Alright everyone, new chapter. And it continues on from the cliffhanger.
Don't expect much action or story, but some surprises.
'No! No freaking way!' Tenebrae thought. 'It can't be!'
Standing before Tenebrae, talking to each other, were Keval and Cetus. Both didn't seem to change much from the Unions. But their auras were different from before.
Keval had the same short-spiked dark blonde hair. And he seemed to be growing a beard, for short blond hair was growing from his chin. He was wearing a white muscle shirt under a black and red jacket, with red shorts to complete the outfit. He was still fighting fit, and had that damned charismatic, charming smile.
Cetus didn't seem to have change much either. She had the same shoulder length brown hair, with a blue headband. She seemed to have the same black wrappings on her arm as well. The only difference Tenebrae noticed was her outfit. Before she wore a design that had looked to be like a galaxy. Now here dress was a bluish-green color, with black close to the collar. There was something off in her eyes though.
"Even if it was your friend," Cetus said, "Maybe things changed. It has been a while, maybe she just forgot."
"OUR friend Cetus," Keval said crossing his arms, "Ash IS our friend. Geez, why are you acting like this?"
"Because I don't know who she is," Cetus said defensively, "All I know is that I have a customer who hasn't bought anything, acting like I'm his therapist."
"Glad to see your personality hasn't changed," Keval sighed heavily, "But I'm still worried about her. And I know the others will be happy to see her."
'Others?' Tenebrae walked up to the shop, looking at the flowers. 'And who is Ash?'
"Hush, I have a customer," Cetus said, walking towards Tenebrae, "Maybe he will buy something. Hello! Welcome to my flower shop! Were you looking for anything in particular?"
"I was interested in a certain flower," Tenebrae said, I believe the name was…" He said the next word loud enough for Keval to hear, "Forget-me-not."
Keval looked over to Tenebrae and raised an eyebrow. There was no recognition in his expression. That worked for Tenebrae.
Tenebrae looked back to Cetus. "Was it not a flower to signify love and memories?"
"True love and memories," Cetus corrected him, "And yes, it does. You are quite knowledgeable. Are you looking to buy a few?"
"I spent a lot of time in my school's library. So, I read up on them. I like to read many kinds of books for when I traveled. How much would one cost?"
"Only 10 Munny," Cetus said, "Are you sure you don't want a bouquet? You could use them for whoever you plan to confess to."
Tenebrae smiled and paid Cetus. "I only need the one. I lost that chance years ago. Something huge broke us apart. But what can I say," He looked at Keval as he finished his thought, "she had the key to my heart."
Tenebrae saw Keval's eye widen before walking away. He heard some muffled chatter and then footsteps. Tenebrae ducked into an alley and waited. He saw Keval enter within a few moments.
"You're a Wielder?" Keval asked.
Tenebrae removed his goggles, resting them on his chest, and held the Forget-me-not in his left hand. His red eyes met Keal's dark hazel ones. Without a word, Tenebrae summoned Kingdom Key D. Its golden blade shined in the sunlight. He put the flower behind his ear and slid into his stance.
Keval summoned a Keyblade as well. It wasn't the same as the one before the war. It was a white Keyblade, with teeth that looked like a star. The yellow edge of the teeth faded into blue then into white to match the blade. The guard looked to be a pair of folded angel wings. The keychain looked like a seashell star.
"Guess we do this the hard way," Keval said, lightning sparking off him.
"When two Wielders of equal strength clash, their true nature is revealed," Tenebrae said, coating Kingdom Key D in purple flames. "I don't want to fight, just confirm. So, protect yourself!"
Tenebrae jumped as high as he could with his Keyblade above him. He swung down with all is might. Luckily, Keval did block, adding his own element into his Keyblade. The resulting explosion was a mix of flames and electricity. The shockwave sent Tenebrae back as he slid to a stop.
Memories had flashed as soon as they clashed. Memories of them arguing. Memories of the group missions they did. Memories of Keval trying to befriend him, and Tenebrae's outburst prior to his departure.
Keval had a look of disbelief and recognition.
Tenebrae just smiled. "Good to see you again, Keval of Unicornus. I'm Tenebrae, of the same Union."
Keval didn't say anything. Instead, he dismissed his Keyblade and ran up to bearhug Tenebrae. The gesture was not what the Seeker was expecting.
"Wha… What the hell!?" Tenebrae pushed Keval's face to make him let got. "What the hell was that?"
"Sorry man, I just…" There were tears in Keval's eyes. "I just thought you perished, and it was my fault. I didn't find you before the War. And, I was worried you still hated me. But man, am I glad you survived."
Tenebrae wasn't sure how to react. He and Keval hadn't seen eye to eye, he knew that much. But he never thought Keval thought so highly of him. Tenebrae recalled times when the two argued over trivial things. How did Keval look at him with such kindness?
"I wouldn't say I survived," Tenebrae looked away ashamed, "I ran away, like a coward. I ran when everyone chose to stay and fight. I abandoned my Union, all because I was scared to be deemed a traitor."
"You always were a smart one," Keval laughed, "Running was probably the best choice. The War was brutal. I'm not sure how many really survived. But my Party and I did, well most of us."
Tenebrae saw the recollection and sadness in his expression. Seeing him now, this was definitely Keval. But then what was Heloa? They looked the same, but a Heartless could only be created if the person is consumed by Darkness.
"Somehow, I knew you were to stubborn to die," Tenebrae smirked, "But, it is genuinely good to see you again. Cetus too."
"You remember her?" Keval put Tenebrae in a headlock. "Then you know she is one of us. Why doesn't she remember though?"
Tenebrae thought of Shaylex. 'Memory loss. But what could be the cause?'
Tenebrae got out of the hold and shook his hair back to place. "Look, amnesia can be caused by trauma. Maybe she experienced something that locked her memory. Best to do is let her get it back naturally." He pulled the Forget-me-not from his ear.
"Why did you buy the flower?" Keval asked, looking at the flower. "Last I knew, you didn't like anyone, just your books. Is there someone I don't know?"
Tenebrae had a feeling Keval was trying to tease him. He just sighed and looked at the flower. "As Cetus corrected me, these flowers represent true love and memories. I bought these as a means of showing you I remember that time. No one should recognize me, even if they were from the Unions. But, if it makes you feel better, I met someone in the same predicament as Cetus."
"Really? Who?" Keval hadn't changed. Always having that drive to help others.
"Don't worry. They are fine." Tenebrae was positive that he should not mention Shaylex to him. "They have adapted to their life. No need for concern."
"Alright, if you say so," Keval grinned. "What about you?" Tenebrae raised an eyebrow at the question. Keval chuckled, continuing, "You said you remember, what are you planning on doing? You still have your Keyblade."
"I do, and I don't have many plans." Tenebrae leaned on a wall. "Right now, I'm wandering and gathering information. I've completed part of my research, by gaining the Key you saw. But as of this moment, I have no plans."
Keval held out his hand. "I know this is late in doing, or I may have asked, and you said no, but how about joining my Party? We're called the Light Protectors."
'Light Protectors? Does that mean he knows about the Princesses of Heart too?' Tenebrae raised an eyebrow. "You never had a chance to ask. We always started to argue when see were together. But why not, I have nothing better to do."
Tenebrae shook Keval's hand. The two headed back to Cetus's shop. She and Keval had a brief conversation, before Keval led Tenebrae away. The two walked into an apartment complex. Keval led Tenebrae up a few levels to a door.
Keval knocked three times, before opening the door. "Welcome to the Light Protectors."
Inside the apartment, were four other individuals. All of them seemed to be close to Tenebrae's age, with two looking much younger than everyone else. Tenebrae didn't recognize any of them, meaning they weren't from Unicornus.
"Alright Protectors!" Keval had a look that a proud father would have, while showing off his kids. "We have a new ally joining us. This is Tenebrae. He used to be in Unicornus with me. Treat him well and introduce yourself."
One of the older males walked up. He was a little taller than Tenebrae. He had short dark hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a brown sports jacket over a red shirt. He also wore black pants with a white line on the side. A gray, yellow and white checkered scarf completed his outfit. "I'm Solas. I was part of Ursus."
The other older male went next. He was taller that Tenebrae by a good few inches. His hair was strawberry blonde with a beard to match. He wore a dark colored vest over a muscle shirt. His jeans and boots added to his image. His hands were covered by fingerless gloves. "I'm Rylan. I'm from Vulpeus."
The only girl of the group was hiding near the younger boy. She had hair that was half back and half white, in twin tails. Her dark eyes looked at Tenebrae with fear and interest. She wore a sweater that was black with white sleeves. It seemed to be a few sizes larger than her. She was cute, in the sense of a puppy being cute. "I'm Mojie, of Leopardus."
The boy protecting Mojie smirked. His red hair was short in the back and draped over a golden mask. He wore a blue shirt and jeans. The was a band wrapped around his left bicep. "The name is Ray. I was in Vulpeus."
"Nice to meet you all," Tenbrae said, nodding at the small group. He did remember Keval mentioning a Party he had back in the Unions. Tenebrae only remembered Cetus being part of it. He didn't really bother to meet the others. "By the way, Keval, this is not me joining whatever this is."
"What do you mean?" Keval seemed shocked and confused. "We all need to work together."
"I just said I had nothing better to do. I still have no intention of staying as a part of a group. I don't mind working alongside you, but I do so as an individual Wielder."
"Come on dude. We find each other after all this time and you still want to isolate yourself?" Keval seemed hurt. "I thought we were friends."
Tenebrae walked to a wall and leaned against it. "Comrades at best. And, unfortunately, I'd rather not work in a group with people I don't know."
"Then maybe you should get to know us," Rylan suggested. "We all came from Daybreak Town and survived the War. We need to stick together."
"I'm just saying, I'm still a solo Wielder,'" Tenebrae sighed. "I'll do missions with you lot. But I am not a member of your group."
"What's wrong?" Ray spoke up with a smirk, "Too weak to wanna be part of our group? I know, we're pretty awesome."
"Oh, for the love of…" Tenebrae pinched the bridge of his nose. 'Oh great, another Keval.' "Strength is not the concern. I just don't do well with groups."
"But Parties help with stronger Heartless," Mojie said, softly. "How did you fight those on your own?"
"I didn't," Tenebrae said. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'm fine on my own."
"I'm surprised you lasted so long on your own," Solas chimed. "Parties made a lot of Union missions easier. And even now, we all work together."
"And that is all well and good for you lot." Tenebrae growled, as he pushed off the wall. He headed to the door. "I'll come back only for missions. Otherwise, I'll be in town."
Tenebrae left the complex. He remembered now, why he didn't care for groups. He couldn't understand how so many different personalities could work together. Each one of the Protectors gave him a headache. His bloodlust was still there, which added to his annoyance.
Tenebrae looked for a source of Darkness. He found some in a tunnel close by. He entered the tunnels and was surprised by the structure. He didn't have much time to admire it, before some Heartless appeared. He made quick work of them. When he was finished, he explored the structure a little more. There seemed to be many paths and gates.
'This place is a maze,' Tenebrae thought as he headed back to the shopping district. 'I really should figure out what world I'm in.' He headed back to Cetus's shop and saw her closing for the day.
She seemed to notice him and smiled. "Hello there. Sorry I'm closing shop for the day. Oh, aren't you the one who bought the Forget-me-not earlier?"
"I am. My name is Tenebrae," he said with a smirk.
"I'm Cetus, guess I should have introduced myself earlier."
"It's okay. I didn't either. I was wondering though; can you tell me where we are. I'm new to the area."
"You're fine. We're in Twilight Town. It's a nice quiet little place."
"Yes, it does seem peaceful," Tenebrae though back to the tunnels and Heartless. "Well do you know a place where one can spend the night?"
"There should be a hotel near the Sunset Terrance," Cetus put a finger to her chin to think. "Most places here are apartments to rent. To my knowledge, most people here are locals."
"Good to know. Thank you, Cetus." Tenebrae headed back to the hill he came from earlier.
"You're welcome." Cetus called to him. "And please come again!"
Tenebrae ascended the hill and followed the path back to the clock tower. He didn't know the town well enough, and he didn't want to pay for a hotel now. He looked around and made sure no one was around, before he summoned a portal. He took it to the top of the tower. He sat on the edge and watched the sunset. It felt weird, wanting to fall asleep in a place as bright as this. He got off the edge and leaned against it, before falling asleep. -
And finally more people to meet and thank. So the Light Protectors introduced are all owned by different members of our little group. They had characters created long before I started writing this story. And all of these wonderful people are on Tiktok as part of the tag.
So I want to thank the individuals for letting me use their characters:
Kale Thunderhorse Lampkin = Keval
Pretty_Dandelion = Cetus
Tallcoffee.cos = Solas
Thatwheelchairguy = Rylan
Mojie_Cosplay = Mojie
Aya_43517 = Ray
See you in the next chapter.
