Sorry this took so long, between Acen cosplay completion, hell at work, losing my cat to health complications, and generally struggling with the chapter's direction, this took longer than planned to get out. Also,things are a little out of order, but I felt it flowed best despite that. The Diamond Dust Keyblade mentioned in this chapter is pictured on KHWiki under the KHuX profile 'plus 25' tab.
I have adjusted the Ava and Namine scene in the previous chapter and removed Ava's suggestion that Namine should look through Strelitzia's Memories. I felt it was repetitive, and It'd been bothering me since posting.
TW: Body dysphoria, sound/touch dysphoria, and nausea. I am also bad at writing fight scenes, so sorry about that.
I woke up in the trash and got adopted by the local trio.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Morning was a sluggish thing that dragged at his heels and made him want to curl under the blankets for that much longer as the day bled away.
But he knew it was time to get up. He had missions to complete for her Union, just like every other before it.
It was important to collect Lu-
Roxas opened his heavy eyes and pushed himself up in a daze while he glanced around his room, vaguely noting that Xion must have gotten up before him some time ago.
Back during the Organization days, he could simply roll out of bed and move on, even when he'd been asleep for weeks.
But today it was like his body was too heavy and that his energy was gone.
Why did the room feel so unfamiliar? Where were the plants that should be in that corner, or that bookcase-
He pushed through his addled thoughts with a stretch and a groan as he pulled back his covers and stood on oversensitive feet. He wavered there as she tried to balance himself and yawned absently.
It's time to wake up and visit the Town Square.
Roxas went through his morning routine (or was it?) with bleary eyes and the notion that something wasn't quite right.
He was too tall (too short?), too muscular (too willowy?), there were books she wanted to read (but the titles were half forgotten and blurred-!), and he needed to visit his brother.
Roxas choked on his toothbrush as it hit the wrong way, making him gag and cough into the sink before finally waking up enough to be himself. He looked at his reflection clearly and froze as toothpaste burned against his chin and lips.
He slowly set a hand down on the sink and bowed his head, wiping his chin with the side of his other hand before turning the faucet on to rinse his mouth as his stomach felt like sunken lead.
He put his toothbrush away and sighed to himself before looking at his reflection again with a sad, yet resigned expression.
So many others had painted his life. Sora made his life possible, Ventus gave him his shape, and now…
Well. What were green eyes to paint the life he'd never lived, but took into himself?
He tried to smile before chiding himself with a small helpless laugh as he held the sink and bowed his head, looking at everything and nothing. "What else did you think would happen, Roxas?" He sniffed before exhaling lightly, "You didn't want Xion, or any of the others to have to risk themselves like this, right..?"
He felt himself wilt a little, as the foreign weight of someone else's entire life and their Memories aligned and blended into his mere two years.
Because that was the truth of taking in Strelitzia's Memories as he had. This was more than Dreaming someone else's sporadic life- this was a life in total. From the earliest of childhood memories of being cared for by parents and taught, to those young teenage years of running away from home with her brother as their parents became sick with something she couldn't comprehend.
As their lives were changed when they entered that Town.
As she gained her Keyblade, and used borrowed Magic through Medals of Light and Dark.
Of discovering her own unique Magic, and wishing so desperately to be as strong as her brother.
Roxas felt his stomach roll and he covered his mouth to try and suppress the feelings of sickness that abruptly bowled over him with a gag.
He understood a girl's thoughts and actions, of wondering and ignorance.
Of simple times and harder times.
Roxas abruptly understood a lot about humanity, and felt for the first time in a long while that his skin didn't fit quite right. That his hair was tickling his ear just a bit too much, that his nails were too short, and that his legs were too long.
He moved his hand away from his face slowly and made himself breathe.
There were times when the way the Samurai moved called to him, and he wondered fleetingly, what it'd be like to eat the Heartless just like-
He shook his head to remove those invasive thoughts.
Roxas pushed himself away from the sink and dressed in his usual clothes for the day (but wouldn't it be nicer to wear her usual dress?). The fabrics felt wrong today, and he yearned for his Black Coat and gloves to escape the extra layers.
To wear something that moved and changed with you.
His senses were too loud today, as even the scent of his clothes and room weren't quite right.
There was no comfort here.
Roxas closed his eyes and lifted his head to breathe in and out on a count, meditating on simply himself.
It took a long while, but slowly, he felt in tune with his body again while he exhaled lightly and opened his eyes once more.
A light knock at the door caught his attention, and he smirked slightly before walking over to open it.
Xion stood there with clasped hands at her waist, as she waited there in trepidation. She perked up with a smile as their eyes met before she froze. Before he could react she gently moved him back into his room and used her heel to coax the door closed from the noise and view of the others.
Her hands had a barely there tremble on his forearms as she kept his gaze, locked and concerned as she clearly wracked through many unspoken thoughts.
Her mouth moved, but no words could escape her lips as the right thing to say or ask wouldn't come.
Roxas smiled helplessly and pulled her into a hug to break her gaze, as she wrapped her arms tightly around him and buried her face into his neck. She gasped softly as he felt the tell tale warmth of tears tickle his skin and the heat of her breath as he rubbed her back gently in comfort.
Was there anything he could say to comfort her, when he couldn't even comfort himself?
"Roxas…"
He smiled even further at himself before he spoke with a dry husk in his tone, "Good morning, Xion."
Xion sniffed with a held back sob, "Morning." It was nearly noon!
Roxas held her, allowing her a moment to her own thoughts before she finally sniffled and relaxed against him to ask, "What happened?"
Roxas gently leaned his head against hers as he closed his eyes, "I didn't want you to have to absorb someone else's Memories… and I thought, that maybe since Naminé has Strelitzia's Heart… That they might suggest for her to use her power over Memory to create her Data, and I just…" He took in a deep breath before sighing, "I just didn't want either of you to have to go through that."
Xion was quiet for a moment as she let that sink in. She wanted to be angry and say that he shouldn't have to deal with it either, when she felt guilt rise up within her as she realized that she was grateful.
How would she be able to keep her own life and Memories straight, if she simply kept absorbing the Memories of others?
Wasn't that the whole reason why she'd sacrificed herself? To make it stop, and to not hurt anyone?
Roxas gently ran his hand through her hair before pulling back slightly to look her in the eyes as he cupped her cheek, "I held on to your Memories and the fragments of your Heart so that you could come back… So I thought that I could do it again. That I could keep Strelitzia's Memories safe… I just didn't realize that it would mean taking in, and feeling as though I'd lived her life. I didn't- that's not-" His face crumpled as he clenched his green eyes closed and grit his teeth to reign in his emotions. To keep his feelings in check and not cry over his own choices as his throat kept his voice.
Xion raised her hands up to cup his cheeks and pressed her forehead against his as Roxas exhaled emotionally, "I didn't know it'd be like this."
He felt grief over so many things he couldn't even begin to speak of, as Xion held him close and allowed him to release his emotions as they held one another.
I hope one day, I can call that person by name, and that we can be friends.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Ventus had awoken with distinct discomfort, though he couldn't discern its source.
Was it external, or internal? Both? Was it his brothers, or the girls connected to them?
He had to smile and dissuade Aqua and Terra from prying. He had no answers, and he'd happily explain if he knew what this feeling was.
But he didn't, and his left wrist throbbed in tandem with his left shoulder as he tried to massage out the knot that was building there.
When he went to stretch for the day in the Bubble World, Xion was already there. Clearly bothered and already warmed up for the day by the light flush of her face. She glanced at him morosely before giving him a small smile, "Morning Ven."
He tipped his head in greeting, "Good morning, Xion. Up early?"
Xion nodded, "Yeah. I'm going to go shopping with Hayner, Pence, and Olette later today."
Ventus took that in with a smile, "Sounds fun, tell them I said hi, okay?"
"I will." Xion shifted slightly, as one hand held her Kingdom Key behind her, while the other clasped her wrist tiredly, "...Ven?" He hummed in answer as she continued, "Does it feel like… something's off today?"
Ventus's eyes widened a little in surprise before they dimmed, "Yeah." He exhaled lightly as he looked out towards the horizon, "I'm not sure what this unsettled feeling is… but I don't think today's going to go the way I hoped it would."
Xion tilted her head slightly in curiosity, "What do you mean?" She straightened, "Oh, you mean with Master Ava and Master Gula?"
Ventus nodded minutely, "Yeah. I just- the air feels off, now." He summoned Wayward Wind, "Would you mind helping me warm up a bit, and spar?"
Xion nodded and shifted her grip on her Keyblade, "Sure but… Haven't you been hesitant lately when sparring against any of us?"
Ventus gave her a wobbly grin as he shifted position and unconsciously whirled his Keyblade in wait, "Yes, and with good reason, but… If something happens, and it's against other people… I need to be able to protect my friends without freezing." He strengthened his stance to be at the ready, "I have to be prepared."
Xion nodded and got into position before pushing off at him, as he blocked before trading blows with her.
Slowly his misgivings eased, as she grinned at him and they created challenging rules for their matches.
There were times they paused, as he suggested adjustments to her stance, or the angle of launching certain abilities that would be more suitable for her shape.
It was fun, in its own way.
"I wonder if I'll ever get one again."
Ventus paused as he wiped his brow from one of their breaks, "Hm? What do you mean?"
She was staring longingly at his keychain before shaking her head slightly to look away bashfully, "A new Keychain to change my Keyblade's form… Roxas and I… we had some, back when we were in the Organization together. I… I think he still has his, but when I… returned, I lost them all."
Ventus watched her with some surprise before glancing at the grass with a hum, "Well, do you really need to change your Keyblade?"
Xion paused, pursed her lips, and shifted uncomfortably before slumping with a sigh. "It just… I still feel like I'm borrowing it from Sora, since Kingdom Key is… it just feels like it's his Keyblade. I want one that's distinctly mine, like… Like all of you."
Her eyes were glassy with frustration, and Ventus couldn't help but ruffle his hair in confusion. He felt a small bit of indecision, before slumping, "Uhm, Xion?" She looked at him with a hint of self pity. "I know it's not exactly the same, but uh, I have a Keychain that I think might be suitable, at least, as a start?"
Xion gave him a weird look before straightening, "You do?"
Ventus nodded before rummaging through his old inventory. It was a somewhat common Keychain, back in the ancient days, but it was something rewarded after a great deal of effort. Missing Ache had been his primary Keyblade back then, but he had upgraded this one to level 30 for specific missions, so it was mostly as evolved as it could get without the necessary items.
He pulled it out, and after a cursory glance to note that it was still leveled, lifted it with triumph, "Here!" He placed the Keychain into Xion's hand and willed it to stay as it was. He sensed the Keychain's confusion, as it tinkled in the back of his mind before it accepted its new owner. He smiled and pulled away his hand, as the remnants of its voice left him with a quiet thank you.
It would find more use and affection in her hands, and sometimes, it was best to hand over a Keychain that was more suitable to another.
It was a sad thing, to have Keychains collect and fall into disuse.
Xion examined the snow crystal motif with pursed lips, puzzled at its odd familiarity before smiling slightly and unhooking Kingdom's Keychain, before slipping on the new one she'd inherited.
The Keyblade glowed, and soon enough she was holding a new blade with snow and ice as its theme.
Xion puzzled over it with quirked eyebrows, as the Keyblade whispered its name, Diamond Dust, into her consciousness.
It was a new form of a Keyblade Sora had used a few times, though why Ventus had it in a different form was a question for another day.
"Ven, you do know Vexen originally created me, and that he's an ice user, right?"
Ventus stilled in shock as he stared at her in jumbled horror.
Xion blinked before snorting and covering her mouth with a small laugh, "V-ven, I'm not upset! It's okay, I just thought-" Ventus still looked a little struck as she roughly patted his shoulder, causing him to wince, "It's ironic, that's all." She gently placed her hand where she'd bopped his shoulder and squeezed gently with a smile, "It's alright. Thank you." She grinned, "Sora used a different form of this during his adventure, but this is even prettier then when he had it. It's still different."
Ventus flushed and studied the grass below, feeling even more foolish. He hadn't realized just how connected their Keyblades all were, even though he should have had some clue, since he'd been there in Sora's Heart during that time…
He glanced up at her, and finally took in the warmth and thanks in her eyes, "O-oh." He rubbed at his scalp a little harder than necessary, "A-as long as you like it?" Xion nodded and he finally relaxed with an awkward smile, "Good." He grinned, "Thanks for sparring with me this morning, Xion."
Xion nodded as she snatched his hand and pulled him along towards the exit, "My pleasure! It's almost lunchtime I bet, and I'm getting super hungry."
Ventus laughed weakly, "Yeah. my bad. I'm pretty hungry myself."
They separated once back in the apartment and cleaned up from their morning spar.
But the disquiet never truly left.
Soon enough, Ven came to learn that no one had seen or heard from Roxas that morning. Xion immediately left to look into it, as he sat at the table with a contemplative frown on his face.
Sora watched him, before glancing at Vista, who in turn looked at him. Naminé also watched him for a moment before Ventus squirmed, "What? Why are you guys looking at me like that?"
Sora relaxed with a tiny grin, "O-oh, so it's not you?"
Ventus blinked and looked at Vista as the Darkling grumbled tiredly, "I told you it's not him- at least, not completely."
Naminé smiled at Ventus slightly, "There's a lot of unease today, that's all. We were just trying to figure out which one of us is feeling this way today. It's… particularly acute."
Ventus's eyes widened slightly, "Oh." He placed his hand on his chest and clenched his fist, "I do feel a little uneasy about later, but this… dread, it's not me."
Sora hummed lowly with his arms crossed in thought. Ventus examined his brother and raised his eyebrow, "Are you okay, Vista?" The Darkling glared up at him with circles under his eyes while Ventus instinctively winced, "Uh-"
Vista huffed, "Shitty night. I'm better now."
Ventus nodded absently, "Got it." He took a quick nervous bite of the sandwich waiting for him and chewed methodically. He felt like he kept making missteps with everyone, and it made him feel young and foolish.
He felt so inadequate compared to the others-
He clenched his eyes shut to try and block out those old thoughts.
Sure, he was still re-learning things from the past, and learning new things now. He couldn't be perfect! He was still just a teenager!
A child, really.
Nausea rolled in his stomach and he set his sandwich down abruptly. He didn't notice his bond siblings act similarly as Aqua focused on his unusual action first, "Ven?"
He swallowed thickly before glancing at Aqua as a nervous sweat tickled his temple.
She frowned and brushed her hand along the side of his head, "Are you alright?"
He wanted to say something, but Roxas's door finally opened, and everyone looked towards him and Xion.
Only for blue to meet green as a distinctly sharp and agonizing fearhaterunstop! ran through his veins and clenched his stomach. Roxas took a fearful unconscious step back before grabbing Xion's hand while breaking eye contact with him and dragged her out with a confused yelp.
The table was silent for a moment, as those left out of their bond puzzled at that abrupt departure.
Vista was frozen along with Sora and Naminé, before the Darkling swore, "Shit." Vista buried his face into his hands and rubbed his face harshly, "Fuck."
Aqua was uneasy as she glanced between the four of them, "Vista, what-"
Ventus stood abruptly, before stiffly walking to the hallway bathroom and slammed the door shut behind himself.
He stood there pressed against the door frozen, stuck between wanting to throw up, scream, or curl up into himself. He was paralyzed, and he almost felt as if everyone's eyes were judging him.
Pick up the book.
He barely made it to the sink before he retched. He was miserable as he coughed and wondered if he should force himself to throw up for the sake of it, but what was the point?
Roxas had touched Strelitzia's Memories.
He'd taken them in, and they could all feel that change.
How could you..?
Tears burned his eyes as his body refused to give him peace as his mind raced through sporadic Memories.
Ventus, you weren't chosen by Master Ava.
Ventus slumped against the sink as his forehead touched the cool glass of the mirror in exhaustion. He was haunted by his innocence and naivete. His stupid childish wishes and hopes that brought him to the worst point imaginable.
What sort of person was I, anyway?
He wailed weakly as he clutched at his face tiredly and agonized over what he remembered, and that which was still forgotten behind the fog of Time.
Why did things have to continuously go wrong..? Why couldn't he do anything right today..? He had just barely made nice with his twin, and as prickly as he was towards him, Ventus enjoyed Roxas's sharp personality. He was genuine, and there were times he witnessed the other's kindness and good nature.
Roxas was such a great guy, and he wanted to be his friend!
He agonized there for an indistinguishable amount of time before a gentle hand pressed onto his back in an attempt to soothe him, "...Ven."
Aqua's voice was gentle, as Ventus shakily took in a deep breath. He felt so broken, "...Aqua."
"...Is there anything I can do to help you?"
She sounded so hesitant despite the gentleness of her soft voice, comforting as it always was for him. He shuddered a breath before finally collecting himself enough to straighten up. He felt like a complete mess, still so horribly sick on the inside as his body left him miserable without release. "I don't know."
He couldn't meet her concerned gaze in the mirror, he couldn't even muster any feelings when she wrapped her arms around him from behind and pulled him close as she lightly placed her head on top of his. He stared morosely at the sink, slowly easing into her comforting presence before closing his eyes in surrender.
He placed a hand on top of hers and squeezed it gently, as they stood in pained silence.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Hayner grinned as he waved down the road, "Roxas, Xion!"
Roxas grinned and waved back, "Hey Hayner!"
Olette turned and waved, acknowledging them, "You guys ready to shop today?"
Xion smiled uneasily, "Yup!"
Pence nodded in greeting as Roxas returned it in silence, "So, any particular ideas for what you guys wanna shop for?"
Xion hummed, "Just some extra clothes. Maybe a few accessories and a notebook."
Olette grinned, "And I know just the places to go to! What about you Roxas?"
Hayner sniffed as he crossed his arms, "We'll probably just hang out-"
Roxas turned to Olette and ignored Hayner, "I think I'd like some new accessories."
Hayner gaped before groaning before Pence chuckled at his antics, "Guess you and me are going to the computer store by ourselves, Hayner."
Hayner crossed his arms with a shrug, "Guess so." He grinned at Roxas, "But if you get bored of hanging out with the girls, you're free to join us!"
Roxas's smile was difficult to read as he nodded, "Sure."
They began to make their way into town, towards their preferred destinations before splitting off.
Roxas didn't really mind being alone with the two girls, as Olette gave him a concerned look on occasion. However, he really had wanted some new accessories. There were times, more and more lately, that he felt as though he needed to distinguish himself from Ventus. They had similar styles, and the checkered motif between them was strong.
Olette sidled up next to him in the jewelry section, as she tilted her head curiously while clasping her hands behind her back, "Wouldn't enchanted jewelry be better for you?"
Roxas blinked before looking at her in confusion, "I have a lot of different accessories, but they're kind of… samey between all of us. The Moogles are great, but some of their styles are… over used?"
Olette nodded with a small smile, "I see." She hummed, "Are you looking to get your ears pierced or something?"
Roxas blinked, "Huh?"
Olette pointed to the assortment in front of him, "You're looking at earrings."
Roxas felt his cheeks flush, "Oh. No I-" He clicked his mouth shut and grit his teeth to collect his thoughts before sighing softly, "I'm… confused."
Olette observed him with a concerned frown, "About what?"
Roxas stared ahead of himself, looking at nothing, before shifting to look towards Xion with a soft and tired gaze as he responded even more quietly, "A lot, and nothing."
Olette watched him for a long moment, before deciding with a weary smile to drop the subject, "Well, if you need someone else to talk to about it, I'm here for you guys."
Roxas smiled and met her eyes, "Thanks, Olette." He moved towards Xion, as Olette was left disquieted by his actions.
Still. The three of them managed to get what they'd gone out for- New clothes and new accessories. However, Roxas decided to separate from the two girls and let them have some alone time, as he waved them off with concerned looks.
He had a few things he needed to get, and they didn't need to come with him.
Roxas was also well aware that the two girls probably had plenty that they'd wanted to talk about, but couldn't with him present.
He took in a deep breath and exhaled tiredly, as he meandered along outdoor shop windows. Taking in their front displays, and pausing if something caught his eye for a moment.
Soon enough he turned a corner and noticed a new boutique had opened up. He glanced over the cursive writing of the sign before he was left nearly breathless by the dress in the window.
That dress..!
He jogged over to the window and stared at the display piece in awe, as he looked it over from side to side.
It was so much like her dress that it was almost scary. The front accordion pleating, the lace trim.
The sleeves were different as well as the collar, but it was so much like the one she used to wear!
Roxas moved over to the door, and once he realized the shop was open, he made his way in.
"Hello!" The girl at the counter smiled brightly at him, "What brings you into our store today?"
Roxas glanced back at the dress in the window, "I was wondering about that white dress…"
The girl smiled brightly, "It's a one of a kind piece! Handmade with loving care."
Roxas nodded slowly, "I'd like to buy it."
The girl nodded, "Sure! Though, are you sure you have enough munny?"
Roxas blinked and gave her an odd look, "What do you mean?"
The girl nervously clasped her hands, "It's just, you're a highschooler, right? Most kids don't have enough pocket money for our items. Don't you want to know how much it costs, so if you need to put it on layaway, we can give you time to save for it..?"
Roxas blinked, realizing she wasn't quite wrong, but it was still a bit rude.
But he thought over the munny he had from all the Heartless he'd taken out, amongst all of the other small jobs he'd taken on. "Uhm, I'm sure I have the munny, unless it's over one million..?"
The girl stared at him in shock, before shaking herself off as she swiftly made her way to the display piece. "I apologize for my manners. I hope you don't mind that this was on our mannequin, it's the only one we've made so far."
Roxas shrugged, "It seems okay to me."
The store clerk nodded and carefully took down the mannequin, before carefully removing the display piece. He could tell it was well made, as Strelitzia's knowledge of sewing made him more critical of the garment's stitching.
Swiftly it was wrapped in paper before being placed into a box with a bow, "That will be twenty five thousand munny."
Roxas nodded and paid for the piece before the clerk bowed deeply, "For being one of our first thirteen customers, I've placed a commemorative hair pin inside with your purchase." She straightened up and gave him a charming smile as she handed his purchase to him in a square bag, "Have a wonderful day, and we hope to see you again soon!"
Roxas nodded and took his purchase, "Thanks, you too." He left the store with a jumble of feelings.
His stomach felt as though he had butterflies, like he was nervous about having bought a dress.
It was just a dress!
It was her dress.
Roxas shook his head and began to walk towards the meeting spot they'd all chosen, absently placing his prize into his inventory along with his other various purchases from throughout the day.
"-Oh. Number thirteen." Roxas stopped and met Mar-Lauriam's neutral gaze, "I hope you've been well."
Roxas swallowed, as her Memories sprang forth and made him want to act differently than what he was comfortable with. He smiled shakily, "I've been alright, you?"
"I have been well, thank you."
Roxas shifted awkwardly, "I don't see you around town too often."
Lauriam smiled kindly, "I go out to peruse the shops on occasion." He glanced somewhere in the distance, before his eyes dimmed in disappointment, "Ah. The fickle thing about shops is that some of them are a little more unique than others." His smile became rueful, "It's a bit of a gamble if something will be purchased or not."
Roxas felt as though he had an inkling of what Lauriam had probably been eyeing, but he chose to side step it as he scratched his head, "Uh, well. I guess?"
Lauriam met his gaze again as he vaguely tilted his head in confusion before shaking himself, "Well. I won't keep you, my apologies, Roxas."
Roxas nodded and went to walk away before a voice spoke out from the nearby alleyway, "Lauriam of Anguis, and one of Ava's chosen Dandelions." The tip of a jagged brown Keyblade that could have represented a claw or a bear's maw slowly sauntered out into the street as a muscular-seeming man revealed himself to the alerted Union Leader.
Lauriam shifted into a defensive stance as he placed some small purchases into his inventory, "Master Aced..?" He was perplexed, with questions and worries jumbling together in his mind as he observed the Foreteller, "What business do you have here, if I might ask?" How was he even here at all..?
The once-older man, who may very well be of similar age, sneered at him, "I could ask you the same thing, traitor." He shifted as his cream, brown, taupe, and golden yellow clothes shifted with his movements, "It seems I'll finally get to understand just why Ava was allowed to go against The Rules by creating her own Union!"
Aced went to push forward before being interrupted by the bystander, "Wait! What do you mean by rules?!"
The Ursus leader paused as he observed the boy near him, "...Ventus… Of Leopardus?" He frowned as Roxas took a half step back, stuck between weariness and insult, "You are just as traitorous as Lauriam, here."
Lauriam swiftly made his way to Roxas's side as Aced adjusted his stance to attack once more, "Now prepare yourselves!"
Lauriam missed his chance to grab Roxas's hand before the teen summoned Oathkeeper and Oblivion, "Bring it on!"
Aced paused, "Two?!" He growled lowly, "To be capable of summoning two Keyblades, what have you done?!"
Roxas paused, confused by the older man's reaction before his balance was shifted by Lauriam's abrupt grasp on his wrist, "Trust me and run!"
"Wha- but we can take him!"
Lauriam shook his head vehemently as he pulled Roxas along, "Aced is much like Terra, Roxas. Have you beaten his pure Power yet?"
Roxas swallowed hard as he finally understood Lauriam's hesitancy, "N-no, not yet-"
"Then run, and do not dare look back."
They barely felt the vibration of the earth before it split beneath them.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Gula could barely stand to drink his glass of water, let alone enjoy the plate in front of him as he waited for Ventus to arrive. The past two days had dragged at his heels as he did his best to act normally, and to fulfill the missions and requests the others had asked of him.
He took in a deep breath before sighing heavily in silence. He had noted Ventus's friends at their usual table- more aware of them than ever as they loitered there. They were clearly daily guests, to such a point that the individual who owned the place chatted with them on and off. The blue haired one had met his eye and nodded before sipping long-cold tea while staring hard at a newspaper as his red haired companion gave him a shark toothed wave.
Gula's green eyes scoped each passing body impatiently as he hoped to see that familiar mismatched cream and black jacket, along with that strange armor his young (ex)Union member now wore.
"It's been some time, hasn't it, Gula?"
The Leopard startled up from his seat as his eyes met bright violet and he immediately missed his mask as his cheeks felt as though they were on fire. "A-Ava!" He felt breathless as she stood there with a small peaceful smile on her face, the familiar warmth of camaraderie filled him with relief as he slowly stood, "It- is it really you?" He almost couldn't speak, nearly bowled over in unbelief at seeing her in the flesh once more, unmasked!
While her boots were the usual standard for them, the grey tights, light pink skirt, cream top, and cropped light pink jacket suited her just as finely as their official robes did. He felt awkwardly underdressed compared to her effort as she flushed lightly at his gaze, "Y-yes, it's me." She glanced away from him and gently tugged on her milkshake pink hair, "U-uhm, It's kind of awkward, with you staring like that…"
Gula felt like his heart was going to burst, from embarrassment and admiration both, "I-sorry, it's just that youlooksopretty!"
She snapped to his gaze with a flush as he gasped at his own words before plopping down into his seat and covering his face. Get ahold of yourself Gula! This isn't like you at all!
Ava could help but nearly laugh at his plight, as her friend since childhood battled with his feelings as she pulled out her chair and sat next to him, "Thank you, Gula."
He opened a few fingers shyly as he met her eyes again, and he took her grin as a sign that she wasn't offended and relaxed. "You're welcome." His face felt hot from embarrassment, but he returned her smile, "I'm so glad- How did they find you so quickly..?" He pulled his hands away from his face and nearly reached out towards her before pulling his hands to his lap.
Ava tilted her head in slight confusion before brightening a little as she nodded. "Oh, right. Ventus… Well." She glanced away shyly for a moment in thought before returning to his attention. "I've been living here for a little while, but… Ventus understandably was hesitant to simply inform you he knew where I was. That was my choice… but before I came here, I was in a completely different place, where only the dead can reach."
Gula's eyes widened as his heart sank, "...The dead..? Did-did you die Ava?"
Ava blinked before raising her hands in the negative and shaking her head, "Oh, no! I- I can't quite explain how I got there, simply that I ended up appearing there. I lived there for some time, made connections, and eventually met with Sora." She turned her gaze away from him as she leaned back comfortably with her hands folded in her lap. "He was the connection I needed to return to this side. A lot's happened, and well…" She bowed her head for a moment in thought before looking him in the eyes again, "I've met so many Wielders who've accepted me as I am… and… It's been fun to be friends with them and teach them what I know."
Gula frowned slightly, "But Ava… did you never think to look for us..?"
Ava watched him for a moment before staring at her hands, "I'd thought about it of course, but after everything that had happened between all of us… Well." She gave Gula a sad smile as she looked at him again, "There's no one left to teach them, so I felt my purpose was to be here to guide them."
Gula paused, "No one left..?"
Ava nodded as she turned herself to face him, "They don't know the precepts, what's taboo and what isn't… about the sacred parts of Wielding. So many of them have been fumbling around for years without proper knowledge, that even the ones who should know, the few that there are… Even they are too lacking in knowledge."
Gula pursed his lips, "Ava, it's not our job to teach them. Watch over them, sure, but their Chirithy-"
"There aren't any Chirithy left, Gula."
Gula froze before frowning, "What are you talking about? Ventus had his the other day-"
Ava cautiously extended her hand to him, and he stared at her peace offering before placing his hand in hers before she spoke, "Gula. The children from our Unions in the Ancient Past might still have theirs… but that's it. I still don't quite know the specifics, and unfortunately Ventus and the others have some level of amnesia about it… but…" She sighed gently, "There are no more Guides. Simply long lines of Wielders who were of Blue Blood and not… Of worthless hierarchies and lost Worlds. Gula, the last of the Wielders who knew anything died off twelve years ago… and their students vanished under various circumstances."
Ava smiled at him sadly, "But even they know nearly nothing, despite their recovery. All of them are like young chicks struggling in a storm of expectations and circumstance."
Gula felt something shift in him. A prick of… envy, perhaps. He wasn't sure, but he stepped upon it and blotted it out with his light. He had no need for such foolish sentimental grudges. "Ava, don't act like we weren't thrown into a position well above our heads when we began our Unions."
Ava's eyes dimmed, and he immediately knew he'd made a mistake as she gently slid her hand away from his and stood, "Yes, but we at least had our Master. They…" She sighed softly as she went to turn away, "They had nothing, and were expected to protect Kingdom Hearts with nothing."
Gula gasped as he went to grab her wrist in a panic, "Ava, I'm sorry, I-!"
Something exploded in the distance as the dust of earth ascended upwards as the impact reverberated the world around them. He lost his balance for only a moment before straightening, staring out in confused wonder towards the fading cloud of dust.
Ava held her hands close to her chest, as a pink ring with a shining aqua line in its center on her left finger caught his eye. She was frozen before slowly turning to him, "Did you lie to me..?"
Her eyes were shining in confusion and the hope that he wouldn't betray her so bitterly, as a jumble of painful feelings built up in his chest, manifesting into confusion. "No! No, I would never!"
He gasped as he made a connection and growled, "Aced..!"
The Bear had been suspicious of him on and off for some time, and Gula couldn't help but feel he hadn't quite forgiven him for breaking their truce.
Ava clasped her hand on his shoulder, "Gula, don't let the darkness of your emotions control you."
Gula took a sharp breath as he met her gaze once more, searching her determined features before nodding, "Right."
"Ava." The blue haired man stepped over to them with a large magically imbued Claymore, as his partner twirled a flame-inspired Keyblade before transforming it into two chakrams, "We will protect the people here, go."
Ava nodded as she pulled away from Gula into a run, her clothes magically shifting into the Foreteller robes as she called forth Vulpes. He clicked his tongue as his own robes washed over him in a magical gleam, Leopardus coming to his call quickly enough. He glanced towards the two men as they spoke in silent challenge before the red head tilted his head onwards, "If she's your girl, get on with it, man!"
Gula sputtered before running after Ava.
It was all his fault, after all of his searching and the disregard of the others, for her reappearance to be revealed.
He would not let Aced or the others ruin the fragile ice he stood upon, as he chased after his childhood friend and most cherished person.
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
Superior
Terra was by himself, meditating on his back in a small clearing when the silent voice reached him.
Sometimes the Earth hummed and spoke, but this was most certainly not his element reaching for him.
Blue eyes opened as he pushed himself into a cautious sitting position. He frowned at the Sorcerer as they floated within the domain of Merlin's Bubble World. "I thought you guys only answered to Roxas these days." There was an underlying smoothness to his tone as his voice deepened into baritone.
Xemnas had most certainly left his mark upon his body.
Number Thirteen and Eleven are being pursued by a Bear.
Terra furrowed his brows as he cautiously stood, well aware that Nobodies didn't, and more likely, could not enter this little World. Heartless certainly couldn't.
Which meant that this Nobody had come with concern towards Wielders.
"What exactly do you mean by Bear? Roxas and Lauriam should be able to handle a creature like that just fine."
The Sorcerer rippled in possible annoyance before floating closer to him. The Bear followed The Leopard. The Bear's Claw is of matching Power to The Earth.
Terra looked the Nobody over as the remnants of Xemnas pieced the obtuse information together. "The Bear is a Keyblade Wielder?"
The Sorcerer nodded, and Terra turned slightly, "Guide me."
The Nobody nodded before floating over to Terra before the latter abruptly realized his choice of words may have unintended consequences as they held him close, and the World disappeared.
No Dark Corridor, but a strange warping and twisting of reality that in retrospect felt far too familiar and comfortable before The Sorcerer kept him steady and released him to the view of a rooftop.
Vibrations shook the Earth as a large cloud of dust lifted from nearby. Terra glanced at the Nobody, "Protect your Liege."
The Sorcerer bowed and disappeared in their own strange way as Terra caught sight of Lauriam and Roxas tumbling with their Keyblades from the might of another.
The robed man walked at a leisurely pace, as garments that were clearly of rank rankled at his memory, before Terra recalled Ava's original clothing.
A Foreteller.
His hand burned at the ready to call his Keyblade as he took in the situation.
"To believe that you would be allowed, unpunished, to Wield two Keyblades at once… I shall not let you go unscathed, Ventus."
Roxas scrambled to his feet with a scowl, clearly brushing off some of the damage he'd received while Lauriam was much slower to push himself to his feet. "What do you even mean!? I don't even know how or why I was able to Wield two Keyblades! I'm also not the only one who can! And for the record, I'm not-!"
The Bear roared, "Silence! I will not hear the words of a traitor!" A red and golden aura surrounded him as he readied his next attack, "I will not allow the Darkness to overtake your Heart!"
Lauriam finally got into position beside Roxas and began to glow with his own white-pink and blue Magic in response, however Terra was finally ready.
Ends of the Earth came to his hand with boisterous laughter as he launched off the rooftop he'd been left upon.
The Sorcerer appeared beside Roxas and created a barrier between the two Ex-Organization Members as Terra yelled, "Leave my Friends alone!"
The Bear started and barely shifted in time for their blades to clash, Power against Power as the mysterious man grunted at being matched.
They locked blades for a moment as metal sparked before shoving off from one another.
The Bear flicked his Keyblade out with an intrigued hum, "So you, too, are a Child of the Earth. Yet, you are steeped in Darkness." He shook his head, "How unfortunate that one such as you, with your Strength and Light, have succumbed."
Terra stood and shifted into a prepared battle stance, "I've fought the darkness in my Heart, and I'll continue to fight it. But I won't stand idly by as you damage this World, upset its Balance, and judge my struggles and pain with preconceived judgment!" He bared his teeth as gold surrounded his body while The Bear prepared his own counter, "I won't let you hurt my friends!" He pushed off and rammed into the man as the other grunted.
Blades clashed and sparked between hits, as Terra spun and twisted his Keyblade to plant Mines. A few straight combo's landed the other into his trap, and The Bear grunted as he dealt with the impact, "Such dirty methods of battle!"
Terra pulled back and returned to his beginning stance, "At least I'm not destroying the Town and messing with innocent people's lives in the process with my methods!"
The Bear shook himself as he returned to his own basic stance and frowned. He went silent for a moment before shifting into a more passive position, "Tell me. Do you not know the sort of taboo, the kind of evil that can cause the ability for one to Wield two Keyblades?"
Terra observed the man for a moment before snorting, "Of all the precepts Master Eraqus taught us, the sin of Wielding two Keyblades wasn't one of them, no." He straightened his shoulders, "In fact, the greatest of Honors could be awarded to those who could share Keyblades- not just their practice ones, but their Keyblade born of their Heart."
The Bear pulled back in disbelief before returning to an attack stance, "Such nonsense!" He shoved off as Terra blocked with a grunt before pushing the other away.
Suddenly Lauriam flickered beside Terra with a white gleam surrounding his body as he swung Divine Rose, "Dahlia's Grace!" White petals and beams of Light struck The Bear in shifting beams and small cutting blades as Lauriam slashed his Keyblade in what could only be described as a dance.
The Bear roared and broke through the attack before Roxas moved forward in a flurry of gleaming white, "Take this!" Thirteen slashes of Light slammed into the man as Ars Arcanum stunned him. Roxas seethed at this man's judgements of him and Terra. He didn't need to know why he was targeting Lauriam either, but he wouldn't take being called a sinner lying down.
Roxas pulled back, "Just who are you, and why are you after Lauriam and Ventus?!"
The Bear paused in his movements before standing on his guard, "I am Master Aced, an Apprentice of the Master of Masters, however… are you not Ventus?"
Roxas wanted to spit, "No! I've been trying to tell you, my name's Roxas! Ven and I are different people!"
Aced pursed his lips as Terra stood at the ready on Roxas's left, while Lauriam stood tiredly on his right.
Roxas sensed The Sorcerer Nobody hovering behind him as Aced observed them. "I suppose you must be different people, as your Light is not quite as bright… and certainly, that child wouldn't consort with empty shells such as those."
And with no warning, Aced was somehow behind him as he pierced his Ursus through The Sorcerer's middle, splitting it with a sickening tear as their voice startled through Lauriam, Roxas, and Terra's minds as it soundlessly screeched. Protect-!
Roxas felt something well in his chest, yet it was Terra who cried out in agony as he swung his Keyblade and threw Aced into a nearby building. Terra heaved in his breath while a strange sorrow gripped him.
They are mere pawns, yet, they were dear companions.
What sort of fresh mental hell was he in for, for Xemnas's feelings to grip and wrench his chest. Terra swallowed harshly as his eyes felt the heat of frustrated tears.
The Nobodies as they were, were simply neutral beings. They played dumb pranks or snatched Heartless, but with Roxas as their primary leader, they would do no harm.
They simply were.
The Sorcerer had not deserved the end they received.
Terra felt Power wash over him, as a cool rage engulfed him while tendrils of back and white thorns crawled towards his enemy. "You." Xemnas's emptiness pooled in Terra's chest, as the man's foreign feelings, littered with confusion and agony laced through his veins. "You dare harm that which is mine." Terra floated upwards, The End of the Earth in agreement with his foreign feelings. "Begone!"
Aced grunted as he was thrown into another building by those thorns before Terra warped in front of him and swung his blade. The Bear brought up his hilt and struggled against the other's might before pushing him off and charging with a yell, "You are all far too ignorant of your place!" He brought Ursus down in a charged swing, only to be thwarted by a barrier.
"Terra! Aced!"
Aced turned towards the familiar voice, as the traitorous mask of the Fox gazed in his direction, "AVA!" He grit his teeth and shifted towards her, his Keyblade prepared to take her head.
Ave shifted with grit teeth before disappearing in a fuzzy warp as seven copies of her slashed forward and through him. Aced grunted and landed harshly on the brick pavement before turning with a slash as he locked blades with his comrade. "Gula!"
Gula grunted in annoyance, "What do you think you're doing?!"
Aced bared his teeth, "You have been acting strangely as of late, so I followed you here… and now you're consorting with the enemy?!"
Gula hissed, "Since when was Ava ever our enemy!?"
Aced pushed him off before grabbing him by his collar, raising him with one hand as he shook the much shorter Master, "Since she created her own Union! Since she began consorting with the Darkness!"
Gula gripped the oaf's wrist as he fruitlessly kicked his legs in the air, "Ava would never consort with darkness!"
Ava felt her chest seize as she sharply inhaled. What… how did Aced know..?
Aced roared, "Do you not see that ring on her finger?! On all of their fingers!? There is a clear path of Darkness and Light! Mingling together as they never should!"
Gula barely glanced in her direction, recalling the ring he'd noted earlier and felt a twinge of disbelief, "That can't be-!"
Lauriam warped between them and slashed Divine Rose through Aced's arm, forcing The Bear to drop his prey and grab at his injured wrist. It hadn't been cut through with anything physical, and it acted more like a Magical burn that made his hand numb, "Lauriam!"
Lauriam panted as he placed himself in a guarded stance between the two Foretellers, "Maybe you should get all of the facts before throwing around accusations!"
Hands clapped in the distance as echoing steps came to bring forth a familiar silhouette, "Couldn't have said it better myself, Number Eleven."
Lauriam took a half step to the side as he stiffened, "You-?"
Terra stepped forward with a straight back and stiff shoulder as Xemnas's tones spilled forth, "Xigbar."
Aced glanced at the brunette before taking a step forward, "Luxu, what is the meaning of all this?"
Luxu chuckled, as yellow eyes met many familiar ones before landing on an old friend, "Well, well, well. If it isn't our lost kit, Ava. And here I thought your Role was complete."
Ava held her Keyblade at the ready as she observed her old friend in wondered confusion, "..Luxu..? Is this what you've become now? A vessel of darkness?"
Aced spun towards her, "How dare you!"
Luxu clamped his hand on The Bear's shoulder, "Now, now, Aced. I can understand why she'd feel that way, after all, I do have yellow eyes and pointy ears to match."
Aced bared his teeth, "Still, that is no reason to-!"
Luxu lifted his hand, and Aced backed down as the lanky Sniper summoned a familiar black Keyblade to his hand as he approached Ava's range. "Now, what would innocent little you know about the Darkness in someone's Heart, hmm..?" He slid his gaze to Roxas and his eyes crinkled along with a nasty grin, "Ah, Number Thirteen! It's been a while since we last talked!"
Roxas grit his teeth as a handful mix of Dusk and Samurai surrounded him, "What do you want, Xigbar?"
Luxu hummed as her rubbed his chin, "I happened to hear a little bit of a rumor is all. Just, something about Xehanort's old Apprentice showing up to cause chaos amongst you young Wielders again." He gave Lauriam a sympathetic look, "I mean, the last time you dealt with Darkness, you had your pretty little ass handed to you while raging over your sister."
Lauriam's eyes burned brightly in reactionary anger to his taunt, "You were there!?"
Luxu grinned, "Sure was. Watch, but don't interfere so this pretty little eye can see into the future." He tapped the tip of his Keyblade on the ground and grinned as he slung it over his shoulder, "My Role from The Master."
Ava took a calming breath as she spoke with a slight tremor, "Luxu, answer the question. What are you doing here? What do you want?"
He gave her a patronizingly sad look, "What all of us have wanted since he left us."
"To bring back The Master of Masters."
Ava gasped as she took a step back and shook her head, "No, we can't!"
Luxu huffed, "Now Ava, don't be unreasonable-"
Ava gripped the hilt of her Keyblade, "The Master is gone! We all know that!" She felt tears build up in her eyes. It was the reason why she could no longer support Gula after all, since he'd wanted to summon Kingdom Hearts to get him back!
Luxu took in a patient breath before exhaling loudly, "I mean, really, all I wanna do here is find Vanitas, shove that Pure Darkness back into Ventus's Pure Heart of Light, and be done this these pathetic Wielders. They're nothing compared to what they used to be."
Ava pursed her lips as they trembled with emotion. Pain welled in her throat and chest as tears blurred her vision, "Who but us can teach them, Luxu? Clearly you never bothered to put in an effort to help them protect the Light!"
Luxu focused on her fully as his features became stoic, "Because Balance is what the World's need. Too much Light and you burn, but too much Darkness, and you drown." He stalked towards her slowly before towering over her as he got into her face, "You wouldn't want them all to become Darklings, all because of a little sympathy towards the Deep, would you..?"
Ava's breath came in short spurts as terror chilled her blood. Sweat prickled her skin as the sickening yellow of Luxu's eyes entranced as they bore into the deepest parts of her. She didn't want to fight her friends and she hated what had become of them… but still..!
"Xigbar. Step away from Master Ava, now."
Luxu pulled back and turned towards the newcomer to this pathetic little party and sneered incredulously, "Demyx?" He barked, "Ha! Who'd listen to a wuss like you?!"
Edym glared at Number Two as he called Master's Union to his hand and held it at the ready, "I wasn't asking."
Luxu's eyes widened for a moment before a manic grin split his face, "First Luxord, and now you?! You of all people would dare to hold that Keyblade!?"
Edym smirked in self depreciation, "Crazy I know, but…" He hardened his features, "You'd know me best as Master Ephemer."
Luxu paused before pulling back with an annoyed glare, "Aced, Gula, we're leaving."
Gula glared at him, "You think I'm gonna go with you now, after the mess you've caused?!"
Luxu looked at Gula sharply, only for something deep inside to twistpulltug at his Soul that brought him to his knee. Gula gasped as he clenched at his diaphragm, "Luxu..!"
Gula felt Ava press against his side as he lost focus on her voice. The pain warped the world around him and made him sick before strange leathery-white arms wrapped around him and pulledunderbelowthroughthere.
He collapsed in front of black booted feet as the feeling of a tempered darkness set his instincts ablaze in warning.
A feminine figure knelt down beside him, clad in close-fitted black pants, light blue shirt, and grey jacket as blonde hair dangled to one side. A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder as her words garbled slowly into clarity in contrast to the gruff voice beside her.
"-An't believe you fucking Dusks brought a Foreteller here, the hell are you thinking?!"
The strange thing that had brought him to wherever he was wobbled and wiggled unnaturally as if to shrug and say it wasn't their problem.
The gruff voice sighed heavily as slim fingers pulled back his yellow hood and removed his Leopard mask. Green eyes met worried blue as two shadows hurried towards them in the distance, "Are you… Are you Master Gula?"
Gula could barely blink as he managed a tiny nod, a feeling of sickness rolling through his stomach from that strange escape.
He felt strangely young and lost, if only The Master-
"Stop thinking about that guy." Gula blinked as he pushed himself onto his back and tried to look at the black haired teen standing over him. Violet eyes pierced down at him as the standing teen moved to his other side and knelt down, "Your Master may have raised you well, but he still used you, the same as mine."
Gula bared his teeth, "How dare you speak about The Master of Master's as if you know anything about him!" His vision blurred, and he realized just how close to a breakdown he was.
He was supposed to be the calm collected one! Why was he crying over something like this?!
The black haired teen sighed tiredly and placed his hand on Gula's forehead. The Leopard despised his touch immediately and tried to pull away, but lacked the strength to even throw himself to the side.
The girl spoke softly, "Vista…"
Vista took a deep breath and exhaled lightly before Gula felt something shift uncomfortably in his Heart. The feeling was like oil slick and something putrid as he covered his mouth to gag. Vista's eyes softened in sympathy before removing his hand, "I see. So it was like that."
A red head approached with a frown, "Like what?"
Gula winced at the girl's Pure Light. Brighter than any he'd ever felt before, as not even the smallest pinprick of Darkness could pierce it.
"I'd had my suspicions with Ava… but now I'm sure of it. I don't know how or when, but… The Foretellers are just like how Ventus was." He took in a deep breath before matching Gula's gaze, "They are Pure vessels of Light, trained and raised to imprison the darkness within their Hearts."
xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx
-shocked Pikachu at Aced and Luxu's appearance-