Chapter 8: Summer of secrets
(Academy of magic)
The bell rang throughout the magic academy. From classes to the dining hall but for some reason the whole place was quiet. Not a single person was found, well except for the teacher's, but where did the students go? Upon asking that question, Louise and Sora entered through the gate on horse-back successfully completing the mission that Princess Henrietta assigned to them. Their was some few little bumps but it was taken care of. "*Sigh* wow, it feels great to be back." Sora smiled missing the institution.
"It hasn't been that long." Louise said to the boy behind her
"Feels like it." Sora looked around "Hey, where's everybody?"
Louise answered his question "It's summer vacation. Everyone is probably at home for the holidays, or they all went out traveling." Sora had a nostalgic smile on his face, maybe it was summer for a certain brother of his. As he continued to think of Roxas, the horse tripped slightly throwing both master and familiar off balance, Sora quickly grabbed hold of Louise as she regained control of the horse.
"*Sigh* man." Sora breath out "That was close." All of a sudden Louise yelled at him.
"Hey, where do you thinking your grabbing!?" Louise shouted as Sora looked at where his hands were on, and they weren't on her stomach, no right now they were grabbed her small breast.
Sora quickly removed his hands from her body with his cheeks turning rosey red. "Whoa! Sorry, I didn't realize!" An anger mark appeared on the pink-haired mage soon as he said that. She quickly gave him an elbow to his stomach making him fall off the horse and on to the ground face first. "Ow. Okay, I deserve that."
The keyblade wielder pick his self up from the ground holding onto his belly. He asked if Louise was going home also, yet she replied actually she didn't want to go back home, other than her sister Cattleya showing her love Louise never really got any attention from the other members in her family. Sora was asking why she is so quiet but Louise ignored his words as she seen both Kirche and Tabitha standing next to a carriage.
"Oh Louise, their you are." Kirche greeted with a smile on her face "Haven't seen you around lately, I figured you when home like everyone else."
The pink mage shook her head "Actually I was out running some errands. Are you two going somewhere?" Kirche was about to answer but was distracted by her blue eyed love.
"Oh Darling~, it's you!" The red-headed rushed at him with open arms but as she got closer to his, Sora vanished. The fire mage looked around, wondering where he went before her blue-haired friend said to look behind her as well as up. She did and Sora perched on top of the carriage. "Hey. What are you doing, come on down?"
Sora shook his head "Uh, you know what, I'm good." He replied in a shaky tone of voice. Did she do something wrong?
"Did I do something? Why are up their?" Kirche asked
"No,no,no. It-It's not you, but..." Sora tried to say this in the nicest possible way, unfortunately Louise butted in this conversation.
"It's because you keep trying to have your way with him. I bet he's a afraid of you now." The explosive mage said with a smug tone in her voice. "Congratulations Kirche, the first time a guy is creeped out by you." Kirche wasn't buying it, their is no way she scares him.
"Sora. Do I scare you?" She said, the keybearer only stutter at the question she doesn't really scare him...He looked at her with water in her eyes is she crying, Sora paniced.
"*Sniff, Sniff" The bumox girl was hurting, "I can't believe it, you hate don't you. It's fine I understand-."
"No!" Sora spoke up " I don't hate you, and you don't scare either, it's just that you get very close. It just makes me feel uncomfortable sometimes that's all." Sora tried to reason to the crying red headed girl. "That's all really. I-Their is nothing about you that will ever make me hate you, your my friend Kirche."
"Really?" Kirche who said in a hurt voice.
"Really, it's just a little embarrassing that a... pretty girl is always so close." Sora jumped down from the carriage and walked towards the beautiful fire mage, who stopped crying and was silent Sora wondered if he did anything else, but suddenly she quickly grabbed hold of him and brought his face to her large and plump chest.
Kirche sadness soon was replaced with a joyful one. "Oh I'm glad that you don't hate me. I would be devastated if you did, thank you. It's to bad that I won't see you for a while."
Sora was confused wasn't she just crying "Wait, I thought you were upset?" He said as Kirche was smothering him with her
"Oh those tears were fake by the way." She said which made the brown-haired teen eyes widen fake crying he could believe it.
Louise on the other hand knew, but couldn't believe just gullible can her familiar be "Of course those were crocodile tears. How stupid do you have to be to fall for that?" She growled to herself having to watch this.
"Why? Why does this keep happening to me?" Sora sighed at this point he doesn't even caring anymore as she shoved his face deeper into her valley.
Kirche stop smothering Sora for a second turning to Louise "Oh yeah, if you didn't know I'm going to Tabitha's house for the summer."
Louise was mildly surprised "Tabitha's home?" The pink mage repeated as she saw Tabitha entertaining the carriage. Kirche let go of Sora before giving a parting greet.
"See you later, Darling." She said but not before blowing as kiss at him. Sora blinked as his cheek heated up again, Louise saw that, is he falling for that charm of this witch. The carriage drove by them now leaving the school.
"Uh... See ya later. Have a nice vacation." Sora waved awkwardly still caught off by Kirche's sudden kiss still having a tint of pink on his face, when a sudden force met the side of his head. "Ow!" He cried out looking at Louise "Would you stop that!" The keyblade wielder shouted holding the side of his head.
"What do you mean 'have a nice vacation!' Are you really in love with her, have you fallen for the whores charm!" Louise exclaimed.
"You don't have to call her that. That's pretty mean to say, she is a nice girl" It sounds like he's defending her. Which only made Louise even more angry.
"I told you that my family and hers hate each other!" She yelled. Sora agreed but, he also said that the two of them actually are more alike then they realized, maybe If the two of them actually talked to one another instead of throwing words at each other they could be really good friends.
Louise scoffed her friends with a Zerbsts that was the most idiotic thing to ever come out his mouth, that would never happen maybe when hell is frozen over but that will be a long time from now. Louise shouted at him but Sora retaliate saying that it could happen the two of them have similarities: they both kind hearts, neither of them like to lose to each other, really the two of them are not so different.
"You really don't understand? We can never be friends okay. That will never happen!"
"I don't know, it could happen."
"Why do you think that anyway?" Louise question before coming to a conclusion. "Our families are enemies and rivals untill the day we die."
Sora denied "I'm just saying-!"
"Save it!" Louise cut his sentence and order him to go to her room.
Sora sign holding his head as Louise went on to the stable to return to horse. Just give him heartless, nobodies, unversed, Sephiroth, Maleficent, and even Xehanort with the X-Blade, out of everything he's been able to handle over the first two years of being a keyblade wielder, one girl like her is something he isn't able to handle.
(Radiant Garden-Castle)
"Let's see..." Within the castle of the city of light itself or rather deep inside the research lab, Even one of apprentices of Ansem the Wise was doing a diagnostic check on the young red-headed princess of light, who happened to still be asleep. "...No abnormalities, vitals seem to be stable." The platinum-blonde observed everything seemed to be normal for the most part as her turned his gaze at Kairi.
"...I see that look in you eyes." Another voice was heard he tuned and saw another researcher, he seems to be younger then him with greyish-blue hair with bangs covering his right eye. This was Ienzo "Don't lie, part of you must be thrilled to be observing a heart and not just any heart, one un-touched by darkness no less." Ienzo chuckled as Even sigh.
"*Sigh*. Well Ienzo, I'm doing whatever I can to stave off my curiosity. I mean a maiden if the purest light; no trace of darkness what so ever." The older scientist continued "If we didn't have things to worry about, I would ask her if I could study her, but another time."
"I supposed so." The young scientist agreed. "So anyway, what were you doing Even?" Ienzo asked his fellow colleague.
"Nothing really. Just doing a check up." He's been doing that a lot lately, he knew it was fine to check up on her every once in a while, but he's been doing that around the clock for over a month and a half something must be up.
"Again?" He said "You've been doing that so much, relax she fine."
"I know, I just don't want their to be any problem, remember I still seek atonement for my time within the organization." Ienzo gasped then sigh "I care for nothing but my work back then, and while I have my humanity again, the sins I've committed are mine to bare. Even if I am forgiven..."
Ienzo placed his hand on his shoulder and spoke "We all served Organization XIII, but everything we thought about it. It was a lie, we each have our own crosses to bare, but I can say that we are all on the path of making peace with ourselves, you too." Even asked what he meant by that "Seriously do you even have to ask? You brought us the replica we need for Roxas, helped us bring back Naminé, And saved our master from Xehanort's heartless, if that doesn't count as redemption then I don't know what does."
"I-."
"Ienzo is correct." He tried to talk when another voice came in the room; it was non-other then Ansem the Wise himself along with were two individuals, one was Riku on his right and Naminé.
"Master." Both apprentices greeted.
"Hey guys." Riku greeted
"Hello." Naminé greeted also.
Ansem began "Even. We all have done things that we are not proud of, I myself can't say that their is no guilt on my conscience. My heart, my mind, everything I did was only to act revenge on the one who stole everything from me. Not only that I used these children to do so, the wounds that I left behind will remain with me."
His speech continued "That darkness is going to be with until the end of my day but not before I saw a chance to right the wrong I've committed. Even, listen to me when I say it's fine for use to feel emotions such as greed and hatred but it's wrong to act on them. We all have our demons to keep at bay but like Ienzo we are all working on our own redemption. I'm not one to judge but I can saw that we are seeing the light once again."
Keeping his face stern face Ansem said this. "Before we can ask for forgiveness we must first find the strength to forgive ourselves only then we can move forward."
Even listen to his master's words just then a small smile showed on his face "As wise as ever, master."
"He's right ya' know." Riku gave his two cents "I also had to work hard to earn my forgiveness, but now. I can be happy to be along side my friends again." Naminé smiled at the silver-haired keyblade wielder words.
"Your right. I'm sure I will find peace with myself, just as you and Lea have." Even said assure of himself.
"So anyway, what are the two of you doing here?" Ienzo asked knowing that the two of them were searching for clues about Sora's whereabouts?
"Ansem called us." Naminé told the researchers who pondered at this.
"Why?" Both Even and Ienzo replied to the old scientist.
"To discuss something important." Ansem turned his attention to the two at his side. "Riku. Remember the how you and Sora battled Braig, or rather his nobody Xigbar?" A sour look was on his face as Asnem said that how he fell to own demise.
"Yeah, I remember...What about it?" Riku question what does that have to do with this.
"I have reason to believe that his death was false he is still active." That had everyone looking like they had grown a second head, Xigbar... Alive.
"Master Ansem, he fell, Sora and Riku saw it happened!"
"Yes, but remember a somebody is recompleted after their heartless and nobody are defeated. It happened to all of you so likely the same happened to Brig, he must've vanished just before he fell. His so-called death must have been arouse to fool you all."
Riku stopped and thought about it, and he did made sense. Axel, Saix and everyone else who was a nobody before return to their original self's, Sora probably defeated his heartless before as crazy as it more sounds he might be right but. If he is then where has he been all this time and what has he been doing this whole time now that was worrying the group of people.
"So it was all an act, he trick us?" Naminé said as the silver-haired keyblade master followed up.
"But if he's alive then shouldn't he be here?" Riku commented. Radiant Garden is his home world isn't it so likely he should be here?
All these questions but Ansem only shook his head "I'm sorry. But I don't have the answers you seek."
"So, is this why you called us?" Riku guessed
"Yes. If you don't mind, while you are searching for clues on how to find Sora. I would like you to see if you can track down Braig." So he's requesting his help "He was working for Xehanort once before as for why, I do not know but whatever the reason was it can't be good."
"Wait a minute." The keyblade master cupped his chin and though about what he said before his fall "He said. He was working with Xehanort because he promise him that he would give him his keyblade." Everyone had a surprise and staggered at the same time.
"He promised him his keyblade?"
"Why would he do that?"
"I don't know, but something tells me it not be good." If Xigbar is alive and if he has Master Xehanort's keyblade he must have something planned and if he does then what. As they continued to discuss this matter, Naminé was looking down at her feet with depression all over her face everyone was contributing in their own way while she was now on the sidelines.
"Naminé, are you alright?" Ienzo asked the female blonde
"I'm fine, just...Wish I could help."
"What are you talking about?" Riku asked
Naminé looked to the side "I want to help you guys look for Sora too, but I'm just, useless right now...I can't wield a weapon like you and everyone else...And my powers only let me manipulate memories, I just feel like I'm just dead weight." 'Dead weight' She really is Kairi's nobody, Everyone looked at her with melancholy she thinks and feels useless because she can't do anything. Really she wasn't at all, if it wasn't for her they wouldn't have Sora back, and it was her who rescued Kairi when she was still in the organizations stronghold it would have been awful if wasn't for her. Riku out his hand on her shoulder and looked at the directly in her eyes saying that she is not useless or dead weight, she is strong in her own way. So what if doesn't have any way to fight that doesn't mean anything people can help in different ways.
"Really?" The female blonde said.
"Yeah. If you hadn't shown up when you did you save Kairi, we would have never been able to find her. And it was your powers that brought us all Sora back, you have helped us big time, so don't ever say your useless because to me your the most dependable person I ever known." Riku said as his words ran through her, he said that she was dependable for some reason her chest started to beat faster, it was weird but she wasn't worried about it actually it felt...good.
"Um, I don't mean to interrupt but remember. Brig." Even getting back to topic.
"Yeah, I guess we should try to find him. If he is out their, I don't want to think about what he'll do." While Riku and Even were talking. Ienzo and Asnem turned to the nobody who had her hand on her still beating chest with a small bit of red on her face.
"Naminé, is something else wrong?" Ienzo asked
"Uh, I don't know. Theirs been this weird feeling in my chest recently." She said looking at Riku who was talking with the ex-organization members.
Both master and student looked at each other soon they both smirked thinking about what was happening "Tell us. Do you feel a flutter in her heart sometimes when Riku is around?" She nodded but how do they..."That felling it natural, an emotion of desiring a person you feel closes too." What kind of feeling is that? Ansem and Ienzo stared at her they knew this emotion that she was feeling but chose too say nothing probably best if she figured it out in her own.
(Halkeginia)
Kirche and Tabitha continued traveling on the rode to Tabitha's home. On the way they saw nothing but land as far as the eye could see. "This scenery is quite relaxing. So Tabitha, are you excited to be going back home?"
Kirche asked but her friend was to engrossed in her book so she decided to change the topic "I didn't know you were an exchange student like me. So why are you in a different country anyway?" Still no response
"For me, I was practically thrown out of my old school." Now that got her attention
"I used to cause a little mischief that made me leave my old school. My parents didn't want me just lazing about at home all the time. So they tried to throw me into a speedy marriage. And to an old man no less, I mean he was old-old." As Tabitha continued to listen to Kirche the carriage came to a sudden stop.
"What was that?"
A farmer was passing by with a bit of a warning. "You might want to take higher ground. Just up ahead, Lagdorian Lake is flooded." The farmer tipped his straw hat and left.
"Oh, man. And we're so close to Gallia too." Kirche said with disappointment.
"But a flood, was their rain fall in the region?"
(Louise's room)
After Kirche and Tabitha left Sora and Louise went to their room.
"When you're done with the laundry, I want this room spotless! And if you don't do a decent job no food!" She ordered as she soon throw the hamper filled with her clothes at Sora who replied with a annoyed expression.
"You could at least say please." He said as he walked out the door. Leaving Louise feeling agitated as her fist was shaking with a tick mark on her forehead.
"Grrr! You just let any girl throw themselves at you with no disregard whatsoever!" She paused, this feeling of discomfort she felt that before at the fairy cafe, she pouted "Why am I caring about something so stupid. A damnit, this is a so infuriating!" She was right, why was this bothering her so much!?
Sora was walking down the stairs that led outside; still carrying that basket of laundry, he soon let out a sigh it was the same thing again "Getting yell at, all the chores she makes me do. It feels like I have less of a master and more a bossy older sister." That was what this was feeling like, getting an older sister telling you what to do all the time. And man it was annoying.
"W-What are you talking about? It a misunderstanding I tell you." A familiar voice was heard in the background, it sounds like Guiche; and to the keyblades chose one surprised it was the earth mage and with Montmorency, it looked like they were arguing.
"Yeah. I heard that line one too many times! *Humph*" She turned her head before shooting dagger's at him.
"I'll tell you this one time, Guiche. I don't care about you. And maybe I never did. The only reason we're together is because you asked me out." She said in a angry but calm tone of voice.
"Please Montmorency, just calm down and let me explain!" Guiche tried to reason with her but she wasn't having it she stormed off leaving her so-called boyfriend speechless with his mouth wide open. She looked at her feet as she walked away, why is he always like this just going after one girl after another she been betrayed by him so much and it's like he doesn't care about how she feels.
"...Just you wait, something is coming to you." She said under her breath as she looked up from the ground and saw Sora. "Oh it's you. Didn't Louise go home for summer vacation?" Montmorency asked.
"Nah she's here."
Guiche rushed to his girlfriends side "Please wait-!"
"Back off alright!" She barked as she walked away from him again as she entered the tower. Guiche could only chase after her, calling her name in hopes that she would listen but all his pleaing fell on deaf ears, Sora watched them with a blank stare.
"I warned him." His said out loud soon about to get to washing, something caught his eye, something shiny, he turned his head and saw Marteau rolling a large kettle pot? What was he doing with a pot that size doing out here anyway? "Hey, Marteau!"
The Cook heard Sora's voice "Ah, if it isn't our key! Good to see ya." He greeted
"You too. Hey what are you doing with that pot?"
"What this old thing. I've been planning to throw it away for awhile now." Marteau replied. Sora looked at it for a second, it would be kinda a waste to throw it out the thing still looked useable. Sora observed just then idea popped into her head.
"Is it alright if you let me keep it?" Sora asked.
"Go ahead, our key, it's yours!" He said all excitedly trowing his arm around the guardian of light, he smile thinking about what he has planned. "I got to get back now take care." He replied as he entered the kitchen leaving Sora picking up the giant pot with ease and carrying it to a secluded spot.
"Here we go." Said the keyblade wielder putting it down "This should be a good spot."
[I know you are strong but couldn't you just lift it with magic?] Delf asked. He was still surprised that someone like him could even carry something that size on his own.
"I don't solve all my problems with magic. Besides a little hard work isn't all that bad."
[But are you gonna do with a giant pot anyway?]
Sora smiled and all he said was this this "Just wait until tonight!"
[Why?] The sword asked as Sora said that he will wait till later now back to the topic that Louise wanted: chores done one by one he washed all her and hung them up on the clothesline. Derf told him that he can use magic just once but as the brown-haired teen was about to talk the rusty sword cut his sentence short, saying that if he can use his powers to make it easy it's not really abusing his abilities. Sora though for a second maybe he could use his powers for some work.
He took Derflinger advice and used aero generating small but strong force of wind from his palm. The clothes blew and after some time he went over a felt each one they were all dry and he began folding the and placing them in the basket.
(Louise's room)
Sora finished hanging up his master's clothes and proceeded to her room. He had swept, wiped, and dusted each corner of the room. He looked and feel around, no dust what so-ever now.
(Radiant Garden)
Outside of the castle Riku and Naminé exited and proceeded to walk, they still couldn't get what Ansem said out of their heads, Xigbar, alive. It was bad enough that Sora is still missing now this. If not one thing it will always be another. Riku took out his gummiphone and call everyone to let them know about this, that their is a chance that Xigbar might alive and with Xehanort's keyblade as well "So that's what Ansem think."
"I'm a little worried about it myself." Naminé also said looking at the screen of Riku's phone.
"But is it true?" Mickey said with Goofy and Donald besides him.
"I don't know, Naminé and I are on our way to the Keyblade Graveyard right now." Riku said over the phone
"Alright then, we meet up with ya." The king replied making the silver-haired keyblade master smile at his kindness.
"Thank you Mickey. But we're just gonna look and see if master Xehanort's keyblade is there. If it is, then we won't have anything else to worry about"
"And if it ain't?" Lea along with the rest of the twilight gang.
"Axel's right." Roxas said over the phone. "What are we gonna do if it's not there."
"I don't know, but we'll think of something, for now at least all we can do is hope that Asnem the Wise is wrong. But if he's right, then it won't be Sora who we have to worry about."
"Alright then." Aqua said "Let us know as soon as you can."
"Okay everyone, we will." Riku told the guardians of light as they all nodded in agreement, soon they all hung up, leaving only Riku and Naminé. The keyblade master sigh they have been trying to find their friend but with other adversaries like Maleficent who could disrupt balance they achieve at any time. Just because they beat the darkness doesn't mean it wouldn't come back. But...If their was still a survivor of the organization, then who knows what will happen. "Some keyblade master I am." He said to himself, right now, he whished he was stronger. Naminé heard what he said under his breath and the look in his eyes, he must think all this responsibility has to be on his shoulder when really it doesn't. She couldn't bare to see him like this, but, is their anything she could say to help him. What can she do, how can she help, he shouldn't carrying this weight alone. Riku called out to the blonde nobody "Naminé, come on."
She snapped back to reality "Huh, yeah coming." She walked to a gummiship they used to get here; they both entered and began their departure. She looked at Riku one more time.
(Halkeginia)
"It's complete flooded?" The farmer was right about a flood, house were submerged in water there really was no way they could have gotten around although it was bizarre it couldn't have been rain so what? "So Tabitha, how much farther is it to your place? Kirche asked her friend
"Not much farther." Tabitha replied as Kirche had her head out the carriage just as she saw her home it looked like any old mansion but what caught her eye was the crest that was on the gate: the emblem on it had two wands intersecting one another. This had Kirche speechless and breathless, only one family had that kinda crest.
"Wait? That crest? Tabitha...Are you?" Her question was cut short as they entered the gate and an old servant came out the door, he bowed and greeted the girls especially the blue-haired girl with glasses.
"Greetings, it's good to see you again. Lady Charlotte." He said looked at Tabitha.
"Alright now that that's done, what to do now." Sora said out loud with he hands behind his head as he was walking down the hallway he still had plenty of time on his hands maybe he could see if Louise needed and thing else, or maybe he could see if he can help some cooking. As he proceeded down the hallway he saw the playboy blonde with a cloud over his head. He stopped and looked at him with. "Hey!" Sora greeted with a smile
"Oh, hello." Guiche greeted back in a dull tone.
"She still mad at you, huh?" Sora said but Guiche only sigh. "I told you what would happen."
"You expect a beautiful girl to walk pass you and not give her your attention." He said flamboyant like "It is disrespectful!" Sora had a deadpan look on his face with a bead of sweat running down his face. That isn't being disrespectful, it's being unfaithful, you go running after any girl as long as she is cute? What the hell is the point of that, you have someone in your life isn't that more then enough just to with the one you already have, Sora was actually pitying Montmorency a bit. Their will be some issues between them down the road.
"I'm pretty sure it's that way of thinking is what causes problems to begin with." Said Sora in a dull tone.
"*Sigh*. My friend you have a lot to learn." Sora gave a Uh-huh look as the male blonde walked away but before he could vanished from sight Sora asked him for a small request. Guiche look at him wondering what he had to say to him.
(Outside)
"You want me to help with your practice?"
"Yeah." Sora said. "Louise said something about getting new powers as a familiar. It happened once before when we were fighting, and again when we were battle
Fouquet's golem."
"Is that ask for me?" Guiche assumed as Sora nodded.
"Your Valkyries gave me a workout last time we fought. Think you can bring them out?"
Guiche didn't know what to say, getting ready for what he already defeated and captured Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt, what more does he need as Guiche stared in his eyes he saw how serious he was, whatever it is, it must be important the male blonde agreed saying that he would help, Sora thank him by extending his fist out; the keyblade said to do the same thing so he did Sora soon bump his fist with his. Guiche was a little confused but it felt nice for some reason.
"And if it makes you feel safer, I'm not going to use my keyblades this time!" Shouted Sora
"Ok! Are you ready!" Guiche summoned his Valkyries.
Sora took off his gantlet and grabbed Derf with both hands having a sword stance ready; as he did his ruins began to glow like last time. Feeling the same kind of rush running through his body from the previous times. He replied back "Ready." The Valkyries charged at him as he took a swing prepared for a fight.
(Keyblade Graveyard)
The keyblade master and the nobody made it. The place where their biggest battle to place; it was their greatest victory against the darkness but also their greatest defeat. The guardians of light may have pushed back the dark forces but it cost them a sworn ally, their best friend, the person who's light shined ever brighter then anyone else.
Riku just stood still thinking about the pain that came. Naminé was about staring at Riku as he steeled his will proceed to the graveyard all the while the replica followed his footsteps, while thinking what to say to him it's obvious that never thought he'd set foot here again and who could blame him.
"What can I say, what can I do to help alleviate that weight you carry?" That was all Naminé that about as the ventured deeper, praying for what lies ahead of them.
(Tabitha's home)
Kirche was dazzled she had no idea that Tabitha was apart of the royal family but why keep it a secret, why is her Tabitha at school when her real name is Charlotte, and why is their no one else here but the butler who greeted them something wasn't adding up here?
"Is it alright if we see your father?" The fire mage but the wind user only to shake her head which made Kirche confused.
"Wait here." Tabitha left the room leaving Kirche by herself with a painting that she saw with interest, who is he a relative of that question was soon put on pause when the butler from earlier came with a cup of tea.
"Greetings." The butler introduced "My name is Percerin. I am the butler of the Orléans family."
"I am a daughter of the Von Zerbst family, my name is Kirche."
"I must say it's quite a surprise, I did not expect that our lady Charlotte would bring a guest with her."
Again with that name Charlotte, Kirche had to ask "So 'Charlotte' is Tabitha's real name?" The butler was confused, why would she call her Tabitha when her name since birth is Charlotte he had a brief pause before realizing something.
"I see. Everyone at school called our young lady Tabitha."
"Why is it she's using a false name anyway, she doesn't say anything about her past or herself on that matter." Kirche asked as the old butler began explaining the story to her.
"Studying in another country was actually ordered by the king of Gallia; her uncle I mean."
"She is a part of the royal family." So the fire mage was right about her suspicions.
"Yes. Her father was the younger brother current king, sadly lord Charles is no longer with us." He started off at the painting, both him and the young girl with a sorrow expression. Kirche grasped at what he means.
"So...Her father is already gone."
"...He was murdered I'm afraid." The red-haired girl gasped her father...was killed "You seem to be someone our lady trust with her heart, and for that I'll tell you a story about how things came to be." Kirche payed close attention as he started as Percerin told the story "It all happened five years ago, after the death of our previous king the palace had came to a disagreement as too which one of the sons should take the throne; one being the elder one, lord Joseph and the younger brother lord Charles, and father of our lady Charlotte."
"A fight for the throne, huh." Kirche said in seldom as the butler continued.
"Count Orléans had more talent of being a mage then the his older brother. He also had more character then anyone's else I knew, it was obvious to who should ascend the throne despite being the second born. As a result of this God forsaken feud, lord Charles was kill by traitors among his ranks." The fire mage was heartbroken to hear this was truly a depressing story "Those that had decided to make lord Joseph our king... had devise the plan to silence any heirs they soon went after the life of our young lady." He clenched his fist ask Kirche shocked to hear this, they tried to kill Tabitha "One night when the our lady was still small, she and her mother were invited to a dinner party, however one of the attending nobles had slipped a toxin in her drink, her mother perceived the danger and drank it in her place. It was a form of poison that break the mind of anyone that were to drink it, that became know to the public and the aristocrat was sentenced to prison for his actions. She gave up her own heart so that her daughter may live."
Kirche had to know something "...And her mother." She said in a low worrisome voice.
Percierin bit his lip "... After that, Lady Orléans..."
(Tabitha)
The blue-haired girl stared at a door, she steeled herself as her knock but to now answer, she soon opened the door. Their was not important about it the layout was different though, all their was just a bed, a table, and a chair but in the chair was a woman around the ages of her last '30 to early '40s, despite the fact she seem to be in her '20s. She was rather thin with a sickly look, she was also holding tightly onto a small doll. She looked at Tabitha like a deer in headlights, so much fear.
"W-Who is it?" The woman asked.
Tabitha took one knee and bowed her head deeply. "I have returned...Mother."
However her mother was not very pleased to see her, she looked at her coldly, not even acknowledging her as her own child all she said was this: "Begone you devil! I know your really a spy from the palace. Are you trying to steal my daughter away from me like you did with my husband? I will never let you have her!" Tabitha didn't do anything but listen. "How despicable to pretend this child plotting to steal the throne... Can't you understand we just want to be left alone! Get out!" She screamed as she throw a cup of tea at Tabitha, she didn't even try to avoid it. "Don't worry Charlotte, I won't let anyone take you, I promise."
Tabitha stood up with a sad smile on her face as her mother was caressing the doll's face not paying attention to her real flesh and blood "Goodbye mother, I will see you again real soon."
"Tabitha is actually the name of a toy that lady Orléans gave our Charlotte when she was still a young girl."
"So that's where the name Tabitha came from." Kirche could feel nothing but remorse for her friend.
"Yes. And ever since that incident, the eyes that shine bright in Charlotte's eyes grew cold and distance. Locking her feeling and words away, almost closing off herself to anyone around her." Percerin said in misery but really who could blame him as he continued Tabitha's story "After the incident with lady Orléans, their hasn't been another who would dare harm her, that is until one day a mission was ordered by the palace having our young miss to perform a dangerous mission, since they couldn't target her anymore they tried to do so another way. Every now and again they would send her on dangerous missions that had nearly no chance to survive but given lady Charlotte's high magic abilities, she was able to beat the odds that were against her time and time again. In order to keep her and her mother from danger...she willing put her own life at risk."
Kirche was starting to get a handle of the situation, she couldn't believe how much Tabitha had to endure: She lost her father, her mother was driven crazy, she was forced to do suicidal missions, just to protect her and her mom, just how unfair can life be of one girl? But their was still one thing the fire user had to know. "Can I ask why she was sent to study In Tristain?"
Percerin answer that "To them, nothing was going as planned. Her actions alone were enough to give her territory, but the palace however only gave her the Chevalier mantle and to rub salt on open wounds, they basically through her out of the country as if she was a problem they had to deal with and soon."
Kirche had a sad smile on her face when he said that, 'throw her out for being a problem.' Now why does that sound familiar. Just now Tabitha opened the door. "Geez, what took you so long Tabitha? How about we take a bath, I want to get rid of the sweat from the journey." The wind mage nodded as they now left the room Percerin started at the painting once more with a small grin, it seems that the young lady isn't alone after all she seemed too have made a good friend, one who understands her a little.
(Destiny Islands)
Riku was sitting on the beach, watching the waves was washed back and forth along with the setting sun. The silver-haired keyblade master was just reflecting on the events that transpired that fell long ago but he was frustrated at the Keyblade Graveyard
Flashback
Riku and Naminé had searched all over they place where the lifeless keys stood they look all over the key of the now late master Xehanort but no matter how much they look far and wide... They could not find they didn't find the no name keyblade.
They did however find stab markings on the ground it looked still fresh and it seemed like something was pulled out recently, Riku kneeled down and placed his hand on the spot and felt around it; the presents of this felt familiar the air was let out of his lungs when he knew this dark energy before.
Flashback End
The keyblade master click his tongue so it would be that Ansem was right. The keyblade was... gone. His suspicion about Xigbar were right on the nail. Their is a survivor of the organization, but what does he need Xehanort's keyblade for and how did he survived. Riku could feel that he had failed big time, everything they did, every noble deed they did was pointless now, he failed everyone. The title of a keyblade master was wasted on him, with all this weight all the shoulders he truly believed he could do anything but down he was in doubt, does he really have the right to be called that.
"Hey." Riku looked to his right and Naminé was there.
"Hey." He greeted back, turning his attention to the waves as the girl took a seat right next. Naminé didn't know what to say with out trying to trigger him or if their is anything to speak about.
"So... I let everyone know what happened." She said.
"Okay." That was all he said still viewing the setting sun. Riku sigh "I really don't deserve to be a master. I mean, what keyblade master can't even save his best friend.
"Riku, it's not your fault." Naminé said trying to cheer him up. "You don't have to think it was." She said as he put on a light smile on his face.
"Thanks." He replied as he looked upward in the sky. "I just don't know what to do about this. Somewhere in that vast sky, Sora is out their waiting for us. Not only that we still have a member of the organization out their doing who knows what."
"We've been able to beat the odd time and time again, we made miracles happen."
"I know I just feel like this title is getting wasted on me, everything that's happened to us. If I'd didn't let darkness in my heart that day... Then maybe..." Riku pause as a back orb of darkness and an orb of light appeared in his right and left hand.
Naminé was worried about all these external pressures that must be on him, but really they all feel some responsibility for Sora but that wasn't going to slow them down no that is giving them the motivation to try harder. "You think that its wasted on you?
"Well..."
"It isn't! If it wasn't for you, Sora would have been taken by organization XIII, your an amazing leader Riku and the title Keyblade master is something you earned rightfully. Not for your mastery of light and darkness but because of how you care so much about your friends. I know without a doubt."
"But I feel so helpless right now. Sora is like a little brother to me and the one time I can't help him when he needs me the most! It just so frustrating!" He light pounded the sand feeling so bitter about his self as Naminé placing her hand next to his.
"We're all worried about Sora and each of us are trying are best in some way to find him. I know how you feel, we all know this feeling! But you have to remember that we have to believe that Sora is fine, and he wouldn't want you or Kairi or anyone else too feel so down, and I know you're worried about Xigbar but you shouldn't try and burden yourself with so much responsibility, if the weight on your heart is too much then let me carry half of it with you."
"Naminé..."
"We're going to find Sora and stop Xigbar from what ever he's plotting. And then everything will go back to normal. So don't worry."
Naminé gave the brightest smile to Riku who started at the nobody with a deep blush. She asked if something was wrong as he nervously said to her nothing is wrong.
Riku drop face a looked up raising his hand and clutching it in to a fist. "Your right, were gonna find you Sora, no matter how long it takes us." Riku stood up with a weight of his shoulder "In our hearts, we we'll keep the faith, and we'll find you just keep waiting until then."
Naminé was glad that she brought his hope back but they still had a topic to dissolve about "So what do we do now?"
"Well, like Ansem said Xigbar is out their, and I'm gonna find him?" Said Riku with a serious tone "What about you, you want to come with me?"
Riku asked but the blonde nobody shook her head. "Actually can to take to Twilight Town. I want to try and help Roxas and the other with their memories maybe with me around I might be able to find something?"
"You sure?" The keyblade master asked. Naminé nodded "If that's your choice then I accept your decision."
"Thank you."
He smiled at her "Well I'll get the ship ready and we can go."
All he needed was just a few words can't stay sad now, and with everyone else working on a clue that would lead them to what ever world Sora is on right now. But Naminé was still a little worried about the silver haired master their going to be apart for a while and who knows if he's going to put more unnecessary pressure on his self she thought about what to do as she hazed at the shoreline her eyes dotted a certain tree with star shaped fruit.
A memory of Kairi and Sora sharing that sacred fruit, eternally bounding them together, that piece of fruit symbolize them sharing everything together even their lives. A image of her and Riku sharing that sacred fruits crossed her, she didn't know why something like that was in her mind but it didn't seem to bother her rather she like the idea of that.
Riku called out her name completely missing the details of what she was starting at. She ran to him as they continued walking side by side, but still why did she thought about it she may be still learning about emotions but this one is just so different then anything else maybe some time apart might help her figure out what this new emotion was.
(Evening-Halkeginia)
In a potions room of the academy. Montmorency darkly laugh as she was holding and mixing vials of potions together "...Finally. It done."
(Sora and Guiche)
As Guiches Valkyrie charged at the keyblade Sora quickly dodged out of way following with a counter-clockwise slash. Two more came at him as he jumped off the ground as the him upward; The keyblade wielder in turn hacked at one and gave a round house kick to the other one, before giving a strong downward slam to the ground with his sword, destroying the last of suits of armor. Sora wiped the sweat from his head, as the earth mage fell to the grass out of exhaustion, to him Sora must not be human to endure this and only now work a sweat but then again after seeing him fight a giant monster he might not be human himself.
"Alright that's good." Sora place Derflinger in the sheath.
Guiche took a breath "I can't believe you can go all day like this."
"When you're always traveling like I do, you can build up a lot of stamina." Sora said patting him on the back.
"I see. That's impressive"
"Thanks. And hey, I really appreciate this." Said Sora with a smile, how they first met might not have been good but it turned out well. Guiche smiled back saying that he was glad to be of service for a friend as he had a fist bump ready and Sora in turned didn't leave him hanging so he returned the favor. As the two lowered their hands, Sora cupped his chin a had a moment to his self, if these powers work on any weapon why doesn't it work for his keyblades, why, what's the reason?
"Hello Guiche." The two saw and it was Montmorency with a smile on her face.
"And hello to you too Sora."
"Montmorency?" Guiche said as she came closer to her boyfriend
"Can you meet me later." Montmorency said
"Um. Sure." He replied back as she just walked away.
"I wonder what that was about?" Sora wondered as Guiche thought that same thing "Anyway we should stop for today. It seems that it's my que to go, she's probably not mad at you, you should be with her."
"Where are you going?" Guiche asked as Sora teased him only saying this.
"Heh, Heh. Secret."
(Night)
A small round table was seen near the dorm; Montmorency was sitting down in a chair in her hand she took out a small vial of the potion that she created earlier, smiling at it with pride if she done it right then it means Guiche...She quickly hid it in her hands as she saw her boyfriend coming towards her. She put on a innocent act as they were now face to face "Hey, did I make you wait?"
"No you didn't." She told him while still hiding her potion "Sorry for the sudden invite but the moons looked so beautiful tonight." Guiche took a seat next to her as he was looking at the sky. She was right about how beautiful.
"Ah~ you were right about tonight, it rather peaceful. Even the twin moons would run in shyness from you. Montmorency the fragrance, a beauty like no other." The playboy said sweetly to her as she had a dead fish look on her face, wondering how many girls he told that line to.
"I'm sure you say the same thing to everyone". She decided to change the topic "By the way. What were doing with Sora?" Guiche answer saying that he was training with him to try to get some understanding of his ruins and what they hold within them. So he asked him to train with him to see what would happen. Montmorency asked if anything did, he said that he doesn't know, supposedly they'll just have to see. "Alright. So where is he?" The female asked
"I don't know, he said he had something to do?" Guiche told his girlfriend but yeah what is he doing right now?
(Sora)
"Ah~." Sora was now melting away in warm water, that kettle pot he asked from Marteau. Well he turned it into a make-shift bath as he stared off into the night sky "This is amazing. Nothing beats a nice hot bath after a workout. Plus it's a nice night to watch the stars." As soon as he said that the feeling of homesickness was getting to him as he sunk his head underwater, curling himself up. He been here for over a month, his friends were probably looking for him, his parents are likely worried about him, he started to think if he would ever see anyone again. No! he shook those thoughts out of his head, he will see everyone again no matter what. He started to feel out of breath and quickly stood up and took a deep breath of air, as he did he heard the sound of something breaking "Hm. What was that?" He question wiping the water from his eyes.
"Oh no. *Sigh* I'm gonna get it trouble." Sora recognize that as he opened his eyes he saw a certain black-haired maid on the ground.
"Siesta?" Sora called out as she was getting up.
"Huh? Sora?" She said back as she was standing up now. Sora asked what she was doing this late, also forgetting that he was naked, but his words fell on death ears as the maid was looking at his body despite the steam at first she thought he was frail and lengthy but really underneath his clothes he had a fairly tone body she continues to stare at him as she glanced down to his lower area and her whole face turn red, more red then ever.
Sora wondered why she went quite and followed her eyes at what she was looking at the keyblade wielder turned as red as her as he just realized what she was looking at. Siesta screamed as she shifted her body, covering both her eyes as Sora screamed as well covering his lower body and dunking himself in the water
"Sorry about that." He said in a low voice still blushing bright red.
"It's fine." She replied unsure whether she feels embarrassed or glad. She soon decided to change the subject "So-So what are you doing in that pot of water?"
"What this?" Sora explained "It just a bath really. Nothing special."
"Really, a bath?" she slowly un-cupped her eyes. The feeling of embarrassment was still their but was started to fade
"I-I saw Marteau throwing it away, so I asked him if I could keep it." Sora told her having his back turned. Siesta looked at the stain in her outfit; and turning her attention to him this gave her an idea
"That looks really nice, I would love use it sometimes." She said with a smile
"Well feel free to use it anytime." Sora laughed nervously also secretly hoping that she would leave, he didn't need anymore embarrassment right now he was dying of enough as is but he was startled by what came out of the maid's mouth next.
"...Well can I join you?" Siesta said as Sora turned around and saw her disrobe right in front of her.
"What are you doing!?" eye-poped Sora screamed covering his eyes now.
"No one will be here, plus it's dark out too." Siesta assured him but that wasn't the issue here he's... well you know and she's...
"Siesta! I am a boy you know!"
That didn't seem to bother her in the slightest. "Yeah, I know. But I also know you're not that kind a person who would do anything strange either, Sora." She did have a point he isn't the type of person that would take advantage of her. Without saying anything he chose to let her to continue to take of her clothes which were neatly placed on the grass to dry, as she took off the last piece of fabric, she jumped into the bath with Sora. Although she probably wouldn't say it
"Um, you don't have to be so embarrassed. It's fine to look, with all this steam and darkness you probably won't see much."
The keyblade wielder wasn't sure if it was alright, even if she's fine with it, he wasn't at all. But she was right, it was pitch black out here and the steam might help, he took a deep breath and slowly turned around now looking at her still feeling shy, but the steam helped a little bit, but he could still see her. Her bare pure skin looked smooth and also wait where is he looking at..."Gah, keep those thoughts to yourself". Siesta couldn't help but laugh at him since he was being silly; in turn Sora made Sora laugh as well washing away any humiliation they both had.
"I have to say, this bath is really nice." Siesta noted as the brown-haired teen lean back, relaxing even more.
"Thanks. Plus their is nothing like star gazing while having in open air bath." Sora said as Siesta ask if people in his country take baths like this. He told her yeah although he corrected her saying that he actually grew on a set of Islands far out at sea.
"You grew up on Islands?"
"Yeah their called the Destiny Islands."
"What are they like?" Asked Siesta
"Hm, well we don't have mages on my Island and we see only one moon. But what we have is the most perfect spot for watching the sunset." Sora explained his homeland and tried to think about some other stuff to tell her.
"Sora!" She cried "Really no mages and one moon. I know I'm some girl from the sticks, but you tease me like that!"
"I'm not teasing you." Sora just couldn't say the truth that he was from another world; Louise wanted to know about him, and with Mr.Colbert and Osmond that was done out of necessity they had a keyblade and they had answers to questions he had been searching for, it may have been a dead lead but it was still was something important. "Hey how about I some of my adventures." He said changing the subject which made her more interested he remembers how he told her that he was an adventurer but she was interested to hear about his travels.
As Sora started to tell Siesta his travels how he traveled to kingdom far and wide, how he and and his friends met a queen who could control ice and ended up freezing her whole kingdom on accident to his life viewing the and battling warriors that once tried to rule a nation. Siesta was rightly impressed especially learning that he was starting this at age 14 so basically he's been going from place to place for a while.
However unknown to the both of them, Louise was watching them, seeing them together like that, just laughing and having fun together. She didn't know what but it felt like a knife was ram through her heart she couldn't do anything but run away from the site of this.
"...And then we sunk the treasure into the bottom of the sea, never to be seen again." Sora was giving her the run of his time in the caribbeans (leaving out that it was another world of course) which made Siesta amazed she can't believe he got to travel with pirates go to desert lands and saw a real genie he really lives the adventures life.
"I have to say these stories are so amazing! Their kinda like the ones my grandfather told me when I was young." Siesta said which peaked the keybearer interest.
"Your grandfather?"
"Yes. Although the stories are actually from my great-grandfather, but he died long before I was even born. I used to think those stories when I was growing up were silly but maybe they're actually true?" Siesta explained
"What kind of stories were they?" This got Sora's attention.
"I forget how they go. But I remember some parts involved people who wielded key-shaped swords and they would travel to different places, battling monsters and saving people." She said remembering the childhood tall tales "To be honest I forgot all about them, but maybe they're actually real?"
"key-shaped swords... traveling to different places?" Sora took a minute to processor words that sounded very like..."Siesta. Are you?" He was about to ask as he still up in all her naked glory as the warrior of light turned around in embarrassed, he started to wonder if the word 'modesty' means anything here.
"Thank you but I have to get going now. The black-haired maid said covering her certain areas.
"A-Alright." Sora said sheepish as he was beet red he's already seen part of her now he's seen 'all' of her.
Siesta began dressing "This was very enjoyable." She said to Sora as she finished dressing.
"I-I'm glad you liked it." He said as she wiggled a bit.
"But um... What I mostly like about it, would probably be you." Sora blinked as he gasped mildly "Goodnight Sora." Siesta ran away blushing softly in the distance leaving Sora just being in place 'What she like most about it was him.' what does that mean by that?
Louise was still storming off from what she saw, just what the hell was that about "Wha-What is the meaning of this some kind of secret-naked meeting! Thats just-so!?" She growled when she had a slight pause this was that same feeling from earlier, was it jealousy. "Wait a minute? Why am I sneaking around like this, Gah damnit, this is so infuriating!"
(Guiche and Montmorency)
Guiche lean in for a kiss but was stopped by Montmorency who had her hand gently pressed on his face. "Is something wrong my sweet?" He asked if he did something wrong with he as but that wasn't it, Montmorency still had to put the potion she made but she knows him to well his gaze will be on her for most of the time, she just need a few seconds to give him the potion.
"N-Nothing, I was thinking we should have a toast first." The girlfriend told her boyfriend who laughed lightly
"I suppose I should act more gentlemanly." He replied as she finished pouring their glasses she looked at him with a subtle glaze.
"Hey, what's that?!" Shouted Montmorency as she pointed in the sky this action cause Guiche to looked upward as well. While his attention was drawn away, she quickly poured the vial into his glasses once that was finished his drink turned pink for a brief second before turning back to it's regular color.
Guiche kept looking in the sky before looking at his girlfriend.
"I don't see anything?"
Montmorency made up a lie "Sorry must've been a bird." She raised her glass as did he "A toast." She said as her boyfriend nodded yet as he was about to drink the glass Louise appeared out of nowhere with a very irritating expression.
"Oh Louise. What are you doing out here?" Guiche asked as but it only annoyed her.
"Give me that!" Without warning the petite pink haired girl took Guiche's glass from him and in one swift gulped his drink down. "Thanks!" Louise growled slamming the empty glass on the table and proceeded to walk away. Leaving Montmorency a state of horror at what she saw.
"S-She didn't!?" Guiche was confused at this why was she terrified as she quickly made a bee-line to Louise as Guiche was still sitting down with a stupid look on his face what is happening right now.
( Louise's room)
Louise was currently sitting on her bed with her leg bouncing up and down repeatedly, awaiting for her familiar to return so that he could explain what that was about! Why was he was taking a bath with that maid completely naked, is their something going on between them was this some sort of triste? Either way she needs to know after all she is the master of this relationship.
"I'm back!" Sora greeted as he opened and shut the door behind him.
Louise still wore an annoyed look on her face
"You've been out for a while?"
"Yep. I was talking a bath and it seem like a nice night to watch the sky." Sora said as he stretched with a blissful smile on his face "That was amazing."
Louise eyebrow twitch slightly at his choice of words. "Oh I'm sure it was amazing?"
"You alright. You sound upset?" Sora observed hearing the sarcasm in her voice.
"That's an understatement! You think that you can...Just." As Louise was about to give a lecture she had slurred her words a bit as her face turned bright red.
"Hey you alright?" Asked Sora noticing her face turning red all of a sudden.
"Yes I'm fine." Louise told him but obviously something is wrong right now.
Without saying anything, he pulled back his hair and her's as he pressed his forehead again Louise's
"She doesn't have a fever?" Sora seeing that wasn't sick but something is off about her.
Louise on the other hand her eyes widen as her pink eyes were extremely close to his blue ones, her heart begun to beat louder and faster, what is happening right now?! The color on her face went to normal.
"Well I guess your alright, but I'll go get you some water." As Sora was about walk suddenly Louise grabbed onto his arm. This confused Sora a bit.
"Don't..."
"What?"
"Don't leave me alone!" Louise blurted out suddenly hugging Sora.
"What are you doing!?" Sora was caught off guard by this, why is she embracing him.
"You idiot...Sora I love you so much you big idiot! Why did leave me all alone just to be with a maid!
She cried out as Sora was frozen in place did he hear that right, she loves him, they were starting to be some what close to friends, how in the world did it suddenly lead to a confession. Sora mouth was moving but words weren't coming out. As he was still trying figure out what is happening right now the sound of the door knocking snapped him back to reality.
"D-Door's open!" Sora called out as he soon saw who was at the door and it was Montmorency herself "Hey, uh? This isn't what it looks like!" He tried to calmly explain this situation but she was actually having an apologetic look.
"I know." Montmorency said "I figured this would happen."
"What are saying?"
(Tabitha home-night)
After their long and relaxing bath the girls were sharing one room, The moment Tabitha reached the bed she immediately went to sleep. Kirche on the other hand was still waking and was sitting on the sofa looking at the two moons that shined brilliantly in the sky, she then shifted her focus too her friend. Kirche still couldn't wrap her head around all of this for her best friend to suffer so much pain.
Flashback
The girls were having dinner both girls were wearing pajamas, and eating at the dinner table just as Percerin handed Tabitha a rolled up piece of paper to the young lady of the house. "An order from his majesty, the king."
"A direct order?" Kirche said as Tabitha broke the seal and read the document in her hand.
The butler hid his expression "Might I ask when you will set out?" Percerin asked.
"Tomorrow night." Tabitha replied to the butler
"Then I can expect a safe return." Percerin bowed taking his leave, now Kirche and Tabitha were left alone, the fire mage remember the talk from earlier.
"Wait a minute, is this why you came home?" Tabitha didn't answer she only told her to wait here, Kirche on the other hand shook her head saying no "Listen, I know everything that's happened. So I'm coming with you."
"Dangerous."
"That's exactly why I'm coming with you. We're friends Tabitha, you don't have to deal with this alone." Tabitha didn't say anything to her, only lightly nodding her head.
Flashback End
Tabitha explained the tasked that she was ordered to do. "Although I promise... This mission isn't going to be that easy." She whispered staring at Tabitha their is a chance that they might die but compared to what she had to endure all by herself. All the loneliness all the pain she kept bottled up inside her never really showing any emotions to anyone, like she turned into another person. 'Tabitha the snowstorm', that's what people called her both for her magic and usual demeanor but really, their was more to that name then what people thought: All that pain, all the suffering she had no one should go through that.
"D... Don't." Tabitha was muttering in her sleep turning over and over, it seemed that she was having a nightmare. "Mother, don't drink that! Don't mother!" Her innocent sleeping face turned to horror, sweat was dripping from her forehead, she was dreaming about the night where her mother drank the potion that should have been hers.
"Tabitha." The red headed mage said feeling so sorry for her; the open scars on her must be more unbearable. Kirche gently stood up and walked to the bed, lying next to her giving the girl a warm embrace, Kirche heartbeat was starting to calm her down, a small smile came into the fire mages face, guess her heart wasn't as frozen as she thought it was. "Don't worry this fever will warm you up. You don't have to hold on to these feelings, just relaxing and sleep well. Charlotte."
That was all Kirche said as Tabitha found some comfort and continued to sleep peacefully again.
END.