Last chapter was kinda hard to write in some aspects, so to anyone who was made uncomfortable, sorry about that.

The interesting thing for me writing KH fanfiction, is how much I have to think about several characters, and explore their reasonings that I'd never cared about before. I've never cared about the Org members, but now I have to think about them and how/why they act. I also have to write various characters in a way that's genuine and enjoyable.

For my many years writing Detective Conan fanfiction, it was a lot easier to keep things simple and vanilla, where here, I end up exploring a lot of various topics that I'd never really thought about before to such degrees.

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

Isa observed Lea's subtle concern. Short glances and furrowed brows on top of interlocked hands. He could hide it all he wanted, but Isa knew Lea was concerned about Ventus's new "friend."

Isa had sensed something off about the teenager after his first visit. The ginger-haired teen was a new face, though the quiet longing of hope between bites calmed his warring nerves. The stranger had that love-sick sort of look that he knew all too well.

He probably would have held that same sort of stomach turning worry, had he and Lea not become Nobodies shortly after becoming Apprentices in their search for X.

Isa took a long sip of his water and set down his paper, "If you stare much longer, I may just become a bit jealous, Lea."

Lea snorted as he gave him a cat-like smirk and rolled his head in his direction, "Now Isa, you always ignore my attempts at flirting while out in public, and now you're challenging me?"

Edym gave Lea a tired look as he sat down at their group table, "Lea, you're usually as subtle as a brick."

Isa snorted while Lea glared at the Musician as he responded, "Yeah well, who asked you anyway?" He paused before he raised an eyebrow and moved closer to the water-user to play-whisper, "D'you recognize that kid?"

Edym blinked slowly in thought before glancing back subtly in the direction of Ventus and the newcomer and hummed to himself. He furrowed his brow and turned back towards Isa, "You guys don't recognize him..?"

Isa shook his head in the negative while Lea responded, "Ven said his name was Ragule. Sounds like a pretty dumb cover name, though."

Edym raised an eyebrow, "Ok Lee-ah."

Lea glared at him as he shot back, "Leave my name outta this!"

Edym grinned and crossed his arms, "Okay Axey-waxy."

Lea groaned and buried his face into his hands while Isa suppressed a chuckle.

Edym inhaled loudly, "Ah, now that I think about it, something feels familiar about that guy. He does have a Chirithy, but…" He paused before straightening up, his eyes wide in silent alarm before he leaned back in nonchalance. Something about him became as clear as water, his emotions, his presence, everything.

Isa raised an eyebrow at the shift in the other man as he appreciated his ability to blend in.

Demyx had been best with collecting information and hiding for a reason, he supposed.

Soon enough Ventus parted with his new friend and watched him go, staying in place until the other was well out of sight before turning to them, troubled.

He moved over to their table and sat down next to Edym with a frown on his face.

Lea smiled, "Have fun catching up with Ragule?"

Ventus was silent before he acknowledged him, "Oh." He shrugged, "It was… fine? I guess?"

Edym was silent for a long moment, a distant look in his eyes as if he were conversing internally before he turned to Ventus, "Who was that."

Ventus looked at Edym and chewed his tongue for a moment before answering quietly, "It was Master Gula."

Edym nodded slowly before crossing his arms in thought. "What's he doing here?"

Ventus blinked, "...Eating?"

Edym slumped with a roll of his eyes, "Ven~!"

Ventus smiled slightly, "You were kind of creeping me out, Ephemer."

Edym looked at him seriously, "Ven, why- no. How is he here?"

Ventus gave him a confused look, "Uh, I'm not really sure? It's definitely not the same way we, er- well. Not with the Ark system." Edym hummed while Ventus continued, "However, he is looking for Master Ava."

Edym gave him his full attention along with the other two, "Why?"

Ventus observed him for a long moment before he playfully slumped forward onto the table with a goofy grin, "Love."

Edym blinked, "Excuse me?"

Ventus snorted, "Dunno about the other Foretellers, but Master Gula's worried sick about his friend. She was disregarded or... something."

Edym thought that over while Isa spoke, "So what will you do with that information, Ven?"

Ventus hummed as he pulled back into his chair while crossing his arms, "Well, that's kind of why I came over here to you guys. Obviously I wasn't going to give him any information straight-out. But…" He contemplated for a moment, "He did really seem… to miss her. A lot. I figured I would tell Ava he's looking for her and leave it up to her, but still…"

Edym slowly nodded, "It's suspicious."

Ventus nodded, "Mmhmm."

The four of them were quiet for a moment as Lauriam and Elrena came up to their table. The two took in the odd atmosphere as Lauriam noted Ventus's unusual presence there. "Ven. It's been some time since I've last seen you."

Ventus turned to him and gave him an awkward smile, "Oh, hey Lauriam."

Elrena looked put out at Ventus's presence, but kept her thoughts to herself. Lauriam observed the blond for a moment before placing a thumb under his chin in thought, "Ven, would you mind escorting us to Merlin's?"

Ventus blinked, "Uh, sure… but why would you need me around?"

Lea snickered with a grin, "Ol' Laurey here pissed him off not too long ago by haggling Vanitas while he was minding his own business."

Lauriam glared at Lea while Ventus winced, "Oh." He rubbed his shoulder awkwardly, "I'm not really sure I wanna put myself in the middle of that…"

Lauriam felt his stomach drop for a moment before explaining himself, "I would… like to apologize. For a number of things, as well as to train in that special place Merlin has set."

Ventus's eyes widened in partial alarm, well aware that Vista and Naminé trained there as well. "Lauriam-" The Graceful Assassin's face fell, and Ventus felt his stomach twist with guilt. He squirmed, "I'll bring you there- but I won't let you in. I know Merlin has set rules for you."

Lauriam's face brightened a fraction before he nodded, "My thanks."

Ventus stood, "I was about to head back, but uhm…" He turned to the others, "Do you think I should tell Ava about today..?"

Isa nodded, "I believe it would be best to let her choose for herself."

Edym stretched out and relaxed with a nod, "Yup, I agree. Master Ava can choose what to do with the information you have."

Ventus smiled slightly, "Alright. Thanks." He turned to Lauriam and glanced at Elrena, "Is she coming with?"

Lauriam nodded, knowing it made things more difficult. "It's a lot easier to train when the eyes of others can't catch what shouldn't be seen."

Ventus pursed his lips before nodding, slowly heading towards the well-known path to Merlin's, "Well alright…"

Lauriam took a moment before following Ventus. "Have Master Aqua and Terra been well?"

Ventus glanced back at him, a little surprised he'd try to make smalltalk, "Oh, uhm, yeah. They're fine. We're still kind of going through Master Eraqus's ledgers, but… I'm starting to think we may need to go back to Scala ad Caelum and maybe ask Sigurd about some things…"

Lauriam hummed, "Why not ask Ephemer for advice..?"

Ventus looked forward towards his destination, "If it comes down to that, sure… But I think it's best for us if we go about this slowly. It… helps us learn about our Master more… as well as mourn him."

Lauriam nodded slowly, "I see… I apologize. I forgot that you had some years with proper tutelage."

Ventus was painfully silent for a time before coming to a stop as he quietly rasped, "Proper might be a bit subjective for me when it comes to the Master."

Lauriam winced, "Ah."

Ventus took in a deep breath before shaking his head as he finished the trek towards Merlin's in silence. He knocked on the door, and after a worrying amount of time, just as Ventus was about to knock again, Merlin opened the door. "Ventus! It's good to see you again! Come come, let us-" The Wizard paused as he took in the two behind him and his goodwill dropped off his wizened features. "Ah, Lauriam and Elrena. What brings you to my abode this lovely evening?"

Lauriam felt a chill down his spin at Merlin's less than enthused greeting. He smiled amicably and gave a short bow, "Good evening Merlin. I apologize for the abrupt visit, but I had hoped to speak with you in person."

Merlin raised an eyebrow before crossing his arms, "I see."

Lauriam kept his eyes averted downwards, "I would like to request permission for Elrena and I to train within your bubble World."

Merlin furrowed his brow, "And risk causing emotional distress to those under my charge?"

Lauriam swallowed dryly, "I understand that we are not welcome, but at this time, Elrena and I are incapable of traversing Worlds with our Keyblades. If you could set aside a specific area and time for us to come and train that wouldn't interfere with the others, that would be helpful enough."

Merlin tapped a finger against his arm in contemplation. "And what if you were to unintentionally meet one of my Wards?"

Lauriam clenched his teeth while taking in a deep breath, "We would avoid interaction as much as possible and leave the area."

Merlin observed them long and hard before he shifted his gaze towards Elrena, "And you are of the same mind as him?"

Elrena flinched at the abrupt change in focus but nodded silently, knowing full well she'd mouth off if forced to speak.

Merlin took in a deep breath before exhaling tiredly as he shifted his focus onto Ventus, "You could have warned me, young man."

Ventus winced, "I have a lot on my mind. Master Ava's still here working with Naminé, right?"

"Yes, why?"

Ventus shifted, "I need to speak with her about someone I met today at Le Grand Bistro. It's really important."

Merlin pulled away from the door, "Then let us all go together, that way I can explain the situation to the others, and we can decide on an agreeable arrangement together."

Elrena scoffed, ready to protest before Lauriam gave her a sharp look and shook his head.

They were lucky enough to get a passively neutral welcome.

Elrena huffed and followed petulantly as Lauriam trailed after Merlin and Ventus.

He had been inside of the apartment before, but he had not been allowed to see the entrance of the special pocket World Merlin had created.

The moment they entered Lauriam was left slightly dazed at the scale of the little World, as they made their way through a timeless forest with golden beams.

A sleepy little thing that was so much like Twilight Town.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Aqua, Kairi, Naminé, Xion… breathe deep and concentrate on the flowers you hold in your hands.

Master Ava was instructing them. Each had their own bundle- Aqua held a full bouquet as testament to her control over Magic. Kairi had a small handful of flowers, while Xion had a few less. The two girls had Magic training, but were not so fully developed in the Cure line where they could handle much more.

She, however, was struggling with a single flower. A dandelion, to be exact.

They were tenacious weeds, the best for a newbie in Healing arts.

It was making her fingers sticky.

Quiet steps, a gentle hand on her head, "It's alright, Naminé. Your Magic will come. Breathe in slow and deep and exhale on a ten count. Simply look to feel your Magic. Feel free to even use your Memory Magic on it- to relive its days blooming towards the sun and closing into slumber at the moon. Do as you see fit."

Naminé smiled a little to herself and nodded, doing as told.

Strelitzia squirmed at Master Ava's voice, wanted to scream against the advice given.

Naminé placed a mental grip on the girl's Heart and demanded that she settle.

Strelitzia sighed and turned away.

Naminé breathed in deep, slowly, surely as she had come to know these lungs of hers. Filled them and her diaphragm to the brim-

Purple roofed houses littered the Town as far as the eye could see. A Town constantly in the state of Daybreak.

There was night of course, and daytime. But there was something particularly charming about the start of a new day that invigorated every Wielder.

[...] included.

She sat on the roof, observing as she held a book in her lap.

That Person was there, waiting around the fountain.

Hours passed, their spirits sang high and dropped low.

Their Chirithy coaxed them with kind words, and finally they went home.

'Who had they been waiting for..?' She'd wondered.

She wanted to meet them, to ask them their name, and to maybe…

Maybe…

Could they be friends..?

"Master Ava, a word if you'd please?" Merlin's voice was far away as Naminé pulled away from the sudden Memory.

Footsteps, broken concentration.

Naminé fought to keep herself from turning around, but a pull at her chest made her open her eyes.

Ventus had an unusual muddle of emotion.

Ava paused partway to Merlin before exclaiming, "Lauriam, Elrena!" Her footsteps moved quicker as she clearly made her way to them, "What brings you here today?"

Naminé stiffened, and some of Ventus's emotions shifted with her. He was clearly there, and similarly worried for her.

Why was he with them in the first place?!

She cautiously turned, realizing Kairi and Xion had already stood from their places to block her view, while Aqua stayed seated, partially turned, but with an untrusting frown on her face.

Lauriam spoke softly, and with a reverence Naminé had never once heard from him- even for their Superior. "I have requested that Merlin allot to Elrena and I a specific, unique spot here in this little World to train. We simply haven't been able to get a full grasp on our Keyblades, and the Old Mansion is… not all that secure."

Elrena scoffed, "Too many kids snooping around in hopes of a Mystery."

Ava hummed, "I see." She tilted her head, "And you Ventus?"

Ventus rubbed the back of his head nervously, "I- uhm, I needed to speak with you about something, actually…"

Ava stilled, "Oh?"

Ventus glanced at Naminé before turning to Merlin, "You can go ahead with Lauriam and Elrena."

Merlin smiled wryly at the teen, "As much as I would love to spare Naminé the trouble of seeing her previous tormentors, I can't help but think it best that we all know what's going on."

Ventus gave the Wizard a stricken look before slumping with a defeated sigh, "I don't think it's really all that serious…"

The rustling of leaves and bushes were heard as Vista, Riku, Sora, Roxas, and Terra came out from a separate path as if silently summoned. Naminé's chest eased as she felt more secure with the others around. She looked down at her dandelion, and mentally cried over the smeared mess she'd made of it in her hands.

Ventus looked over everyone, making eye contact as he went. Finally his eyes stayed with Ava, "Master Ava. I met Master Gula at Le Grand Bistro this evening."

Ava straightened as Lauriam frowned. Elrena's interest was piqued, as they had arrived at the usual table just after Ventus had parted ways with some stranger.

Elrena frowned as she realized that Master Ava was not the only one to somehow end up here.

Ava brought a hand to her chin in thought, "...Gula was here..?"

Ventus nodded, "Yeah. He said… he said he was frustrated that you were…disregarded, or something. He's been cautiously looking for you for some time. Alone."

Ava observed him for a long moment that made him sweat, "So the others are here too..?"

Ventus unconsciously wiped a sweaty hand on his pants, "I guess. I didn't- Gula kind of vented? He was a little cryptic while being a lot chattier than I'd thought he'd ever be."

Ava blinked, "Chatty? Really..?" Ventus nodded as she smiled slightly, "Maybe it's because you were in his Union previously."

Ventus blinked before vehemently shaking his head, "N-no way! He didn't really interact with any of us! Seriously!"

Ava giggled lightly and took his hand to gently squeeze it in comfort before patting it lightly as she spoke, "What did he ask of you, Ventus?"

Ventus took in a deep breath before exhaling, "He wanted me to keep a look out for you. To give him any leads I might find… but I would never tell him anything. Not unless you said so. It just seems weird that out of the six of you, he's the only one searching for you."

Ava smiled sadly as she pulled her hands away from him and clasped them before her, "...Gula and I… We didn't part on the best of terms, but I was trying to protect him from everyone else." She closed her eyes, "I sometimes…" Her voice weakened, "I sometimes wonder, if I'd been more assertive… if I'd said something else… that he wouldn't have tried to summon Kingdom Hearts. That he wouldn't have been so desperate to bring back The Master…"

Ventus's eyes widened, as he recalled Gula's words.

He grasped her hands, "Master Ava!" She looked at him startled, "He wants to apologize! He-!" He clenched his jaw shut as he tried to keep such words to himself as he slowly relented and released her, "I told him I'd meet him in two days at Le Grand Bistro." He searched her expression for a moment before continuing, "If you want to meet him- if you feel like it's something you should do…" Ventus placed his hand over his chest, "Then you should Let Your Heart Guide You to your answer."

Ava was wide eyed before she smiled while tears began to slowly gather in her eyes, "Yes. I will think it over carefully, Ventus. Thank you… Ven."

Ventus felt his tension leave him as he sighed in relief with a nod, "You're welcome, and uhm…" He scratched his cheek with a mischievous grin, "You'll have back-up, if it's a trap."

Ava blinked, "...Isn't that a little much?"

Ventus laughed as he turned back to Lauriam, "What do you think about the other Foretellers being around?"

Lauriam's expression turned dark, "I don't like it."

Ventus nodded and turned back to Ava, "And there you have it. Isa hangs out there all the time, and if he's there, Lea follows." He grinned brightly, "Edym, Lodur, and Skuld show up there often enough too, so you won't be alone."

Ava couldn't help but laugh lightly, "My own little army, huh?"

Ventus winced, "Uh well." He grinned, "We're all your Dandelions, after all!"

Ava was surprised before she nodded in agreement. "Yes, so many of you are my Dandelions…" She had so much to explain. "I will meet Gula in two days. Thank you, again."

Ventus nodded, "You're welcome."

Elrena shifted with a tired sigh, while Lauriam turned to Merlin, "Shall we make haste, sir?"

Merlin turned to him, "Oh, yes! My apologies, it would seem I'm a little more absent minded than usual."

Lauriam nodded, "It's alright. Please lead the way."

Naminé abruptly stood and shoved past Kairi and Xion as her emotions spilled forth, "You don't belong here!"

Lauriam turned to her, unsurprised but… sad? Regretful?

Elrena glared at her, "Now you listen here you little-!" Lauriam cut her off with a motion of his hand and only shifted his eyes to her to shake his head in the negative.

They were the intruders here.

Elrena huffed as Naminé shook in her quiet rage. Her nails dug painfully into her palms as her teeth hurt from how tightly she was clenching them. "Why are you here!? I don't care if you want to train! Go somewhere else!"

Lauriam fully turned to her as he gave Naminé his full attention while he gently replied, "We are unable to go somewhere else due to being unable to access our Keyblades consistently enough. That is why we have requested of Merlin to allow us passage here, with specific rules, so that we might be able to leave."

Naminé felt sick as the world felt as if it were sliding off of its axis. Her breathing was too loud and too strained in her ears as she felt tears well up.

This was their safe haven! How dare they-!

A field of flowers stole her vision, hands held tight as they ran away from their childhood home.

Tears glistening in the setting sun as they're hastily wiped away.

Pink hair that grows by the week, as months pass and finally they find themselves in a strange Town.

Half empty as other children wander in.

Oh my, oh my! A pair of siblings?! How rare!

How wonderful!

Welcome to Daybreak Town! I'm your Chirithy!

And I'm Your Chirithy!

Giggling felines pressing paws together. Their Hearts are immediately tested as the World fades away.

Will you Fight for the Light?

Your Heart is strong!

Reach out! May your Heart connect with many others and Grow!

See? You have such powerful Light! Use it to drive back Darkness! Your Light, and your Keyblade!

Why can't we go on Missions together, Lauriam?

Mo~u! Don't tease me!

I don't know if I'll ever be as strong as you, but…

One day I'll carry you on my back.

Brother-

Naminé covered her eyes with digging nails from the mish mash of Memories as she began to drown in them- of the love and affection she'd never known between brother and sister while her throat hurt.

Too many shifting scenes and Memories were assaulting her senses-

Something had pierced her back!

Tears gathered in her eyes as a small hand picked up her book and sluggishly passed her by, as if she didn't exist.

She forced herself up. Nothing else mattered.

Chirithy…

We'll go

Together

I just wish I

Could have asked them

To be my

Friend

Naminé was screaming.

Power was flowing out of her uncontrollably, as a powerful wind pushed everyone away from her.

Vista felt cuts of Light prick his skin as if struck with leather cords.

He pressed forward, he would not let her suffer.

She was hurting herself, as cuts of her own Power were biting into her like whipping chains.

She'd fallen out of control, and he was angry.

Angry at Ventus. Angry at Merlin. Angry at Lauriam and Elrena.

Angry at himself.

It was his fault that Naminé had needed to drag Strelitzia out of his Heart.

And now she was drowning in someone else's Memories.

Vista pressed against the force of her Power, as it acted like a double edged sword to protect and harm her being.

He reached forward and pulled Naminé into himself as she screamed herself raw. He pulled her close, held tight, and screamed her name, "Naminé!" She was weeping! "Naminé it's alright! We're here! You're not alone! Come back!"

It hurt! It HurtIthurtithurtithurt! IT HURTS!

Who was in pain? Who's agony was wailing from her lips?

The tangled threads of pain and loneliness, of doubt and love.

Vista shifted to move her hands away from her face as he looked into her empty weeping eyes while they viewed the unseen.

She needed an anchor, a shock back into the present.

Vista smashed his mouth against hers.

It was a brutal thing, as teeth cut into skin and scraped against the other. It was unnerving and unpleasant but she responded all the same. Vista devoured her as much as Naminé devoured him. She clung to him, adjusted to him, and the pain between them fizzled out along with the gust of her Power.

He pulled back abruptly with a gasp, as remnants of blood remained on their lips.

Naminé was breathing heavily with a tiny gasp as she stared up at him in shock, "What… What just happened..?"

Vista was winded in more ways than one as he gently wiped away the smudge of blood on her lips. Had she Cured them, or had he..?

Had someone else..?

His voice was raspy as he answered her, "I think you let your anger get the better of you."

Naminé blinked, "...Huh?"

He grinned tiredly as he let his forehead rest against hers with eyes closed, "Your dislike of Lauriam must be equal to Strelitzia's love. Her Memories must have overwhelmed you."

Naminé tangled her hands into his hair mesmerized, "Did you see..?"

Vista exhaled sharply, "No. But… She has planted flowers in my Heart. I felt pain from both of you." He pulled away slightly as he opened his eyes and held her face, "You both nearly drowned one another in negativity- it was a little difficult to gorge on so much of it to keep your Hearts safe."

Naminé gasped as she tried to pull away from him, only to pause at the deep affection he was pouring into her.

Her ring felt terribly cold on her left hand, while his felt far too warm.

Naminé grit her teeth as she tried to fight off tears, "Vista..!" She cried out, "Vista, why were they so horrible to me, yet so kind and wonderful towards her..!?"

Vista exhaled silently to himself, "Beats me."

Naminé paused and stared at him in disbelief, "How could you not know..?!"

Vista blinked, "I wasn't a Nobody."

Naminé felt herself instantly run dry as her hands fell to her sides limply, "...What..?"

Vista raised an eyebrow, "I've never felt Nothingness. There's always been Negativity there. Pain, hurt, anger, loneliness. I know all of the darkness that comes with living… but I've never been truly empty, no matter how many Unversed I created. No matter how much of myself I poured out… there was always just that little something that was Ventus to keep me from becoming completely detached."

Naminé slowly caught her breath as tears gathered anew. She… she hated it. Thinking about her first days existing. How she'd felt hollow and strange, yet too full and aware.

Those miserable white walls were the first thing to close in on her and make her feel like Nothing.

The White of Oblivion had judged her Being before Xemnas had ever found her.

Naminé slumped into Vista as she grasped his vest, "I'm tired."

Vista smiled down at her warmly, "I bet." He shifted and scooped her up with ease as he looked at the others, "Well then. I'll leave you losers to it."

Sora pouted as he put his hands on his hips, "Was that really necessary, Vista?"

Vista looked back at his brother and stuck his tongue out before taking a new route away from their usual paths towards the exit.

Clearly he and Naminé both needed some privacy to calm down.

Ventus took in a deep breath and sighed loudly, "I'm sorry."

Terra turned to his friend, "About what?"

Ventus gave him a weak smile, "I knew something bad might happen, but…" It was hard to say no to Lauriam.

Not when he'd been scapegoated into killing his sister.

Terra gave Ventus a vaguely confused look, as they were left with unfinished words.

Lauriam took in a deep breath and sighed, "Merlin."

The Old Wizard startled and shook out his blue robes before straightening out his hat, "Yes, yes, my boy! I'll get you two set up in just a jiffy! I'll be sure to mark your special area and path well!" He nodded to himself and moved along, as Lauriam and Elrena followed within a certain distance. Never straying too far back or forward for the Wizard.

They had promises to uphold.

Aqua stood and adjusted the bouquet in her hands as she turned to Sora with a raised eyebrow, "...Vista?"

Sora grimaced, "Oh! Uh!"

Ventus lightened up a little, "It's Vanitas's new name!"

Terra gave him a surprised look as Aqua turned to him, "You knew, Ven?"

Ventus chuckled weakly as he rubbed the back of his head. "He told me a while ago, but… he wasn't ready for everyone to know just yet." He glanced around at the others, "So… most of you knew?"

Xion, Roxas, Riku, and Kairi nodded. Ventus slowly nodded in understanding, "I see. Well then." He looked between Ava, Aqua, and Terra, "Now you all know!" He grinned, "So let's all be sure to call him that from now on!"

They nodded, and Aqua held her bouquet closer to her chest. "I wonder why Naminé's Powers went berserk…"

Ava rubbed her knuckles in contemplation, "It might be my fault." Eyes turned to her as she continued, "I know her Power is primarily with Memory. It's a unique Magic with very little knowledge behind it… and I did suggest she try and use it on her flower to try and figure out the best way to understand her Magic…"

Kairi put her hands on her hips, "I don't really think that's all there is to it. It's not like there haven't been outbursts due to Memory before, like when Sora came back."

Xion spoke quietly, "Naminé was able to confront Lauriam and Elrena before… Roxas and I were there, when she was trying to help them."

Roxas was quiet for a moment, "Maybe she's never felt that emotional over something?" They looked at him with interest as he shrugged, "I mean. She and I were kind of born at the same time, but… I always had the strength she didn't. She's starting to grow a little- to learn more about emotions. Positive feelings are great and all, but if she's never felt anger that strongly before…"

It made some level of sense.

Riku huffed, "Well. Whatever it was, Vista will help her figure it out."

Sora grinned lazily, "I'm kinda surprised he did that though." Kairi gave him an odd look as he met her gaze, "I mean, Vista's super private. He hates being affectionate in front of anyone."

Ventus grinned, "It just shows how much he cares about Naminé."

Ava held her elbows and smiled sadly, "Yes." She took in a deep breath and sighed as she looked upwards.

To think, that the darkness could come to love as humans do.

Ava was always left with more questions than answers, when it came to her Master's teachings and motives.

But what was the pursuit of knowledge then to search for the answer?

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Vista laid Naminé on his bed while she covered her eyes before leaving to grab a few things. Her head hurt and she was suddenly bone tired. She'd felt drained like this before, when she'd had to reign in everyone's Memories at Radiant Garden, but…

This was different. This was something on the inside of herself.

Just her and Strelitzia.

She didn't want to see Lauriam in a positive light, as a stern force brimming with love and kindness.

Someone who actually cared.

She took in a shaky breath as she felt her emotions stir up again. As vague Memories that had been simple flashes became tapestries of favored Memory in her mind.

There were so many flowers…

Vista gently pried her hands away from her face and gazed down at her in concern before placing a cool wet cloth over her skin. She sighed in relief as the coolness eased away some of the irritation from her tears, the shame and frustration.

She felt him take her hand, and with gentle affection, use a warm cloth to clean away the remnants of the dandelion she'd eviscerated.

"That poor weed."

Naminé snorted and grinned to herself as she rasped, "I feel bad for it."

Vista clicked his tongue, "No you don't. Now gimme your other hand- thanks. It's not terrible, but the smell was annoying."

Naminé snickered lightly, "It was a little sticky…"

Vista hummed and stayed silent for a while as he set her now clean hand over the other. They stayed quiet for a moment before he got up, "I'll get something for your head, and a drink."

Naminé nodded and silently thanked him as he made his way out.

Her nerves were buzzing from the outpouring of her Power.

It was as if she'd hit her elbow wrong, and now all of her nerves were singing a dissonant tune that brushed against her skin the wrong way.

Am I a bad person..?

Naminé couldn't help but ask herself this. She had been a unique Nobody. She hadn't even had much darkness to work with- it was strange.

But now, as a person, she hadn't noticed any darkness. Nothing creeping or piling up. It was simply suddenly there, too many negative feelings blending and clashing with Strelitzia's own grievances.

"Naminé." She shifted towards his voice and pulled the cloth down to look at him wearily.

"Vista…"

Vista gave her a bland smile before giving her what he'd grabbed for her headache. She sat up and took it along with a dreg of water before sighing quietly. She sat with the glass in her lap, allowing herself to go numb before Vista gently traced the side of her face before cupping her cheek, "Naminé, I'm sorry."

Naminé blinked as she looked at him, "What? Why are you sorry?"

Vista observed her, silent in his thoughts before pulling his hand back to himself, "Because you ended up dragging Strelitzia out of my Heart. You…" He looked unsure of himself and a little vexed, "You've never allowed yourself to feel that strongly before, have you?"

Naminé blinked, "No." And it was true. For as much as she would prefer to never deal with Lauriam and Elrena again, she had still had some semblance of wanting to make peace with them. She didn't like them, but she didn't hate them either- not in the way she had moments before.

Being human was hard. Having a Heart with emotions was hard.

Vista placed his hand over hers, "I think you and Strelitzia are a lot alike." Naminé glared at him and he grinned a little, "I don't know much about her… but what I've discerned is that you both are very calm people."

Naminé paused at that, "Calm?"

Vista nodded, "Slow to anger, cautious… You feel lightly, but once you really trust someone, you feel that much more deeply. You have petite walls that are built with steel."

Naminé gave him a confused look, "That's an odd way to put it…"

Vista shrugged, "That's just how I see it." He sighed lightly and shifted, "The sooner Even and the others prepare a Replica for her, the better."

Naminé agreed to that wholeheartedly. "Yes."

Then, perhaps, even Ventus could have his closure with the Flower siblings.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

It was late at night, the others all having gone to their own Magicked rooms, when he'd made his way towards the kitchen.

Random lines of thought, troubles, and the vague annoyance that he hadn't had the chance to tell Aqua, Ava, and Terra about his name personally nagged at him.

Aqua and Ava at least deserved a proper introduction.

Fuck Terra.

There was a shift, and Vista snapped towards the sound as Merlin grinned at him, "Such violent thoughts for the peace of night."

Vista felt his cheeks warm, "Merlin." He observed the Old Wizard and slowly made his way over to the table. His Flood wrapped around his ankles as he cautiously sat down and oozed upwards into his lap with a heavy sigh. Vista smirked at their antics as he unconsciously began to pet them. "Why are you awake?"

Merlin hummed. The kitchen was dark, while not unusual for their nightly chats, it did seem more off putting with the older version of the Wizard than the younger. "You are aware that I have taken on this form to collect power, yes?"

Vista shuffled in his seat, "A little, yeah."

"It is for your sake that I have done so." Vista looked at Merlin in surprise. He knew he shouldn't have been shocked since he knew this, but he was anyway. "To examine you more deeply, I must create a pure vessel for my Lady to inhibit. Even then, no matter how pure I intend to make it, it will only last for a few hours. It simply will never be as pure as she deserves."

Vista blinked as his throat slightly closed up, "Th-the Lady of the Lake?"

Merlin smiled, "Yes. I certainly hope to get to the bottom of those flowers- for you, for Naminé, and most certainly, Strelitzia."

Vista exhaled his emotions and slumped in his seat, "Oh." He stared at the table for a moment before looking up at his Guardian, "Still, you're awake."

Merlin blinked, "Why wouldn't I be?" His smile became mysterious in a way that made Vista's hair stand on end. "I am here for you all when you have need of me. That is how it works for me to be your Guardian. I am available to you all at all times."

Vista swallowed and replied weakly, "I didn't realize…"

Merlin waved a hand dismissively, "It is nothing to be concerned about. It is my pleasure and honor to be an ear to listen and a mouth to impart advice. Yen Sid is just as available, but he is... cryptic at times."

Vista snorted, "Yeah." He went quiet for a time, and Merlin simply let him have it. He knew the Darkling had something on his mind- something that had been growing for some time.

"...Merlin?"

"Yes, Vista?"

Vista felt his face warm, as he felt unsure of how to ask this. "Can I… Can I have something that's your symbol?"

Merlin blinked, "Hm?"

Vista pulled his Flood into his arms as they snuffled in surprise before purring happily at being held for the sake of comfort. "It's just- I'll always be marked by the Unversed. The Unversed were born from me and return to me in death. I… I will never escape that. Whether they are remembered fondly or bitterly, they will always be my emotions." Merlin nodded as Vista continued, "But… I'm your student. Whether or not it's only for a little while, it's because of you that I could begin to grasp my humanity." He felt unsure of himself, terrified and embarrassed all the same when he knew there was no need for such paltry emotions. "I just want… I want to always remember our connection. That I can always turn to you when I need advice. I…" He trailed off, unsure of how else to word the feelings in his heart.

Merlin swallowed, "Vista, what sort of symbol do you associate with me..?" He was curious, and due to his many forms, he was not entirely clear.

Vista shifted awkwardly, "Th-those flowers… Like those ear cuff things you have, or that sometimes bloom around you just because."

Merlin blinked. The flowers that bloomed in Avalon? Why- oh. Of course. He'd marked Fou in a similar manner, hadn't he? Merlin smiled warmly, "Did you want a necklace or something..?" He'd have to drag a more concrete answer from the poor boy.

Vista unconsciously grabbed his ear and gently rubbed the side of it, "I uhm, I was sort of thinking about getting my ears pierced…" Merlin raised an eyebrow as Vista continued, "I mean! I've kind of wanted to get my ears pierced for a while- Lodur has a handful of them and I think I kind of like the aesthetic, so uh-"

Merlin snorted before he chuckled, "Then I will create a set of earrings for you, if you find flowery earrings acceptable."

Vista brightened as he grinned toothily, "I'll be sure to blast anyone with my wand if they say it's not manly."

Merlin felt himself sweat as he sighed tiredly, "Vista, you can't just blast people."

Vista gave him a pure and innocent look, "Yeah I can. They're insulting me and my mentor, and you're super badass."

Merlin was surprised he'd say as much while a feminine voice laughed like the bubbling of water around them.

Vista sucked in a sharp breath as he shrunk into himself while looking around frantically.

Merlin slumped a little as he looked upwards and spoke gently, "My Lady…"

'Merlin, he's quite charming past all the vulgarity.'

Merlin sniffed, "I think that vulgarity makes him oddly refreshing, compared to his present company."

Vista was ready to slide off his seat in terror as he breathlessly spoke, "The Lady of the Lake is this close?!" Oh sweet Void. He'd taint her with his presence alone! No wait- His Lady might get pissed at the proximity of such purity..!

The Lady giggled again, a beautiful tinkling thing that should have evoked compassion and love, but instead intensified Vista's terror. 'Sleep little Shade. We shall meet at Dawn's Breaking.'

Vista nodded, nearly sliding off his chair as he stumbled off back to his room in a flash as his Flood grunted from the manhandling.

The Lady's presence wrapped around Merlin's shoulders, as if she were merely standing behind him. 'That Darkling is quite intriguing. He has far more awareness of the powers of the Worlds than I'd given him credit for.'

Merlin hummed as he placed a hand over where her hand would have lain on his shoulder, "He is intelligent, but I have spoken of you to him. He knows of my great respect for you."

The Lady squeezed his shoulder, as glitter began to form her silhouette. 'Well then. Let Dreamers Dream, and Lovers Love, my dear.'

Merlin closed his eyes. "There is still much to do this night."

'Sleep for once, lest you be Summoned again.'

He hummed and allowed her presence to guide him to his bed for proper rest.

'The children shall Dream Sweetly in the waves of my affection.'

So he allowed himself true slumber, and recalled the day The Lily, Artoria, pulled the sword from the stone.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

A/N: I'm sorry if this chapter comes off as a little messy. I had a lot of trouble with it. I initially wrote the first part, hated it, started a new doc to begin the chapter anew… only to realize I still needed most of the original version, only to combine them and still have some trouble… And well. Anyways. I hope it's still an enjoyable chapter.

Please R&R!