen Sid prowled around him in a perfect circle while Naminé was gently pulled aside by Merlin. Yen Sid never came close, nor pulled further away, "And what do you want to accomplish with your life?"

Vista chewed on his lip, incapable of answering for a long moment before blurting out, "To have a life worth living."

Yen Sid smiled just outside of his sight as he asked, "And what's most important to you?"

Vista flushed as he clenched his fist, "Naminé-!" He choked on his words, as he bit his tongue to shut himself up from being a complete fool. His family mattered to him a great deal of course, he would never be able to repay Sora for all that he'd given him, but-!

Yen Sid chuckled deeply, a rich sound that seemed off on his younger frame, "Love makes us strong, but it also breaks us." He lowered his Keyblade and stepped close to Vista before rapping his knuckles lightly against the teen's chest. He pressed them against him gently as his melancholy broke though, "It can destroy us, as you well know."

Vista took in a sharp breath and nodded swiftly in response to the now-young Master before him.

Yen Sid pulled away, and something shifted inside of him. It wasn't anything life altering or mind blowing. Yet, Vista's Keyblade hummed with vigor as it searched his Heart and Judged him.

Memory Gear

Vista blinked, and somehow it made sense.

Perhaps, once, his Keyblade had been called Void Gear as Ventus had to plainly named it.

However, now, he was on a journey to reconcile his existence as a being of darkness, while taking on the form of a Child of Light. Something had to give way to the passage of time, so perhaps both names were correct.

As Memory fell into the Void of time, so too would new Memories fill the unseen brightness of the future.

Vista felt settled, and he smiled faintly to himself as he placed his free hand on his chest and nodded, "So that's your name, huh?"

Naminé observed him, "What did it tell you?"

"Memory Gear."

Naminé nodded with a small smile, "It sounds right."

Merlin crossed his arms, relieved to have taken care of one problem, while dissatisfied with the theatrics. "About his Heart Guest, Baldr."

Yen Sid gave him a sharp incensed look before he rolled his eyes and nodded, "Yes." He turned to Naminé, "Perhaps it is foolish of me to request this, but to enter one's Heart, one must have Trust. Merlin is no Wielder, however, he can enter into the depths of Vista's Heart due to his Nature. Unfortunately, Vista has no reason to believe in me… so perhaps it might lay upon your shoulders to Dive and Seek answers in our stead."

Naminé froze in terror, aware of Sora and Riku's Mastery Exam, as well as just how Sora had managed to break his existence so terribly.

Merlin slumped slightly, "Yen Sid, perhaps I didn't think this through- I never would have brought Naminé along if I thought-"

Vista snarled, "Fine."

Silence rang out for a moment before Naminé lightly pressed her hand against his arm, "...Vista, I can't-! I'm… I'm not a Keyblade Wielder..!"

Vista slowly looked down at the new Keyblade in her free hand that she had yet to let go of. He shifted Memory Gear and placed his hand over hers, "Naminé." She looked him in the eyes as they wavered with growing tears of uncertainty, "I think, maybe, she'd talk to you."

Naminé gasped shortly, "...Strelitzia?"

Vista nodded, "I hate it, but I think she might just open up to you… as a fellow girl in white."

And suddenly Naminé felt a pull as the World around her melted away into the dark abyss of Sleep, and Vista disappeared from her hold. She floated in an unending dark, yet, she wasn't afraid.

No.

She knew this place.

She closed her eyes and held the grip of her Keyblade between two hands. The design of her Heart's Weapon wasn't new, though its colors and name were unique to her alone.

Master Ava believed in me, that I had so much to learn and unending potential.

That I had to gain the strength to protect myself, if nothing else, for my own sake and freedom.

Naminé opened her eyes, and her Keyblade that was so much like Kairi's greeted her. Instead of gold it was pearly white, as what came off as a blue wave on Kairi's Keyblade was made into matching white with a wing motif. The flowers on the end were in shades of white, purples, and blues as she observed their intricate wiring. The Keychain was braided black with a silver star on the end.

She exhaled lightly as the name Memory's Embrace filtered through her mind.

It was a Keyblade all its own despite its similarities to her sister's, and Naminé couldn't help but be flustered by it all.

Center yourself.

Naminé nearly jumped at the gentle childish voice that brushed against her senses.

You could get lost this far out into Sleep, you know.

Naminé puzzled for a moment before a tiny sparkle made itself apparent by her side.

Shall we go to see the Garden?

Naminé focused and turned her gaze ahead. Vista's Station of Awakening, his Heart, glowed in the faraway distance, and Naminé pushed herself forward to meet it. The sparkle glittered and laughed with bright innocence.

It's been such a long time!

Naminé was confused, but she felt happy for the voice as they seemed to rejoice.

As if they were going to reunite with an old friend.

The flowers crowding the outer layers of Vista's Heart Station became more apparent as she flew closer, before she shifted and came to settle softly on the glass.

It was then that she realized she was in her old white dress and light blue sandals.

A girl with orange pigtails had her back to her before she turned around cautiously. The girl puzzled for a moment as her vibrant green eyes took Naminé in.

The blonde placed her hand on her chest, "I'm Naminé, and you must be… Strelitzia, right?"

The girl nodded and slowly made her way over to the Memory Wielder. She paused a few steps away from her and bowed slightly, "Yes. I'm Strelitzia, the Dandelion this Child of Darkness brought to an end."

Naminé didn't waver, "As I well know. Your brother still searches for you, despite knowing full-well you are gone."

Strelitzia gained a pained look as she smiled, "I'm a little surprised and hesitant to believe that Lauriam has been searching for me all this time."

Naminé grit her teeth before grabbing the girl before her and hugging her close, startling the other teen as she unconsciously hugged her back. Strelitzia hesitated, "...Naminé?"

Naminé felt tears of frustration in her eyes, "Your Heart is still yours! We could make you a Replica body, and you'd be able to return to Lauriam and Elrena! They- They miss you so much!"

Strelitzia slumped slightly as she closed her eyes, "They've lived long enough without me already, they'll be alright-"

Naminé shook her head and rattled the girl slightly as she shivered, "No! It's not alright! Not when they know that you're here!"

Strelitzia paused before burying her head into Naminé's neck, "...What of it? The dead can't so easily be brought back to life."

Naminé breathed out shakily, "Then what about your Chirithy?"

Strelitzia froze as she pulled up her head and looked at the tiny sparkle that had come along with Naminé. There was silence before she hesitantly asked, "...Chirithy?"

The sparkled weaved, Strelitzia!

Tears gathered in Strelitzia's eyes, as she realized that without a body, she couldn't ensure her Chirithy's purity.

To ensure its fur wouldn't turn black, or that it was safe from fading away.

She had long since mourned the fact her Chirithy must have surely faded away into nothing.

Strelitzia pulled away from Naminé and she held out her hands, "It's really you?"

And the sparkle shined and gained shape before it popped and became whole once more. The now familiar plush-like feline celebrated, "I've been waiting for you to notice me for so long!"

Strelitzia hugged them close and they rejoiced for a time, glad to be reunited.

Naminé sniffed, "Now do you see?" Strelitzia gave the other girl her attention, "You're only imprisoning yourself here as you close off all avenues to a new future. I know I have no right to say anything, it's your choice after all… but… you shouldn't waste your chance at a new life by continuing whatever all of… this is." She motioned towards the flowers that were blooming quite nicely on Vista's station, and Strelitzia observed it all with a faraway look in her eyes.

Chirithy patted her cheek softly, "Strelitzia…"

"He still needs to answer for what he's done."

Naminé gently clasped her hands together and bowed her head slightly, "And he will. Perhaps he already has. You've seen his Memories, haven't you?"

Strelitzia was silent for a time before turning to her, "What of it?"

Naminé startled as nerves swirled in her stomach, "What- What of it?!"

Strelitzia's eyes sharpened as Chirithy popped away with a startled yelp. The twin-tailed girl called forth her evolved Starlight Keyblade and pointed it at her neck with a serious glint in her eyes, "Fight me. Prove to me that it's worthwhile to return to the living."

Naminé pursed her lips with a frown, "I won't!"

Strelitzia snarled and snatched her hair, causing Naminé to cry out as the other girl tugged, and suddenly her blonde hair lengthened and curtained around her. Strelitzia's voice graveled, "You will, if you have any hope of escaping this Dream."

Naminé gasped shakily and slapped the girl's hands away from her. Tears gathered in her eyes as she struggled to breathe past the lump in her throat. She wasn't a fighter, and while Magic was her forte, she was near-useless. She would call herself a Healer type, if she'd even had the simple ability to Cure!

Strelitzia came for her hard and fast as she swung her Keyblade down with orange petal-like energy streaming from it as she called forth her own brand of Magic. Flowers certainly ran in her family's blood, and Naminé blocked with her blade as feathers attempted to Guard her.

Naminé grunted and tried to swing weakly, her arm strength painfully lacking even compared to the fragile-looking girl before her. Annoyance slowly bubbled up, and she abruptly parried as vague inklings of Xion and Kairi's Memories filtered through to her.

Fighting wasn't easy and simple- picking up a Blade didn't make you a warrior.

But Naminé would never forgive herself for falling within Vista's Heart Space.

The Heart was her domain as much as Memory, and she yelled in aggravation as she pushed Strelitzia back and threw her arm before her. Naminé snatched a nearby Memory and slammed it into the girl, forcing Strelitzia to stop with an unbalanced gasp as she held her head and tried to fight off the Memory.

Naminé stood strong as she made Strelitzia live through a hazy Memory that Ventus could barely grasp.

(S)He was standing, panting in the cold rain as Keyblades clashed and sparked around (them). Hearts gathered and rose, coalescing into a large glowing Heart in the sky.

Brothers and Sisters fought. Lovers and Friends.

Strangers and not, one and all fought in a strangely entranced rage over the Light of the World.

(S)He cried, hot tears mixing with icy rain as (s)he hugged (their) arms with thin fingers that felt far too numb.

(S)He gasped and shouted, "Stop fighting! You don't have to do this!" (S)He backed up as a Wielder turned and snapped (them) up by the vest and slammed (them) into the ground, taking (their) breath away.

"Shut up kid, and give back the Light you stole!"

(S)He covered his face with both arms and trembled, "I haven't taken anyone's Light!"

The Wielder snarled, "Then why is your Heart so bright!? There's no way that's natural!"

(S)He gasped with a wheeze as the Wielder's hand pressed down on their diaphragm.

A glint passed over them, and a dirt encrusted cream skirt and boot came into view.

Her voice was gentle, "You remembered what I said, despite the danger posed to you."

"You've done well, Ventus. Now flee along with the others, before it's too late."

(They) barely had the chance to glance at Master Ava's reassuring mask-covered face before (their) world was enveloped in flowery warmth.

Strelitzia cried out as Naminé snatched her by the back of her hair and dragged her, "We're leaving."

Strelitzia gripped at her wrist, struggling to be released, but found Naminé's Will to be stronger. "Let me go! I still have to-"

Naminé interrupted her as she stepped off the side of Vista's Heart Station and onto stained glass stair, "No! If you keep this up any longer you'll be tainted, and I don't know how to keep your Heart from turning Dark!"

Strelitzia's lungs froze mid-breath as she tried to scramble into a proper stance as the distant endless black turned frighteningly light. The colored stained glass steps changed to monochrome as the abyss became nearly white that faded into steel-grey blue. Wherever Naminé was taking her, of any of the Hearts she'd visited, none had looked as Light as this, no matter how pure.

Though, perhaps, could a Princess of Heart have an atmosphere such as this?

Strelitzia didn't have the chance to contemplate it before Naminé shoved her ahead of herself, causing the Flower Girl to stumble and fall onto her side. Strelitzia barely had the chance to catch her breath as Naminé stood, watching over her, as the orange haired girl took in the glass beneath her.

Strelitzia was in shock, as the Heart's image beneath her was simply white with grey-blue lines.

A symbol she vaguely understood to belong to creatures called Nobodies sprawled beneath her.

Strelitzia looked around absently before she went to push herself up and paused.

Bile and fear rose in her throat in tandem as she lifted her hand and found it splotched in pitch black. She shifted, and sporadically she found black splotches eating away at her. She shivered and felt sick as tears gathered in her eyes. She wailed, "What is this?! How did I not notice this before?!"

Naminé was emotionless as she spoke, "It's because you were so focused on the Dark, that you began to be devoured by it."

Strelitzia breathed shakily and felt lightheaded as she pulled at her hair ties to try and reclaim some sort of control over herself as disarray tried to eat away at her. She felt numb, as the brightness of this place ate away at her and she clenched her eyes shut to block it out.

But it was impossible, it was simply too strange-bright here, and she swallowed thickly as she put her hair back into order.

"Stay here and reflect, Strelitzia."

She gasped and spun towards Naminé, "But-!"

Naminé's face was a little more kind as she sighed heavily, "I'm not a fighter- but I am mad… However…" She looked to the side, and Strelitzia's Chirithy stood by her thigh, a solemn expression on their face.

Naminé took a step back, "Give up on your plans for him, and become the gentle Heart of Light your brother so fondly remembers." She smiled tiredly, "I think you'll be able to do that easily enough, in this place Where Nothing Gathers."

Strelitzia gasped softly and reached out towards her, yet the blonde girl's image disappeared into unobtainable sparkle. She sighed softly and allowed herself to lay on her back, to stare upwards into the too-empty grey-white and cry silently to herself.

Chirithy climbed onto her chest, and she held them close as Strelitzia found herself lulled into somber Slumber.

Naminé slowly opened her eyes, and immediately noted that the strange phenomenon that had taken place had reflected into reality as she pulled at her now waist length hair. She pursed her lips in confusion, and she felt bubbling laughter ripple through her from her Keyblade as it congratulated her in a shower of positive emotions. Naminé couldn't help but flush lightly as it stated, 'You're a surprising one, that's for sure! I look forward to working with you, Little Weaver.'

Naminé blinked at it as she slowly realized it was laid across her lap as she sat in a plush-seated chair. She glanced to her side and noted Vista was still Sleeping and frowned, "...Vista?"

Yen Sid hummed, making her start as he observed the Darkling before him with a hand tucked under his chin. Baldr glanced at her, "You did splendidly, Naminé."

Naminé swallowed dryly and nodded as her Keyblade dismissed itself, "Th-thank you?"

Baldr smiled a little and she somehow felt charmed, "You're welcome." He turned his light-grey eyes back to Vista as he contemplated, "My sister would have been far more useful to you all. I must apologize to you children for my shortcomings."

Naminé tilted her head in confusion, "Your sister?"

Baldr nodded, "She had a knack for solving difficult situations, was a wonderful fighter as well… far more talented than myself." He paused, "Riku takes after her in a rather charming way."

Naminé stared at him in silent shock, "What?" She felt an odd jumble of emotions rush through her along with an odd rush of anger as she slammed her hands onto the table before her, "Are you serious?!"

Yen Sid had the audacity to look sheepish for a moment before shrugging as he kept some of his focus on Vista's sleeping form, "Merlin was similarly incensed with that information himself."

Abruptly Naminé glanced around and noted the Wizard's missing presence. She scowled and slumped back into her chair and swallowed her feelings as she forced herself to calm, "Explain, please."

Yen Sid sighed gustily before he spoke, "In the most abridged form possible. In short, after everything fell apart, and Xehanort, Eraqus, and I went our own ways, my sister, also, chose her path. It led her to Destiny Islands."

Naminé nearly cut into the inside of her cheek as she gnawed at it, "You knew this."

Yen Sid settled back into his chair and observed her for a time, "I did not favor Riku during his Mastery, make no mistake."

Naminé gave him a dry look and stated bluntly, "Well, I'm mistaking."

Yen Sid couldn't help the smirk that crossed his face, "Understandable. However, my lineage is a long one, and all of us are held to agonizingly high standards as the one family tied and related to the Founder, Master Ephemer."

Naminé paused as she felt curiosity creep in and calm her. She tilted her head, "...What's that got to do with anything?"

Yen Sid's eyes turned dim, and a hint of the Old Man he now was bled through his youthful guise, "Everything. Blood can be everything and nothing. It all simply matters for who's around to care, or make a legacy of it."

Naminé couldn't help her ignorance, "Go on."

Yen Sid shrugged, "They liked to refer to those with the lineage of the Original Keyblade Wielders as having Blue Blood. My family line was one of the sole inheritors, as the only known witness left of the Keyblade War." Naminé nodded as he continued, "Master Eraqus's grandfather, Brain, appeared one day and was quickly taken in by my family to act as his base. He'd traveled through time after all, and my family was immediately drawn to help him as if our family's Blood remembered their camaraderie."

Naminé was quiet for a moment before she spoke, "You were close friends with Master Eraqus."

Baldr nodded, "Yes." He smiled sadly, "Eraqus was always rather interesting and fun to talk to, being in a similar situation as myself… for having the expectations of those around us to be something greater. I always attributed his laziness as his primary form of rebellion towards the upper echelon. It's rather amusing to think about in retrospect, with how strict he was with his own Apprentices." He chuckled softly to himself, "No one would have ever believed that Tardy Fleetfoot Eraqus would become that kind of Master."

Naminé felt a pang of loss and regret, as she only had the remnants for what Master Eraqus had done wrong to act as her judgement of him. Was she also judging him wrongly, with expectations high due to having been Aqua, Ventus, and Terra's Master? For seeing the pain cross Ventus's face as he realized his Master had slighted him in some way once more?

It was probably as Ventus had explained, 'I know it's hard to understand, but Master Eraqus was a good Master… but he was only doing what he felt was best with what information he had.'

Humans weren't infallible, no matter how much you wanted to believe that they'd always do what's right.

Naminé took in a deep breath and exhaled softly, "I see."

Baldr waved at her, "So what happened?"

Naminé blinked before she sat up straight with a start, "Oh! Well… we talked a little, and then… we uhm…" She flushed lightly, "We fought, and I dragged her into my own Heart. Hopefully she calms down there." Her eyes lit up, "Oh! I need to ask Ienzo if he and the others could start working on a Replica body for Strelitzia!"

Yen Sid was surprised while Naminé pulled out her Gummi phone and went to work, swift in her request before putting the device away as she returned her attention to the Master of the Tower, "I don't really know what to do about the flowers she planted, but hopefully they won't cause any further trouble."

Yen Sid made an unsure face before shrugging helplessly, "Unfortunately this sort of situation has never occurred before as far as I'm aware. We'll still have to monitor it."

Naminé nodded, "I agree."

Vista took in a deep breath and exhaled gently before opening his eyes. He shifted his violet gaze to Naminé and smirked while reaching over and gently taking some of her golden strands and allowing them to slide through his fingers as he intoned, "Great job dragging her out of my Heart by her hair. Literally." He kissed the hair he held in his grasp with a mischievous smirk while staring deeply into her eyes.

Naminé blushed deep red down to her chest as she hunched into her shoulders, "Vista!" It was embarrassing in retrospect!

Vista cackled as he let go of her hair and cupped her cheek as he grinned cheekily, "It was cute." He kissed her nose before running his fingers down her hair and pulled away, "I think I like this look for you."

Naminé hunched with a pout as she noted her hair length again and grumbled, "I have no idea how this even happened."

Vista shrugged as he stared into the distance while crossing his arms and legs in his seat, "There's Magic for everything… and well, you two do kinda look alike. Distantly." Naminé glared at him and he looked at her from the corner of his eye and continued, "She likes flowers. If she can make them grow, why not hair?"

Naminé gave him a weird look for his logic before Yen Sid chuckled deeply and grinned, "Yes, quite. There is Magic for a wide variety of rather… mundane tasks that are actually quite handy to know. Merlin can attest to that, can't you?"

Naminé and Vista turned as the other Wizard returned with blatant annoyance, "I wouldn't allow so many teenagers to stay under my roof if I didn't have even an eighth of the Magic I have at my disposal." He shuddered in some odd Memory they decided they didn't want to know.

Yen Sid smiled, "How did your talk with The Lady go?"

Merlin rubbed the bridge of his nose as he fought off a headache, "Well enough once she was done scolding me." Yen Sid snickered as Merlin sighed lightly, looking between the two young Wielders before approaching Vista. He observed him silently, and Vista Knew the Wizard was peering into his Heart.

Merlin hummed and his white robes shifted with his movement as he cupped his chin, "I will have to watch over you carefully… and Nimue will, perhaps, need to ensure that those flowers won't cause you harm. I do not believe they will continue to spread without their Gardener, but we cannot be too cautious."

Vista nodded as an odd look came over him, "...The Lady of the Lake can leave the Lake?"

Merlin paused before covering his mouth while he chuckled, "For short periods of time, yes. She is a Pure Maiden, and she must stick close to her Waters-" Merlin took a breath to calm himself as he continued gently, "-But she is more than happy to assist you. In fact, she is more than happy to have the chance to go Off-World and meet the young man I've taken under my wing for the first time in far too long."

Merlin's violet-grey eyes were kind and soft, and Vista smiled unconsciously and nodded, "Okay."

Yen Sid hummed before pushing himself up from the table, "Please do keep me informed, Merlin."

Merlin nodded, "Of course."

Yen Sid was quiet for a moment as he observed his friend, "You do know I held no favoritism for my Great Nephew, right?"

Merlin was silent as his eyes reflected like a calm lake before the storm, "I want to believe that, my friend. If only because you spoke with me at length beforehand how unsure you were of even allowing him a go at it, as he had been steeped in darkness for too long."

Yen Sid was quiet, barely nodding in affirmation as Merlin continued.

"I felt your sincerity then, and I feel it now as well, however… Master Eraqus was also sincere in the Hurts he caused."

Yen Sid winced and bowed his head in acquiesce, "I understand, Merlin."

Merlin took in a deep breath and sighed tiredly, "Each shall make his own judgement as they see fit. Seeing as Master Riku has no idea whatsoever that you are even remotely related, I will keep my silence, as will these two pupils, here." Vista and Naminé straightened at Merlin's warning and nodded. "Master Riku doubts the legitimacy of his Rank enough. I see no need to complicate it further, though…" Merlin became soft again, "I do hope you'll tell him one day. If nothing else, to hear his side of having known your sister for the few years they shared."

Baldr's face crumpled for a second, his composure slipping as the years since his sister's passing hit him before he sniffed and straightened up with buried grief. Yen Sid nodded, "Of course." He turned his back to them, his frame solemn and so blatantly lonely, "It is time that this Memory finds rest for a time and I return to my Watch."

The three nodded as the two stood from their seats. The bright and beautiful room around them slowly dimmed into darkness, as the blues of distant galaxies and the Lights of many Stars came to greet them. It was disorientating to stand in what seemed like the middle of space as the years of youth fell away and returned Yen Sid into the old Wizard they knew.

Merlin bowed slightly, "Be well, my friend."

Yen Sid nodded, his blue robes and tall Wizard hat melancholy in the vast image of space, "You as well." Naminé and Vista followed after Merlin's silent beckoning to leave as a new door appeared that led back to Yen Sid's study..

But Naminé couldn't help but take one last glance at the Wizard they were leaving behind.

The Memory of the lost young man was still there, swallowed by years of uncertainty and listlessness.

She began to understand why he had given up his Role.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Sora was happy to be back on Destiny Islands.

…For about ten minutes before he decided that he actually didn't, and his stomach rolled in guilt at his parent's smiling faces.

As Selphie, Tidus, and Wakka approached him happily in greeting.

While many neighbors took a moment of their time to greet him and exchange (tiring) small talk.

Sora swallowed down every last bit of his negative feelings and acted with a smile just as they all expected him to.

But he'd changed too much. The sun was too hot, too bright, the people too friendly, too nosey.

Sora felt his chest tighten as the day went on.

Araide noted his silent ire, and eventually asked if he'd like to go diving for dinner, and he agreed.

Only because it gave him time to himself.

Kairi and Riku had been by his side for some of the day of course, but he'd waved them off to visit their own families after being away for so long.

It made sense.

It was totally logical.

He wanted to go back to Twilight Town and lay in the peace of Merlin's bubble World.

He wanted to speak with Vista.

Sora paddled through the water, noting his father going up for air for the second time as he picked up shells and clams from the deep. He should have realized sooner that something was different when his father came back down in a rush and grabbed his arm painfully, jerking him up with wide eyes.

Sora grimaced, more from realizing why his father was terrified than anything else.

Sora pushed upwards, and they both broke through the surface as Araide shook out his black hair and wiped his violet eyes to look him over, "Are you alright?!"

Sora nodded in silent guilt as his stomach turned, "Y-yeah. I'm fine."

Araide sighed in relief, "I didn't notice the first time, thinking you'd simply gone up for air while my back was turned… but I was in the boat for five minutes, and you didn't come up after me!"

Sora winced, "S-sorry."

Araide grit his teeth silently in distress before slowly nodding, "Alright." He observed his son for a moment, forgetting he was still gripping his arm under the surface, "I know Tidus, Jecht, and Wakka can all stay underwater for a solid fifteen minutes without issue… and even I can go a good eleven now. But you've only ever managed seven before… Before you left the Islands."

Sora noticed his father's grip loosen on his arm and stayed silent as he tried to figure out what to say.

It wasn't as if he had to worry about World Order out here in the open, considering his father had been Off-World once.

Sora was hoarse when he blurted, "I was blessed by a sea goddess. I think."

Araide pulled back, startled and confused as Sora winced. He tried to explain, "I uhm. Stuff happened? And I- well. Ever since she made a deal with me, I've been able to breathe underwater indefinitely. I- uhm, I think Donald just attributes it to World Magic, but the only other time we've been underwater that long was when I was a Merman-"

Araide went white as he croaked, "What?! You- have you met a Mermaid?!"

Sora slowly became confused, "...Yeah?"

Araide nearly passed out, "By the seas, Sora! How could you not- No. No, you hadn't learned that as part of your education yet, had you?"

Sora made a confused face as Araide shakily exhaled, "You were very lucky to have been blessed instead of cursed."

Sora couldn't understand, "I mean, I know King Triton was kind of strict bu-" He was cut off as Araide covered his mouth while the warmth of summer left his skin.

Sora had never seen his father so terrified, "Sora, do not speak any of the names of the gods- certainly not of the sea while we're in it! I have no desire to gain their wrath!"

Sora blinked as he moved his father's hand, "...You're superstitious?"

Araide pursed his lips with a serious look, "Sora, I know your path has taken you to vastly different places… but Sailors are a superstitious bunch with reason. The sea is a fickle thing, and one does not challenge it unless they desire death."

Sora slowly nodded as childhood memories and whispered late night conversations somehow began to make sense.

"So you think someone like Ariel'd be-"

Araide splashed him in terrified annoyance, "We've got enough fish, let's go."

Sora spluttered while bewildered, "What, is she a legend or something?"

Araide pulled himself into his boat and pulled Sora up to join him as they stood dripping.

Sora wasn't sure the last time he'd seen such a grim look on his father's face, "The goddess of The Red Sea isn't to be taken lightly."

Sora stared at him in surprise and decided to leave it at that as he plopped down into his seat.

It seemed he had a lot of reading to look into.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

It was the middle of the night heading towards morning when Sora dragged himself out of bed.

He couldn't sleep, and he kept feeling miserable.

His room felt wrong, his bed wasn't right, his clothes were too small…

The list went on, not to mention dinner had been somewhat agonizing to deal with.

Tsuyu was over the moon with joy as they ate, and he smiled and laughed where he thought he should.

Something had to be wrong with him.

That was the only answer he had as he gripped his shirt and pressed against his stomach to try and not feel sick.

He huffed silently before carefully moving downstairs to the kitchen to get himself a glass of water.

His skin felt too tight, the water was harsh here.

He carefully sipped as he tried to make sense of his feelings. He was almost afraid of himself, with how much he didn't want to be here.

He loved the Islands, he really did… but maybe it was just the Play Island he'd missed the most.

The place where his happiest memories were, with Kairi and Riku-

He froze.

Something cold brushed against his senses and he felt weak as his glass slipped out of his hand and shattered.

ColdColdColdLaughterGigglingNoNoNoItsNotPossible-

Sora barely shifted his eyes, he wouldn't dare look, and he noted them.

He swallowed thickly to hold back his scream as he shifted to try and pick up the glass.

OhNo~WhatAShame~Here~LetUsHelp~

Sora winced and stared at his wrist in confusion as blood slowly seeped out. Sweat broke out across his skin as he saw a glint of glass in his peripheral, held by something bleak and rotting.

He shuddered deep into his bones and dropped the glass he'd carefully gathered in his injured hand as he tried to hide the cut they'd inflicted.

Sora tried to Cast Heal, but it was as if he'd been Silenced. His Magic wouldn't come and he gasped and his Heart screamed out for help.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Vista had been having a decent sleep when he abruptly awoke and flung himself out of bed in a battle stance, confused and sweating as he glanced around in a frenzy.

What was that?

Vista wiped away sweat from his chin as he tried to make sense of it- the feeling of terror as someone's Heart touched his.

'I can't-'

Vista gasped, 'Sora?'

Vista doubted himself at the silence before Sora responded in a terrified babble. 'They're here, they're here and they've come to eat me and I'm done for I can't Heal myself, why is this happening, they're not supposed to be here!'

The Darkling winced and threw out his hand to open a Dark Corridor without a second thought as he threw himself into its mercy while he ran towards the calling Light of his brother's Heart, holding tight to their bond as he spared no time to comfort him.

The Shadows were angry, not with him, no, but because of something else as they hurried him along in a silent rushing wave.

The Queen of the Deep was angry.

How Dare They Enter My Domain!

Vista felt himself be enveloped in something as a familiar brush of darkness invigorated him.

Erase Them, Little Knight.

Vista felt relief from the pressure as he was awarded Grace and Power. He exited the Corridor abruptly and barely had time to stop himself before nearly slamming hip first into the table. He froze as the temperature of the kitchen sunk into him, terribly cold and the stench of death unlike anything he'd smelled in the deepest dark assaulted him.

He snarled as darkness wisped at his fingertips, coating them with familiar burgundy as he called forth Memory Gear and lifted it upwards. He cried out and Spoke Words he no longer Knew as the wretched invading things screamed and evaporated away as if they'd been purified by Light.

But Vista knew he'd used the Power of the Dark to eradicate them.

He wavered as the rush of foreign Deep Magic left him dizzy and caught himself on the table panting while he mentally replayed the past several seconds. "...Sora?"

Sora was silent for a moment before he quietly answered, "...Yeah?"

"This is fucked."

Sora laughed dryly as he tried to keep from crying. "I-I can't Heal, Vista."

Vista frowned and came around the table, his hands and arms up to his elbows covered by his old Darksuit, while the rest of him was simply in a plain black t-shirt and shorts, barefoot. Sora gasped, "Wait, there's glass on the floor!"

Vista recoiled as his toes met water at the edge of the mess that'd been made. He frowned, and glanced at Sora's unprotected feet and resolved himself.

He wasn't any good for healing- not for the delicate work Sora clearly needed at the moment, so he took his brother by the hand and allowed them to be swallowed by darkness, startling his twin as he barely had the time to make noise before they dropped.

Sora was stunned for a moment before Vista pulled him to his feet within the oddly summoned Dark Corridor, and Sora looked around in wonder for a moment before Vista began to pull him along. Sora stumbled, "Where are you taking me?"

Vista glanced back at him, "Not far."

Sora blinked at his calm tone and frowned, "...Is this okay?"

Vista was quiet for a moment before shrugging, "I don't know."

Sora was surprised for a moment before he flinched at an abrupt change of scenery.

And Kairi, in the middle of getting dressed for bed while in only her night tank and panties stared at them in horrified confusion as she'd sensed the Corridor manifest in her room, "Vanitas what-"

Vista shoved Sora forward at her and pointed, "He's hurt, can't heal, see ya."

Sora barely had the chance to catch himself and view Vista's back before the Dark Corridor disappeared, and the two teens were left in awkward silence. Kairi wanted to react, she really did, but as red blood dripped to the floor from Sora's grasped wrist, she realized now wasn't the time to let her jumbled feelings get in the way.

Sora was hurt, and he needed her help now.

She dropped her shorts and strutted over to him as he flushed horribly while staring at her face in terror. Kairi felt a little bad, but she gently turned him and guided him to her personal bathroom and sat him down on the closed toilet lid, "Let me see."

Sora barely had his bearings and wildly shook his head. Kairi growled, "Show me, Sora."

Sora flinched and lifted his hand, allowing his blood to flow a little more freely.

As older scars made themselves apparent on his uncovered skin.

Kairi frowned at the injury in focused displeasure, "I can't use Magic to Heal this. We'll have to do it the old fashioned way." She put his hand over her sink so he wouldn't drip on the floor, the flow of blood not overly bad, but not really good either as she set to tie a spare ribbon further up his arm to slow down the amount of blood he was losing. She scanned the bathroom and clicked her tongue, "I guess I'll have to go ge-augh!"

Riku passively raised his arms at her in flustered surprise as he took in the scene before him. He glanced at the blood and Kairi's bathroom before stating, "First Aid's in the hall?"

Kairi nodded silently, and Riku quietly went ahead to go grab the kit. Vista popped back into sight and looked at Sora before turning to Kairi, "Sorry about this."

Kairi shook her head and turned to wash her hands thoroughly, "It's embarrassing, but Sora's more important right now."

Vista nodded absently, and agreed, "Still, I could've chosen better."

Kairi sighed silently, "I accept your apology and appreciate the sentiment."

Vista went silent at that and pulled away from the door.

Riku came back in a silent rush and handed the Kit off to Kairi as she pulled on gloves and began to work on Sora's arm, humming quietly to herself and using small bursts of Healing Magic to help pull the wound closed along with some other strange items Vista didn't understand as he distantly observed.

Riku was clearly uncomfortable as Vista finally decided to stare him down, "What's your problem, Master Riku?"

Riku hissed with a wince as he quietly responded, "I'm pretty sure Kairi's dad saw me-"

A knock came at the door as if timed, and Vista glared at the silver haired teen as if he'd jinxed them, "Really Riku?"

A man's voice called out curiously, "Kairi, are your friends over..?"

Kairi shrunk into her shoulders as her face turned red while trying to keep a steady hand on fixing Sora's wrist, "Uhm, Y-yeah, it was kinda sudden, dad-"

Vista lifted his head and strutted over to the door and flung it open, leaving the whole mess of three teenage boys in a room with a girl, using a First Aid Kit in the middle of the night to lead to a whole slew of instant misunderstandings- no matter how long they'd known each other. Kairi's father instantly became scandalized and opened his mouth to reprimand them before Vista cheerily got in his face, "Oh! You're the Mayor of Destiny Islands right? Nice to meetchya!" He vigorously shook the man's hand as he immediately took the brunt of the man's attention, "I'm Vista, Sora's lost twin brother! I think my parents recently gave you my papers, right?"

Kairi's father spluttered in confusion as the teenager kept a firm grip on his hand, "O-oh, yes. Vista Mngh-!"

Vista surprised him by stepping past and dragged him along, "Great! I could really use some information about the Islands to help fit in!" The door slowly swung almost closed as Vista babbled at the man, "Roxas and Xion told me about some beginner books you've been tutoring them with and-"

Riku gaped at the door and slowly turned to the freaked out Kairi and Sora. Riku pointed at the door and mock whispered, "What was that?!"

Sora winced, realizing his brother had given away his new name along with the sting of antiseptic. "K-Kairi, it hurts-"

Kairi gasped and turned her attention back to his injury, "Oh! Right, right, sorry. I wasn't-" She met Sora's eyes for a second, "...Vista?"

"Y-yeah, mom gave him that name."

Kairi was silent for a long while as she worked, as certain things slowly began to make sense. "...Is that related to the conversation you had at Radiant Garden?" Sora nodded silently, unwilling to divulge any further. Kairi smiled sadly, "I see." She placed a piece of gauze, followed by tape over his wound, "I won't pry."

Sora nodded awkwardly as Kairi began to wrap his wrist to secure the base bandage. He glanced towards the doorway where Riku stood with his arms crossed in contemplation.

Sora furrowed his brow, "Were you awake?"

Riku blinked as he focused on Sora, "Oh, yeah. I was pretending to sleep, but then Vanitas just popped in and dragged me out of bed without a word."

Sora couldn't help the chuckle that bubbled out of him as he tried to suppress it, "Sounds right."

Riku gripped his arms, "I thought Vanitas couldn't use Dark Corridors."

Sora drooped, "I called for him. I was terrified."

Riku observed him as Kairi gently asked while carefully holding his hand after untying her ribbon from his arm, "What happened?"

"I was getting water, and suddenly I was surrounded by Death."

Kairi stilled in surprise while Riku straightened up, "That dark presence from Quadratum?"

Sora looked at him in surprise before nodding, "The… Evdam or whatever. Yeah. They somehow… they reached me here. When Vista came to my call, he was somehow able to erase them or something… and here we are."

Riku hummed while Kairi began to put away various items or throw away what was necessary. She was silent for a time before she quietly suggested, "Do you want to stay here?"

Sora startled and looked up at her in wonder, "W-what do you mean?"

Kairi closed the First Aid Kit's lid and kept her hand there, silent again before speaking, "I'm a Princess of Heart. I have Light, so maybe…" She began to feel a little flustered, "Maybe it would be good if you stayed by my side?"

Sora felt his face turn red and abruptly realized how sly Vista was, because it was a fact that Kairi's Light could protect him from those horrible things. She'd protected him before, and he knew instinctively that they couldn't approach her Light. He swallowed thickly, knowing it would be something completely innocent, but still intimate all the same.

They weren't children anymore.

"Are you sure?"

Kairi met Sora's unsure gaze, "I'm sure, but I don't know if you're sure, Sora."

Sora inhaled deeply before sighing as he mulled it over for a while longer. Slowly he pushed himself up onto his feet and nodded, "Okay." He smiled uneasily, "Thanks, Kairi."

She smiled up at him with a nod, and Sora moved to cautiously wash his hands of the remaining blood while minding his bandages.

She moved back and handed the Kit to Riku, who moved it elsewhere in her room for the moment. He shut the door with a gentle click and turned to them, "Should I stay over, too?"

Kairi smiled, "If that's okay with you guys. It'll be a sleepover!"

Riku looked at Sora, and Sora couldn't help but smile awkwardly as he shrugged helplessly, "Sure, why not?"

It would make things less awkward… right?

Kairi finally put her night shorts on with a huff and flopped into her bed as she grumbled, "Riku, turn off the light already."

Riku nearly choked on his own spit as he flicked the light off. He suppressed a vaguely hysteric giggle as he made his way over to her bed and nudged her while trying to join in, "Then stop hogging the whole bed to yourself, princess."

Kairi made a face and whined before she shifted and shimmied under the blankets with a huff. She turned to Sora and reached out with both of her arms, "C'mon Lazy Bones, lets go to sleep already."

Sora blushed deeply and carefully slipped under her covers and into her waiting arms while she pulled him close with a soft sigh. She ran her fingers through his hair silently, and slowly Sora found himself easing into her care. He smiled sleepily as her Light ebbed away at his senses like waves and lulled him into a calming rhythm. He felt Riku's unique presence as well, as Light and Dark caressed them both protectively, and Sora barely shifted his hand before he felt Riku take hold and reassure him further that he was there with them.

Sora was completely asleep by the time Vista slipped back into the room, the rest of the house dark as he silently moved over to their present arrangement. He smiled vaguely before catching Riku's sleepy gaze and scowled.

Riku rolled his eyes tiredly before mumbling, "...Vista?"

Vista took in a deep breath and huffed, "Yeah?"

Riku was quiet before he smiled, "Good."

Vista blinked, and he felt the moment Riku slipped into restful sleep like his brother. He didn't need to look at Kairi to know she was still awake. He barely bent forward and gently placed his hand on her head, "Thank you for protecting him when I can't."

Kairi hummed quietly, "Y'welcome."

Vista smiled and pulled away before crossing her room to where a new Dark Corridor waited for his passage. "See you in the morning."

And then he was gone.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

A/N: I thought about making the chapter even longer, but I decided against it since it's wild enough as-is. The Yen Sid-Baldr thing is a random thought I've had for some time. We also don't know the name of Baldr's sister, as Dark Road is still behind schedule and incomplete, but had a small promo with her there.

Hope you all had a Happy and Safe Holiday season, and Happy New Year.

Please R&R!