"What is the meaning of this?" Terra narrows his eyes at Riku and Axel who have followed Sora outside to their training spot. The two older boys' behavior has warranted Ven and Roxas to also follow. They seem just as confused as Sora.
"You are not to be alone with Sora." Riku says with no fear. "After all of your actions, you are not fit to train Sora by yourself."
"Riku!" Sora's eyes widen when he feels a rush of anger from Terra. "You guys don't have to do that-"
"This isn't up for debate." Riku cuts Sora off. "Either me or Axel will be staying with Sora during training. This is to ensure you no longer abuse him or try to kill him as you've done before."
"Of course Roxas and Ven could also be apart of this if they want-" Axel chimes in.
"I want to be a part of this!" Ven jumps up, throwing his arm in the air.
Terra frowns. "You too Ven? Do you think I'm unfit?"
"It's not that I think you're unfit but..." Ven pauses. "I...I won't let you hurt Sora anymore. You know how much he means to me and you still almost killed him."
"I don't see anything wrong with one of us being with you while you train Sora." Roxas nods at Axel.
"We'll switch off. I will be on duty first, Then Axel, then Roxas and Then Ven-"
"Why am I last?" Ven frowns when Riku just waves him off.
"You guys really don't have to do this!" Sora tries again. This is too much. No only will it upset Terra but he's changing his brothers' daily routine. For what? Sora will do better. He doesn't need this protection.
"As I've said this isn't up for debate." Riku doesn't look at Sora, staring Terra down who seems to be holding back some choice words.
"If this is what you've decided I won't waste time trying to fight it. Just know, you all are only hurting Sora. You'll be a distraction. We only have seven years left. Be aware of that and be aware of what it means for all of us." Terra locks eyes with Sora. "Ignore them. We must start if we're going to get anywhere."
"Aright, Riku's got this. Lets ask Aqua what missions we have." Axel says this more to Ven who looked like he was about to walk up to Sora. Those blue eyes waver before he gives up and leaves with Roxas and Axel.
"Lets start with summoning the light. You were able to do it yesterday so you should be able to do it again." Terra crosses his arms. Sora glances over at Riku. Those aqua eyes shine and he gives him a nod. Their link tugs. With Riku's faith, he's able to summon the light once more. It engulfs his body and makes him glow.
Sora hears that hiss again. He wonders if this power hurts Vanitas? He hasn't heard much of him since last night-
"You can glow more brightly, great but can you use that as a weapon?" Terra cuts into his thoughts. "Lets try concentrating that Light into a ball. Something that you can throw at your enemies and do actual damage."
Sora tries to concentrate his power. He wishes with all his might that he'd be able to wield it like Terra wants.
The first day he fails.
That failure was one of many during these seven years of hell. Sora thought the goal was simple. Just concentrate the light, be able to use it as a weapon. Day after day he failed. Day after day a new brother would witness his failure. Day after day Terra would lose more and more of his patience. Sora wishes that his brothers would have just left him alone. They're presence seem to make his failure that more irritating for Terra. It only took the first year for Terra to start blowing up on him. By the second year, Riku and Axel had to get physical with Terra to stop him from turning the training into abuse. Terra was usually calmer with Ven and Roxas but by the third year he was losing it in front of them.
Sora will never forget that training day when Ven had to get involved physically with Terra. Sora never wanted to be the cause of that. Of course all Ven did was block one of Terra's attacks and drew his sword towards him but...just that caused Terra and Ven pain. By the 4th year Sora was making some progress but it wasn't enough. He could make his light into a ball but couldn't use it as a weapon. The progress made Terra calm down some and they were able to finish up the year without much issue. The 5th year got bad again. There was a fight with Terra and Riku that resulted in Riku getting badly injured. Sora begged his brothers to just let him be alone with Terra but they wouldn't listen. They all saw how he can be. They just wouldn't let him be by himself.
Sora thinks Terra hates him for it. His actions against Sora are never hidden anymore. He has become the enemy of the family. Sora didn't want that. He wanted to bring everyone together. It's like... what he says doesn't matter. He understands his brothers want to protect him but he could have taken the punches. He could have taken the verbal abuse if it meant that his family would go back to the way it was.
The 6th year Sora was able to finally throw the ball as a weapon. Terra spent the remainder of the year trying to make the attack bigger and stronger without much luck.
Now, present day, Sora stands before Terra, covered in sweat as he concentrates the power into his hand to form a ball. With even more strain he blasts the ball of light into a boulder. It pierces the boulder half way but that's it.
"...Tomorrow marks seven years. Our time is up." Terra mumbles, staring at the cracked boulder. He's pale, bags under his eyes telling Sora he hasn't been sleeping. "I don't know what the council will say. I don't..." He swallows. Terra is too sorrowful to show anger. Sora knows it and it just hurts more. Terra glances over at Ven who has guard duty. "...I've failed you." Terra says so weakly that Sora wonders if he even heard it. Terra goes back into the house, leaving Ven and Sora alone.
"Don't be sad Sora." Ven hugs Sora from the side. "That was the best one yet! I'm sure the council will be impressed!" Ven is always trying to cheer him up. Sora can't even manage a smile. Not even a fake one.
He's tried so hard. These seven years have been nothing but eating, sleeping and training. Every day Sora would wake up, have breakfast with his brothers, go out and train with a brother on duty, study the book the council left, train some more, and then pass out from exhaustion. The same thing. Every day. Every night. For seven years. He hasn't had any time to spend with his brothers other then the times they guarded him.
Sora couldn't even ask Vanitas for help...though he doubts he would have helped him anyway but he has gone silent. Sora can't reach him. Sora wanted to ask Namine for help but even if he had the time to go see her, his brothers wouldn't let him leave.
Now it's been seven years and Sora doesn't have much to show for it.
"Sora it will be okay!" Ven tries again. "Besides tomorrow is a very special day!-"
"I know. The seven years are up." Sora mumbles as Ven squeezes him tighter as if that could stop his somber tone.
"N-Not just that! It's one of the best days ever Sora! Don't tell me you've forgotten already?"
"...I'm Sorry Ven. I just don't know." Sora feels his shoulders droop. Great. Now he's forgotten something important. Now he's disappointed Ven.
"It's nothing to be sorry about Sora!" Ven's eyes widen at how the young boy is acting. The blonde starts to panic when he can't get that expression to go away. "Grrr this calls for drastic measures!" Ven grabs Sora's hand and starts leading him into the forest. Sora lets him without much thought. It's not like there's much waiting for him back at home. He doesn't know if he could take feeling Terra's sorrow or having to explain to his other brothers why he's acting like this.
Sora feels like he's failed everyone. He wishes that his brothers would have let Terra beat him. He deserved it. He really did-
"Check it out Sora!" Ven cuts into Sora's thoughts with a squeeze of his hand. Sora blinks, taking in where Ven dragged him to.
They're in front of the lake. The same lake that his brothers use to play in all those years ago. Next to the water is a bench that wasn't there before. "I made that for us! Or for you! Whenever you need a break you can come out here, sit on this comfy bench that I made and just look at the lake! I know how much you like this lake! I thought that you would like it-" Ven turns to look at Sora only to stop.
The young boy is staring at the bench with tears falling down his cheeks. Just seeing that red face and those pools of blue gets Ven to once again panic.
"S-Sora what's wrong? You don't like it-"
"Why are you so nice to me Ven? I've failed you. How can you still have...f-faith in me?" Sora can't stop the tears. It's like all his frustrations, all his sadness is just spilling out.
"What are you talking about? You haven't failed me Sora! You haven't failed anyone! You've been working so hard. You can use your element! I'll always believe in you so don't be sad." Ven starts to lead him over to the bench. "Someone needs their hair played with!" Ven hums as he sits on the bench, pulling Sora with him. He pats his lap and the brunette doesn't have to be asked twice.
Sora lays his head on Ven's lap, laying down on the bench, staring at the lake. He watches a dragonfly fly by, his vision blurring once again when the blonde starts running his fingers through his hair.
"You should know the reason I'm so nice to you by now Sora!" Ven sounds like he's smiling. "...You know I love you right?" Ven's voice gets quieter. Sora feels their link tug. Though his heart is still closed off Sora can sense it's opening back up a little bit.
"I do." Sora closes his eyes, enjoying the feeling of his scalp being scratched.
"And you love me too don't you?" Ven asks shyly. Their link quivers.
"Of course I love you Ven!" Sora can feels his tears drying and a smile starting to come to his lips.
"Good! You should say it more often!" Ven giggles. "I'll build you as many benches as you want!"
"I don't need that many." Sora can't help to chuckle. He turns so he can look up at Ven. Those blue eyes are staring into his own, his cheeks slightly pink. There's this feeling that tightens his chest. He can hear Ven's heart beat. It's going so fast.
Ven swallows as he runs his fingers through Sora's hair once again. " W-Well if not benches then anything that you need! I'm pretty reliable right Sora?"
"You are. I'm lucky to have you Ven." Sora smiles when Ven glances away almost bashful.
"...even though I won't let you in my heart?" Ven mumbles. Maybe Ven can feel their link strengthening. Maybe he can feel the barrier he's put there himself. Sora knows Ven wants to open up but he's scared. Of what, he doesn't know.
"It's okay. When you're ready to tell me you will. Just know Ven that no matter what, you'll always be my best friend. I'll always love you!" Sora feels like he needs the encouragement.
"I...Hope that's true." Ven can't muster as bright of a smile. Sora wonders if his secret is about what he learned about years ago...about Ven and Roxas being born from experiments...or at least that's what the vampire said. Sora doesn't really understand but he told Terra he wouldn't say anything.
"It is true!" Sora reaches up to touch Ven's cheek. Sora wonders what Ven would think of his secret? Sora has also closed off his own heart. He wonders what Ven would do? Would he hate him? Would he look at him differently?
"I'm glad you're smiling again." Ven touches Sora's hand that's on his cheek, those eyes so gentle. "It really is best when you're smiling-" Ven catches himself looking at Sora's lips. He swallows before He grins "Now that you're smiling again do you remember what tomorrow is?"
"...No?" Sora frowns.
"Sora it's your birthday!" Ven can't help to shout when it appears Sora really did forget.
"WHAT?!"
Sora is turning 14 tomorrow and he totally forgot. The council is also coming tomorrow so...Sora hopes that since it's his birthday that fate will go easy on him tomorrow.
Sora is currently lined up with his brothers, side by side, with Terra and Aqua at each end. Sora is trying to be blank faced like his brothers but he can feel that he's trembling. Sora wasn't expecting to be woken up by a panicked Aqua, nor was he expecting her to say that the council was coming earlier then discussed and it was going to be their second in command.
The fear he felt in that moment made Sora realize that this is worse than what was expected. Sora wasn't even able to ask questions before he was thrown into this situation. He wonders how this second in command is? He must be scary with how his family is acting...
Soon enough a portal opens up before them, the wind picking up outside. Two men walk out of the portal. A blonde, long haired man with this strange smile on his face. Those eyes are on Sora immediately and his smile only grows. He's holding a small laptop and when he saw Sora he started typing quickly.
The second man is probably the prettiest man Sora's ever seen. He has long pink locks and a flawless face. He admits grace and his smile isn't scary like the other man's.
"Marluxia, Vexen, welcome." Terra speaks up first, doing a slight bow. His brothers follow suit so Sora quickly bows as well.
"No need to be so stiff Terra! You're making the boy nervous." Marluxia chuckles, those blue eyes gleaming. He holds out his hand, beckoning Sora softly. "Come over here. Let me get a look at you."
Sora walks up to this man trying to hide how uncomfortable he is. Feeling his brother's fear isn't doing much for him either. With careful hands this man touches Sora's face, looking deep into his eyes. His touch isn't rough or mean but Sora knows he's looking for something in him. He looks at Sora's face at different angles before he smiles. "It's nice to finally meet you Sora. I understand that it's your 14th Occisor birthday correct?"
Sora nods his head. He tries to stay calm when Vexen gets close to him. He starts to measure him using tape. Measuring his head size, his shoulders, how tall he is-
"Now Sora pay attention." Marluxia's voice gets Sora to lock eyes with those blue. He smiles at him but it's not as nice. "When I heard you were a Occisor of light I had my doubts. Before we can begin, I need you to show me this power. I need to know Terra wasn't pulling my leg this whole time." He chuckles.
"Of course." Sora swallows down the stress. He searches out Ven's and Riku's link. He remembers their faith and their care. He can't let them down. No matter what. The light comes to him and he's able to glow brightly. Marluxia hums.
"Good, Good. This tells me he wasn't lying. Now is this all you can do?"
"...I can throw a ball of light." Sora answers honestly. The beautiful man grins at him.
"Then lets see it." He encourages.
Just like all the training he's been through. He concentrates the power into a ball. Even though he tried to hide it, it's obvious he struggles with it. He throws it at the boulder. It was the fastest and strongest ball he's made but...it still wasn't able to completely destroy the boulder. Sora hears his heart in his ears as Marluxia closes his eyes as if in deep thought-
"This is all very interesting!" Vexen starts digging through his pockets. "This element of light is also weak! Do you think it has something to do with the element itself? Ohh I must take a blood sample." He takes out a needle. A sudden panic hits Sora. If this man gets blood on him...they'll find out he's not an Occisor. There's no way that the bracelet can change his blood. If this man gets his blood it's all over!
"No!" Sora grabs this man's arm before he could jab him with the needle. This simple action causes Marluxia to open his eyes. He can also feel how tense it's become behind him. He knows he's not suppose to be doing this. Terra told him to do whatever the council said but he can't. This puts everyone in danger. He's trying so hard.
"No? Interesting. You think you have a choice?" Vexen chuckles. When he goes to grab Sora again, the young boy jumps back away from him. That smile warps into a grimace of irritation.
"I'll do anything else but that." Sora stands his ground.
"You don't have a choice boy! Now hold still before I lose it and take a bit more then I need-" Vexen moves so fast that it's like he teleported in front of Sora. Before Sora even needs to jump back, he's saved by a unlikely ally.
"You'll do anything else?" Marluxia hums, holding onto Vexen's arm that was gong to jab Sora. " I have to say, you've peaked my interest. You're much weaker then I would like but...it seems like there's something about you that I-"
"Marluxia let me get the sample! I need to compare it to the other Occisor of light-"
Sora's eyes widen when Marluxia shoves Vexen, the force of it sending the other man flying.
"Sorry about that. He has a one tracked mind. Now as I was saying...ah yes. You see Sora, normally when there's a special they are special because there is only one of them. Just like Vanitas and his darkness. He is the only one. But you see...You are not the only one with the power of light. It's not that it's common. You two are the only known cases so I'm very interested in you both. Why is there two of this rare element? Why are you both so weak? So in order to answer those questions for me, I want you to meet someone."
Sora tries to take in everything he just said. There's another person with the power of light? Then...This Occisor must be the true Occisor of light. Sora is just an impostor. Sora never thought of this as a possibility. What if his identity comes out right here and now in front of his brothers? He really couldn't stand it.
A portal opens and a young girl is shoved out of it. Who ever had pushed her in, did so in such a way that she ended up falling on the ground. The girl with short red hair locks eyes with Sora. She seems so familiar...her face, those eyes...She looks a lot like Namine.
"This is Kairi, another Occisor of light." Marluxia introduces the new girl. " Kairi this is Sora, also an Occisor of light."
Kairi's eyes light up with a sudden realization and she rushes up to Sora. She grabs his hands and in that moment their hearts connect. It was the quickest link he's ever made. It was like she knew how to open her heart to him. Memories start flooding into him which confirm one thing. Kairi and Namine know each other and Kairi knows Sora because of it.
She must also know he's not an Occisor.
"Good. I'm glad you two are getting along." Marluxia hums, starting to walk around them in a circle like a tiger stalking it's prey. "Here I have two Occisor of light...both had the same amount of time to train, both trained by different people...and yet, you are both a disappointment. So now I must think if this element of light is really something to be called special or if it is a curse."
Sora can't help to squeeze Kairi's hands...He didn't mean to but he's put this girl in a bad position. The council is counting them together when Sora isn't even an Occisor.
"So this is what we're going to do." Sora's eyes widen when a sudden force field surrounds them, trapping the two with this man. The barrier is pink, Sora being reminded of the time that Terra used the same kind of magic.
"Wait!" That was Ven. What ever he was about to say is silenced with Terra putting his hand over his mouth and whispering harshly. Sora can't look at his brothers. He knows how they feel. The despair they feel. He doesn't have to look to see what kind of faces they are making.
"In order for you two to live, You must prove to me that you are worth it. It will be you and Kairi against me! You may use your weapons. You may use your elements. Come at me with everything you have and I will do the same...If you're not careful I will kill you."
"This isn't fair..." That's Riku's voice. He sounds in disbelief. "There's no way they can win. Even if we all teamed up we wouldn't be able to beat you-"
"But they are special ones. I'm not saying they completely have to beat me but they can at least stay alive can't they? If they don't, they aren't worth it."
Aqua shushes Riku quickly when it looked like he was about to say something else.
"Yes please no more distractions. Just watch the show. Sora, Kairi when you're ready let me know." Marluxia holds out his hand, pink energy entering his hand. It forms into a sliver scythe with a pink blade, rose petals fluttering in the wind behind him. This man is serious.
"Sora." Kairi tugs on his arm. She leans into his ear and whispers. "I'm not that fast but I can help with my element. It's dangerous but you should Attack head on. You are fast."
Sora blinks. This little girl already has a plan. He nods. Maybe she knows he's a werewolf. He is fast. He can use that to his advantage. He can't hold back or they're going to die.
"We're ready." Sora mumbles, grabbing onto his swords and drawing them.
"Alright in 1, 2...3!" Marluxia charges towards them with his scythe ready. Sora side steps him quickly and swings his sword, trying to connect. He jumps back, those blue eyes locking on the boy. Sora feels the hair on the back of his neck stick up but he doesn't back down.
Marluxia suddenly jumps back again, barely dodging a blast of light from Kairi. The young girl's eyes have turned white, her teeth bared. Sora doesn't let that go to waste. He charges Marluxia quickly getting close enough to nick the man on the shoulder-
Sora gets a kick to the stomach, not able to move fast enough. The wind is knocked out of him as he's thrown back. After a couple of hard hits to the ground he's able to flip himself and skid to a stop.
"Your speed and strength is amazing Sora but I'm not here for that! You haven't even used your element on me!" Marluxia hums.
"Sora!" Kairi rushes in front of Sora and holds out her arms. Sora isn't sure but he feels like Kairi wants him to touch her hand. He puts his hand over the back of hers and they start to glow.
"Oh?" Marluxia dodges a blast of light that came out of their conjoined hands. That one was bigger and stronger. "You two can get stronger by interacting with each other huh? It's still not enough to keep you alive!"
"Sora we can't win this fight." Kairi mumbles, those white orbs shaking. "I don't know what he's planning but...this was an obvious excuse to kill us. I...I have a crystal hidden. We can run-"
"If I run then my family will suffer." Sora shakes off the thought. "Kairi...You should get out of here. I'll fight this guy with all I have. This is all my fault anyway." Sora watches as Marluxia moves closer. This guy isn't even trying. Sora has barely seen any of his own element.
"What are you two whispering about? What plan could you scheme? It's over." Marluxia summons more rose petals. He nods his head and the petals are thrown at them.
"No!" Kairi calls for a barrier but it's not strong enough. She's only able to stop a couple while the other petals rip through her arm and leg.
"Kairi!" Sora gets in front of the girl when Marluxia sends more petals. This time Kairi grabs his hand and they are able to make a barrier strong enough to protect them from the projectiles.
"It's still not enough." Marluxia growls.
Sora's heart is beating so face, his senses on high alert. If he doesn't do anything they're both going to die here. This man...is a threat to him, to his family, to this girl. He feels all his links tug...He must protect them. He has to! No matter what!
Sora takes a step towards Marluxia, those blue eyes shaking. He throws his swords to the side, getting the pink haired man to blink.
"What's this? Have you given up-" Sora charges Marluxia. He's sure it looks like he's trying to commit suicide. It's enough to throw him off. "This is foolish boy-" He swings his scythe. Sora leans into the blow, turning his body so the scythe sinks into his arm.
"I won't let you!" Sora screams, holding up his hand towards this man's chest. Sacrificing his arm, he was able to get close enough to do this. With a roar, light gathers in his hand and spikes out, piercing Marluxia's chest. The man gasps, jumping back, holding a hand to the bleeding hole.
Everything seems to stop. All Sora can hear is his own ragged breathing and the drips of blood coming from his stump of an arm and Marluxia's chest. Sora's werewolf body is already working on stopping the bleeding, and though weak, Sora feels like he can keep going.
"You are crazy Sora..." Marluxia looks up at Sora with wide eyes. He doesn't expect for the man to smile at him. "Haha...ahahahaha! Brilliant! You sacrificed your own arm to pull that move! Amazing! You may live...you both may live!" He straightens himself up. He snaps his fingers and the barrier disappears. "Help him before he bleeds to death." Marluxia walks over to Vexen who is flipping out. He rushes over to Marluxia to help heal him. Aqua rushes towards Sora with his brothers. She grabs his dismembered arm that is still twitching and places it against Sora's stump.
"I-I don't know if I can fix this." She says with a bit of panic.
"Just do your best Aqua. Trust me." Sora tries to comfort her. He's sure that once she starts healing around it his body will do the rest.
"Back up! Give her space!" Terra snaps at someone. He notices his brothers aren't surrounding him. It's just Aqua desperately trying to heal him with her water magic. She blinks when the arm's fingers start twitch. With wide eyes she watches how Sora is able to move his hand around, the flesh being reattached.
"That ability to heal is incredible Sora! I cut off your arm and yet here you are! With it reattached!" Marluxia looks so happy.
"That's not the only thing that is incredible Marluxia." Vexen is looking at Sora with this deranged expression. He just got done helping to heal Kairi. "During the whole fight...his eyes never changed white!"
Dead silence. Once again the fear from his family is enough to suffocate him. Sora wonders if this is it-
"What are you talking about?" Marluxia looks at Vexen like he's stupid. "His eyes did change! I saw it myself!" Everyone calms down from his declaration.
"But-" Vexen starts.
"Are you questioning me?"
"...No of course not."
Sora doesn't know why Marluxia would lie but...he's grateful. He has to wonder though...does that mean Marluxia knows that he's not an Occisor? If so why would he let him live?
"You've made me so Happy Sora. So very happy that I have many gifts for you!" Marluxia hums, walking up to Terra. Terra straightens himself out, looking quite nervous. "Firstly, regarding the custody of Roxas and Ven..." the pink haired man smiles and holds out a piece of paper. "...I hereby clarify that you and Aqua have full custody. The council can no longer try to take them from you."
"What?" Terra says softly.
"You can't do that!" Vexen snarls only to pause when Marluxia gives him this look.
"I can and I will. Xemnas left me in charge so I can do as I please! Congratulations Terra! You've made me happy with how you've raised Sora so...this is my gift to you."
"T-Thank you." Terra's eyes widen more when Marluxia hands him a document for said custody. It looks like the man might cry. Ven hugs Terra soon after, the man bringing Roxas in for the hug soon after. This is something they've wanted for so long...Sora can tell.
"Now I'm not done! Can someone fetch that book we gave for training Sora?" Axel runs to get it and hands it to Marluxia. "No more of this." He throws it into the air before slicing it with his scythe into bits and pieces. "Sora you know how to train yourself. You just showed me that you can improve without our teachings. Do what you can to become stronger in your own way."
Sora swallows, understanding what that means. This man...He does know he's not an Occisor but he's not ratting on him. He's...showing him mercy? Or maybe he has something else in mind.
"One last gift! I hereby say Sora is allowed to go back on missions! Of course I would like him to be with someone but no more restrictions!"
"Sora!" Ven can't help to hug Sora out of his excitement on his not hurt side.
"Now I must be leaving but Sora..." Marluxia cups Sora's cheeks, looking deep into his eyes. Everything has gotten tense again. He smiles and whispers. "Get stronger Sora. Weed out those who oppose me. Weed out the traitors." He lets go of Sora before walking over to Vexen.
"What about Kairi?" Sora can't help to ask, frowning when the girl stands up, still looking hurt.
"She will go back to her family to train. Don't worry. We'll go easy on her too." Marluxia hums. He locks eyes with Sora. "when you become 18 years old...I will be back again to monitor your progress. Though I suppose I'll see you at the ceremony in a couple of years?"
"Ceremony?" Sora asks.
"They will all be there when they all turn 16." Terra answers.
"Perfect. I'm excited to see the man you'll become Sora. Don't let me down." And with that warning Marluxia and Vexen walk into the portal. Kairi looks back at him. She gives him a smile to reassure him before she walks through.
"Holy Shit." Axel breaks the quiet first. "Sora that was fucking insane!"
"Sora is your arm going to be okay?! It came right off!" Ven's eyes widen when Sora's able to move his arm a little bit.
"I think it's going to take a couple of days but I think it'll be fine-"
"That was so bad ass." Riku punches him in the shoulder, grinning. " I can't believe you pulled that move! You had me internally screaming man! I thought you were going to die...and then you stab Marluxia in the chest! No one has been able to do that!"
"I'm just happy you made it out of that alive." Roxas nods, looking just as hyper as his brothers that have surrounded him.
"I was so scared when he said you had to fight him! I'm..." Ven hugs Sora again. "I'm sorry I didn't do anything!-"
"You couldn't do anything Ven! You guys would get in trouble and...I doubt you would have been able to break the barrier anyway." Sora comforts.
"Sora."
Everyone looks up at Terra who just walked up to them. His face is blank. He seems to be in pain about something before he grabs Sora...into a hug. He drops to his knees to hug him. "...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything I've done to you. Because of you...I was able to get full custody of them. You gave it your all today. My words aren't enough for all the damage I've caused you-"
"I forgive you Terra." Sora hugs him back quickly. He feels his eyes water but he holds it back. "I just want to be a family again. I'll keep doing my best so please don't lose faith in me."
"...I won't." Sora's eyes widen when he feels a link form between them...Not just him but Aqua too. It's like their link purifies the darkness in Terra's heart because when he looks at him those eyes are the brightest he's seen in a long time. "I promise I won't lose myself. I'll believe in you Sora. I will repay what you've done for me."
"Yay!" Ven jumps on the both of them. He's already crying. "This is the best day ever! We'll never be taken away and Sora can go on missions and Terra is getting along with Sora and- It's Sora's birthday!"
"Yeah There's cake waiting for you Sora." Riku puts a hand on his shoulder when he broke away from the embrace with Terra. He grins at him, those aqua eyes peaking at him through those long bangs. "I made it for you-"
"I also made you a cake Sora!" Ven cuts in.
"Yeah you have two cakes because those two couldn't stop fighting over who would make you one-"
"Shut up Axel."
Sora chuckles, ignoring the pain in his arm. He..He's been dreading this day for so long. Now things are starting to look better.
Still...He worries that he can't hear Vanitas and...what Marluxia plans for him.
For now he pushes that into the back of his mind and focus on what's in front of him. Today is his birthday and he gets to spend it with his family who for the first time in a long time, are in high spirits.
Sora won't be afraid of the future. He will embrace it and overcome it just like he did today. No matter what.
Sora stares at his right hand, flexing the fingers and closing them into a fist. There's no pain, no numbness, as if a week ago he hadn't lost his arm. Granted Sora ended up sleeping five days to heal, with Ven or Riku waking him just so he could eat, and then he would sleep again. Still It only took five days to have complete use of his arm again. It was completely severed. Sora still can't believe it. Just thinking about what he did seems like a dream. During the time, he was so hyped up on adrenaline that he acted without much thought to what was actually happening.
At the time, Sora wasn't sure if he was going to be able to attack like that with his light. He wasn't completely sure if his arm could grow back. He took a leap of faith. It paid off but now thinking back on it, Sora realizes how crazy that was.
He has no idea how he summoned that spear of light. It's not like he's able to do it again. Sora wishes his power wasn't so fickle.
Another thing he's been thinking about since he's been up...is how he must look to his family. They haven't said anything other then praise but he's sure this regeneration is odd for an Occisor. Though he's never actually seen if his brothers could heal a major wound like losing an arm thank god but he has a feeling it wouldn't be as easy as it was for him.
Marluxia comment back then proves that.
Still his family doesn't say anything. He wonders if they just chalk it off as being a special Occisor? The same with his eyes not changing...are they just taking Marluxia's word for it even though they were there and witnessed the same thing?
Don't get him wrong. He's extremely happy he wasn't found out. He still doesn't know what his family would do and he doesn't want to find out. As of right now they think of him as special Occisor and Sora wants to keep it that way.
Another thing that's been bothering him is that he hasn't heard anything for Vanitas. He can't feel him either. Did something happen to him? Is he doing alright? He's been with Sora for so long that he can't help feel a little empty-
"What are you doing hiding out here?" Sora jumps from that voice, putting down his hand to look back at Riku. The large teen moves to sit next to Sora on the bench Ven had made and stares at towards the lake. "...At least Ven is useful for something." He grunts.
"I'm not hiding...I just needed some time to think."
"i get that. Ven won't let you breathe. Not that anyone else is much better."
After Sora had woken up from healing, Terra declared that they would be taking a month off of missions. He said it was time for a break and that Sora deserved it after all his hard work. The past three weeks have been filled with games and movies with his brothers. If it wasn't with everyone, It would be with Ven or Riku. Sora really hasn't had much time for himself. Not that he really needs it, he's had so much fun but...These thoughts won't go away. These insecurities.
"One more week and you get to go on missions again." Sora looks over at Riku who is grinning at him. "You excited?"
"I am!" Sora perks up. "It's been so long! I hope I get a mission with you!"
"yeah! Oh and before I forget..." Riku digs into his pocket before pulling out a pink crystal. Those eyes lock onto his. "...This is your crystal Sora. I haven't had time to give it back to you but I feel like the time is right now."
"Thank you Riku." Sora puts his hand on the crystal. Riku's hand closes over his, trapping his hand and the crystal. It's not rough. Sora knows exactly what Riku wants to hear without him having to say anything. "I won't run away. I would never leave you. You should know this." Sora smiles.
"I trust you." Riku nods with a smile of his own as he lets go of Sora, allowing him to put the crystal in his pocket. "Even If you did decide to leave, I'd track you down no matter what!-" Riku winces after saying that but relaxes when Sora laughs.
"Yeah! And I wouldn't want it any other way! And if Riku were to leave, I'd find you no matter what too! You can't get away from me!" Sora giggles. Riku's pale face gets a bit pink. He adjusts his body so his hair is in the way, Sora no longer able to see his face from the side.
"You're such a goof." It sounds like he's smiling. He turns around with a grin and ruffles Sora's hair.
"I wasn't being goofy! I was being honest!" Sora chuckles at the affection.
"I know." Those aqua eyes show a kindness Sora has only seen while he looks at him.
"Sora! Dinner is ready and-" Sora felt their link before Ven appears out of the forest. He freezes when He sees the two on the bench he had made. Ven can't hide his frown. "Hey! Why are you hanging out with Riku at our spot?"
"The last I checked this was public lake." Riku turns around to glare at Ven.
"But that's the bench I made Sora! You know that." Ven fumes. "You-"
"I just came out to tell him dinner was almost done. I can't sit and talk with Sora alone for a couple of minutes Ven?" Those aqua eyes are so hard. It's strange thinking they are the same eyes that look at Sora so softly.
"I wasn't saying that but you don't have to do it here-"
"It's a public place Ven. Stop trying to dictate where and when I get to spend time with Sora."
There's a darkness festering between them that seems to just be growing. Sora like always tries to stop their fighting.
"Ven, Riku can talk to me whenever he wants. Riku doesn't tell you when to talk to me." Sora watches as the anger starts to leave Ven. He just looks sad. He fiddles with his fingers like a little boy getting caught doing something bad.
"H-He tries to! And I...That bench is special!" Ven tries again but it doesn't have as much bite.
"I really enjoy this bench you made me Ven but I'm okay with anyone using it! We all like the lake!"
"But I made it for you..." Ven mumbles.
"Sora just stop trying. It's like trying to reason with a baby." Riku sneers. This gets that anger to spark right back in Ven.
"Oh you think you're so mature Riku! You're only two years older then me! Since you're so mature why don't you hang out with people your age like Axel?"
"Guys please!" Sora stands up when Riku had gotten up. That anger is festering and Sora is worried this might get physical. "Ven, Riku can sit on the bench! I'm okay with everyone sitting on it! I'm very happy with the bench but you can't tell Riku he can't talk to me-"
"Fine Sora!" Ven blows up, those blue eyes get watery. "Have fun with Riku on the bench I made you! Talk with Riku all you want!" Ven turns on his heel and runs away towards the house. Sora is left standing there with his mouth wide open. Ven's never really yelled at him like that. Sora felt that burst of anger and frustration from their link...It seems he's hurt Ven. He didn't mean to...
"Don't worry about him Sora." Riku puts his hand on Sora's shoulder. The older can't hide his smug smile though or that spark of pure delight that sparked through their link. "He's being unreasonable as always. Come on, Lets get something to eat. After we can play the next level of that game." Riku urges him forward.
Sora just doesn't know what to do. It seems like whenever he makes one happy the other suffers. Sora thought the would understand Ven the best but he didn't see that outburst because of Riku sitting on the bench. Sora didn't even know it was a rule that no one besides them could sit on the bench.
He's already thinking of what he should do to make it up to Ven.
"Hey, What happened to my brother?" Sora tears his eyes off the TV. He was watching Riku play halfheartedly when Roxas approached frowning. "He's sulking in our room and won't let me in."
"He's mad at me." Sora answers honestly, fiddling with is fingers when Roxas looks at him with wide eyes.
"Mad at you? Not at Riku?" Roxas glances at the older teen who grunts in response.
"He's mad because I sat on his stupid bench with Sora and Sora defended me."
"I-I just told Ven that I thought it was okay with everyone to sit on the bench and that it wasn't right that he was telling Riku when He can talk to me...Then he got mad at me." Sora explains feeling a little nervous with how Roxas is looking at him. He really doesn't want to start something with the twins.
"Oh." Roxas seems to think before he sighs, rubbing the back of his head. "Don't take it to heart Sora. He's just being jealous. He always talks about how he's worried Riku is going to replace him. He gets these thoughts in his head that just make him upset. I'm sure he'll get over it soon."
"Maybe I should try to see him-" Sora frowns, thinking about Ven upset- Riku grabs his wrist.
"You heard Roxas. He'll get over it. You going up there is just giving him what he wants. He's throwing a tantrum because you decided to side with me. He needs to learn to grow up."
"But-"
"He's not the only one who needs to grow up." Roxas grunts. Riku pauses the game to look over at the blonde teen.
"What was that?"
"Ven isn't the only one who's been acting out because he's jealous. You two fight all the time over Sora. I know my brother is mostly in the wrong but you've started fights too over Sora. We should be celebrating together because Sora is finally somewhat free but you two have bickered the whole time over Sora. You know Sora can feel that right? I'm sure he got enough of fighting when me and Axel had it out for each other."
"..." Riku frowns, seeming to think about what Roxas said. His anger started to die after he had mention Sora being able to feel it. "I'm not trying to hurt you." Riku mumbles, looking over at Sora. It looks like he's about to say something else when Roxas cuts in.
"But you are. I know you don't like my brother. You're very obvious about it but no matter how much you bicker with my brother he's not going to give up on Sora." Roxas watches at how Riku tenses. "Even if Sora did a 180 like you want him to and just started being mean to Ven and pushing him away Ven would still try to be around Sora. If anything it would just make him depressed. My brother really cares about Sora-"
"So because he's attached to Sora I should just let him do as he pleases? He tries to monopolize Sora's every moment and if that wasn't bad enough he still sleeps in Sora's bed-"
"Sora can stand up for himself. If he didn't like these things he would tell that to Ven, just like he told Ven today that he shouldn't be telling you when he can talk to him. You aren't much better when it comes to monopolizing Sora! Me and Axel would like to spend time with him too-"
"You and Axel are so far up each others assess that you two barely know what's going on around here. The only reason you're sticking up for Ven is because he's your twin brother. Axel is only interested in you. If you did care for Sora you'd want him away from that monster-"
"Don't call him that." Roxas snarls, those eyes flashing white. Why is it still festering? "You don't know anything about him-"
"I know enough!"
"Aye what we playing?-" Axel who was preparing snacks in the kitchen freezes when he sees the look on Roxas face and how Riku is glaring at him. "Uh...Riku I know you're not trying to start something with my Roxas-"
"Stop!" Sora jumps up. His sudden scream gets everyone to look at him with wide eyes. "I...I don't know why everyone is fighting but I get that it's my fault. No matter what I do it seems to upset someone...I love everyone here. I don't want this fighting."
"..." Riku grinds his teeth. "Sora...I'm going to go cool off. I don't want to cause you anymore pain but just looking at Roxas is pissing me off right now." With that Riku gets up and leaves the living room in a huff.
Once Riku is gone, Roxas's eyes go back to normal. He frowns. "...Sorry Sora." He mumbles. "I didn't mean for it to get heated with Riku like that but...He has to see that Ven isn't the only one causing issues. His open dislike for my brother has a lot to do with it."
"Ugh Riku and Ven getting pissed at each other again?" Axel groans walking up to Roxas. "Seriously, I don't know how you deal with it Sora. It must be annoying feeling all that."
"It's not really annoying I just...I just feel bad because I don't know how to fix it."
"It's not an easy fix. They both want your attention and they both don't want to share. Riku hates Ven. Ven dislikes Riku. Then they get jealous when you decide to spend time with the other. For now you're trapped. Those teenage hormones make it worse. Take it from me! It drove me crazy when I couldn't talk to Roxas."
"Just do what you feel is right Sora. They're going to have to get over it." Roxas smiles at Sora when he looks up at him. "...I am sorry I ruined your time with Riku."
"It's fine Roxas." Sora smiles but he wonders if it reaches his eyes. Is there really no way to fix this?
"Me and Axel were going to go out into the forest, did you want to come?" Roxas offers.
"is it okay if I stay here? I think I'm going to watch a movie." Sora sighs when Roxas doesn't get offended.
"More Roxas for me." Axel chuckles as the two wave him off. "Oh here you can have these!" Axel leaves the brownies he must have been preparing in the kitchen. "Don't eat all of them!" With that warning he's gone.
Sora turns on a random show and hugs his knees to his chest. He wants his mind to go blank but it's hard. He doesn't know how long passes before he feels a tug to one of his links. He glances over to see Ven peaking at him from the stair case. When he's caught he tenses. They stay silent as they look at each other. Sora offers Ven a smile. He doesn't really know what to say but he wants to at least let him know he's not upset.
Ven perks up when he sees the smile. Soon enough those blue eyes are tearing up. "Sora!" Ven rushes down the stairs, tackling Sora into the couch. He buries his head into Sora's chest. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean what I said! Please don't spend all your time with Riku! I'll be better I promise! I didn't mean to snap on you! I-"
"Ven! Calm down it's okay." Sora wraps his arms around the trembling teen. "You're allowed to get mad at me Ven. I'm sorry I hurt you. Ven..." Sora forces Ven to look up at him. Those blue eyes are so sorrowful. "Ven you're my best friend. That's never going to change!"
"Really?" Ven sniffles, those eyes lighting up.
"Yes! Just because I hang out with Riku doesn't mean he's replacing you. Riku is also my friend though so it pains me when you two fight! I still want to be able to talk to Riku and hang out with him, just like I want to hang out with Roxas and Axel! I don't want to upset you but if you're worried about them replacing you, you should know better Ven!"
"It's just...Riku is different from Axel and Rox." Ven buries his head back into Sora's chest . "He wants you all to himself and he's mean. He wants to replace me, I just know it-"
"Ven I'm not going to stop hanging out with Riku or talking to him." Sora feels the blonde sink into himself. Sora hugs him tighter. "And I'm not going to stop talking to you or hanging out with you either."
"Even if Riku tells you to stop?" Ven mumbles.
"Riku can't tell me what to do either. I'm going to keep spending time with you both. I just wish you two could get along."
Ven sniffles, still holding onto Sora. The brunette hums starting to play with his hair. He knows that always cheers him up. The sniffling gets softer till it stops. Ven sighs into his chest at the fingers in his scalp.
"You really aren't mad at me for yelling at you?"
"Of course not. I'm just happy you're back. I was really worried you'd stay mad at me for awhile. I was even thinking of ways of cheering you up."
"R-Really?" Ven seems to perk up. "What did you have in mind?"
"I-I don't know." Sora feels a little shy when Ven looks up at him with those eyes shining. When he sees Sora's pink cheeks, Ven perks up even more.
"Tell me!" Ven giggles.
"I was thinking I could offer a hair rubbing session or make you something-"
"Sora is the cutest!" Ven cheers, sitting up. He seems completely better. Those cheeks get pink as he thinks for a moment before he smiles at Sora. "I really am sorry for yelling at you! I will try to get better with Riku...I promise because I..." Ven swallows as those deep blue eyes look into him. Once again he feels his chest tighten. He beams ."I love you Sora!"
"I love you too Ven." Sora chuckles, patting Ven on the head. "Thank you for trying Ven! I want us all to get along so we can all have fun!"
"Yeah!" Ven grabs his hand, nuzzling into his side. "Oh brownies!"
"Yeah Axel made them. Try not to eat all of them-"Sora winces when Ven finishes up the last three brownies. Sora had more of them then he realized while just mindlessly watching TV. Well...Hopefully Axel is forgiving about his brownies.
When the red head comes back with Roxas to discover his brownies are gone he ends up chasing Ven and Sora through the house with Roxas cracking up.
Though Axel is mad, Sora loves moments like this. If only Riku was a part of It But Sora can't feel him. It seems he's escaped to their hideout to cool off.
Sora really hopes they can get along some day but it seems no matter what he does he can't stop this festering.