Aced and Ava

Aced entered the Master's study, stopping near his desk but found he was not there. He looked around for a moment before the Master's voice came from behind.

"You been here long? My bad." Aced turned to see the Master approach from behind.

"No." Aced watched as the Master walked past him towards his desk and sat down.

Once he was seated, the Master glanced at Aced. "So what did you want?"

"Uh…" Aced stammered. "You didn't forget, did you? You're the one who called me here."

The Master chuckled. "Lighten up. I was just kidding!" Aced just watched as the Master waved at him. "I didn't forget. Give me a little credit here. I was just testing you!"

Aced could only stared in stunned confusion. "R-right…"

"Now then," The Master leaned back in his chair. "Allow me to tell you about your role. You're going to be Ira's right hand man."

Aced took a second to register it. "What? Ira's right hand man? What do you mean?"

"Well, Ira's gonna be the new leader, after I'm gone, you see, so just stand by him." The Master said as he nonchalantly flipped a page through his book. "Don't disappoint."

"Explain to me, Master." Aced demanded. "What do you mean Ira's going to be the leader?"

"What?" The Master looked back at Aced. "Is that disappointment I hear? Did you want to be leader?"

"No!" Aced answered quickly. "I mean, if you had asked me to be the leader, that's a different story, but I wasn't trying…"

"You really wanna be leader, huh?" The Master cut him off.

Aced's mouth hung open as he tried to form words. "I, well…"

"I know you want it, but that just isn't enough. Any chump can say," The Master pointed at Aced. "'You! Here's a huge promotion. Good job!'" He even gave Aced a thumb's up. "And make you head honcho but enthusiasm alone don't make a great leader. Ira needs someone like you to give him a push in the right direction."

"I agree. Ira is definitely the most worthy among us." Aced started, his voice dripping with resignation. "I'm sure he'll make a fine leader."

"Then it's settled." The Master said like there was no problem.

"Wait, I agreed that he is worthy." Aced protested, taking a couple steps forward. "But why do we need a new leader, Master? Does, does that mean you will no longer be teaching us?"

The Master brought his hands together. "Well…I might disappear one day…" The Master stopped and looked at Aced, seeing him standing still and decided to speak a little louder. "Well…I might disappear-"

"Disappear? Why? Where?" Aced asked immediately.

"Speak up sooner if you're listening." The Master scolded, sighing as he did. "That was embarrassing for me!"

He stood from his chair and turned to face Aced. "Anyway, I don't know if I'm gonna disappear or not. It's anyone guess right now." He waved his hands up to try and calm Aced.

"But…" Aced started but stopped as the Master approached him. "In any case, you need to support Ira. We both know he's quite serious. He's always just thinking and thinking and thinking behind the unicorn mask of his." He paced back and forth for a moment before stopping to face Aced, pointing at him. "So everyone will be counting on you to spur him into action."

"Uh…" Aced stuttered but nodded. "Right."

The Master nodded. "You might not be entirely happy with your role…But just know that it's the most important one." The Master patted Aced on the shoulder. "Capiche."

"Huh?" Aced was now completely confused.

"Shall I elaborate?" The Master asked rhetorically before turning away. "Making Ira the leader is all good in theory but sometime later you might think, 'he's terrible at this,' in which case it'll be your job to step up."

The Master stopped at his desk and faced Aced. "Who knows? Your leadership might be just what everyone needs. And that is your true role."

Now Aced was smiling and nodded in understanding.

The Master brought a hand to his chest. "May your heart be your guiding key. Best of luck, Aced!"

Aced turned to the door but the sound of the Master snapping his fingers made him pause. "Oh that's right! I forgot!"

"Master?" Aced turned back towards him.

"It has come to my attention that the lovely woman named Aqua has returned to Daybreak Town following her scuffle with Gula. She is resting for the moment but I believe now it's left to you, Ira or Ava to continue her trial." The Master spoke. "She's been through some rough patches since the last time she was here."

"Are you saying I am next to challenge her, Master?" Aced asked with a small smile.

"Oh no, I think this time it will be first come, first serve. You find her before the others, she's all yours. Just remember, you're not to eliminate her. I still wish to observe her a little longer before I make any hasty decisions." The Master answered.

"Of course, Master." Aced nodded. "Thank you."

The Master watched as Aced turned and left, just as the Darkness appeared next to him. "He's too eager for this. He might forget your instructions."

"Maybe but he's a free man. Who am I to decide what he shall do?" The Master shrugged. "So where have you been? Summoning that witch?"

"Yes. She's taken residence in an abandoned castle for the moment. It may interest you to know, that the woman Aqua was with tricked the two Gods into fighting each other before she tricked the dark one into resurrecting their dead lover. They are quite childish." The Darkness commented. "The light one continued killing him out of some agreement for balance while the dark one seems to suffer from a lack of worship from their mortals."

"Ah, that old routine. Some gods are just that way." The Master shrugged. "So what did they do to her?"

"They made her immortal."

This caused the Master to pause. "…Come again?"

"They made her immortal. She cannot die, she no longer ages. All to keep her from joining her lover in death." The Darkness answered.

"That's…" The Master sat down. "Stupid. Giving her immortality? That's what mortals always want, even if they never realize the price."

"To a God, the punishment is appropriate. She cannot die until she learns the lesson of the balance of life and death." The Darkness stated.

"Oh? Learns a lesson?" The Master sighed and shook his head. "Sure, a fair punishment to them. Living long enough to watch everyone around you die, except for you. But I have to wonder how much she loves this man."

Xxx

Salem was back in Ozma's home, kneeling first before she slowly stood up, holding a sword to her chest.

Without hesitating she stabbed it through her heart.

"Or how much she would hate these gods."

Xxx

"Exactly." The Master nodded in agreement with the Darkness' statement. "Good on paper, likely bad in execution. And you have the witch with her."

"Not yet but they are similar are they not? Both wield magic, both are now immortal. One by the gods and the other by the Keyblade. When she was stabbed with the Keyblade, the darkness in her heart was released and gave her the ability to travel back in time. Your trap caught her heart when it tried returning to the past of her world." The Darkness explained. "Now she has to be returned and it will take one of your pods along with a medium and someone to remember her. So as long as those exist, she cannot be killed."

"It is an interesting similarity, isn't it?" The Master mused. "It's amazing isn't it, what love can do to you?"

"This was brought on by love?"

"What else could it be? She wanted him back and was willing to lie and trick others into fighting each other to get him back. Now she can never join him, all because the love in her heart refused to accept that they could have been reunited when all hearts return to that which begins." The Master explained. "Now she cannot die until she learns a moral lesson. I can't say I would have done the exact same thing in their place. If anything this will twist her further into darkness."

"I am surprised you can such things. Is love not meant to be an aspect of light? Would it not save her from darkness?" The Darkness questioned.

"There is a difference between love and attachment, my friend. Love doesn't lead to the darkness. Passion can lead to rage and fear, and can be controlled…but passion is not the same thing as love. Controlling your passions while being in love…that's what they should teach to you beware." The Master stated in a rare moment of seriousness. "But love itself will save you…not condemn you."

"What a strange thing to say." The Darkness admitted.

"Well, maybe I am just a romantic." The Master shrugged.

"So do you know what will happen?"

"Oh, I wouldn't try to wager what might happen. Mostly, someone is probably going to do something really stupid."

Xxx

Salem dropped the sword onto the floor and watched as the wound that should have killed her instantly healed. She walked to the window, still holding the sword in her hand.

She set her sights on a castle in the distance.

Xxx

"When you have no one with you and have immortality as a bonus that means you have nothing left to lose."

Xxx

"Rebel against the gods? Are you insane?" King Artura asked, hidden behind a curtain while wearing her royal clothing, having heard Salem's proposal. "I've mourned Ozma's passing like you, Lady Salem but I will not commit my people to a war against the Gods."

"Not even to gain eternal life?" Salem questioned, glaring at the 'king'. "Strike me down and see for yourself."

"Nor will I shed blood for no reason. Leave, Salem." Artura ordered. "Forget this insane vendetta or at least leave me and my people out of it."

Salem glared before turning to the door, deciding to just move on to the next kingdom.

Xxx

"After all, say you've got what people have secretly longed for, you'll have them dancing out of the palm of your hand."

Xxx

A blooded axe landed on the floor before the Fat King, Charlemagne stood in surprise as the wound in Salem's back instantly healed.

Xxx

"And then, it all falls apart." The Master said, rubbing the back of his head. "This is not going to be pretty."

"And what will you do?"

"What will I do? Why would I do anything?" The Master questioned. "This is out of my hands and yours."

"Then you truly will not intervene."

"I am a humble Master, not an arbiter." The Master shrugged. "I cannot take sides in this matter, even if a Keyblade Wielder already has."

Xxx

When Aqua awoke the next morning, she showered, ate and then went off to look around the town again. She needed to find Ven and understand how he was here if this was indeed the distant past as she had come to suspect. With her business in the other world concluded she had decided to come back here to rest and then plan out what she was going to do next.

The best thing to do that would be to find Ven.

"You have returned."

As soon as Aqua was outside, she was greeted by a familiar creature. "Chirithy."

"I didn't think you would come back so soon." Chirithy stated.

"Well, I saw a familiar face and wanted to look around a bit." Aqua answered honestly. "I don't suppose you could help me."

"I was made to help Keyblade Wielders so I will do my best." Chirithy stated and gestured for Aqua to follow. "Come with me."

Aqua followed Chirithy as he/it led her down the streets. "I don't suppose you could tell me what is going on."

"About what?" Chirithy asked.

"This town, the Keyblade Wielders and the Foretellers." She clarified as they continued walking.

"Well, it's pretty simple once you get down to it. You're a Keyblade Wielder and it's up to you to stop the darkness from spreading, collect light and turn save the world." Chirithy answered.

Aqua glanced at the furry little creature. "Collect light? Not protect."

"Collect, protect, probably the same thing." Chirithy answered. "The darkness comes in the form of monsters known as the Heartless."

"I know of the Heartless." Aqua quickly cut in. "Though I thought they were native to the Realm of Darkness."

"Can't say for sure." Chirithy shrugged. "May I continue?"

Aqua nodded.

"These Heartless scour the world, searching for hearts, spreading darkness as they go. The Keyblade is an effective weapon against them. As for me, I was assigned to watch over any Keyblade Wielders in need of assistance. If you need me, I will support you every step of the way, teaching you everything you need to know and more."

Aqua stared at the creature and nodded. "Thank you."

"You are welcome." Chirithy led her to the water fountain she had seen before. "And look there, someone to talk to you about the Foretellers."

Aqua followed Chirithy's gaze and her eyes widened when she saw who he/it was looking at.

It was a girl wearing the same outfit as Invi and Gula only her hooded cloak was pink and decorated with light green tassels and covered a white robe, light purple shirt and a light purple sash. Her face was covered by a white fox mask that had a blue trim.

"Ava." Chirithy called out.

Ava looked in their direction and gasped slightly upon seeing Aqua but made no move to get up her spot at the fountain. "You…"

Aqua took one step back, looking alert but did not summon her Keyblade. "You are one of the Foretellers, like Invi and Gula."

"I am." Ava said, deciding to make herself as harmless as possible. "My name is Ava, leader of the Fox Union. And you are?"

"Aqua." The lost master introduced herself. "Are you going to fight me?"

"I probably should…but I do not believe I will at this moment." Ava answered honestly. "Though the Master ordered us to test you, I see no reason to fight you."

Aqua looked surprised but felt no lies from Ava, which made her lower her guard slightly. "Test me? Why would you need to test me?"

"You have a Keyblade but you're not from here. You're from a world outside ours which should be impossible. And yet, your heart is not tainted by darkness. It shines as bright as ours." Ava reasoned. "Even if the Master's orders are absolute I do not see that as reason for us to immediately fight."

Aqua slowly approached Ava, seeing she was being honest. "And why does your Master wish to test me?"

"Truthfully, I don't know. He doesn't want you eliminated but your presence here was unexpected so I can only reason he's being cautious." Ava reasoned. "It is reasonable for a man in his position to be on guard when a stranger comes into our midst."

"Maybe…Perhaps I can be allowed to speak with him myself and prove I am not threat to him or you." Aqua suggested.

"I might consider that but for now, we have our orders and we would not disobey him. Perhaps the next time I see him, I will make the suggestion and see if he allows it." Ava said, moving slightly over. "You don't need to be cautious around me. As I said, I don't plan to fight you today if it can be helped."

Seeing no reason to refuse, Aqua sat down next to Ava and both gaze at the town surrounding them. "So, perhaps you can tell me a bit this place. Why do Keyblade Wielders gather here?"

"It's because they have been chosen to gather the light here." Ava answered. "We Foretellers were trained to one day be leaders of our own unions of wielders and direct them. We all walk the same path but have different ways of reaching the same destination."

"Your own unions? You're not working together?" Aqua questioned.

"The Master forbade alliances between the unions, saying it cause imbalance between us. By keeping the five unions apart and in competition with each other, we grow as leaders and masters." Ava answered.

Aqua wasn't sure what to make of that but this wasn't her world and it's likely the Master was different from her own so it wasn't her place to approve or disapprove.

"And why do you need to form Unions?" She asked.

Ava looked ready to answer before a voice cut her off. "Ava!"

There was a burst of light and before them stood Aced, brandishing his Keyblade as Ava and Aqua immediately stood up. To Aqua who had never seen Aced before, could only think how big and muscular he was.

Even more so than Terra.

His hooded cloak was a tan color with the robe, shirt, and sash all light brown in coloration and had black embroidering and golden tassels on the front of his cloak. Over his face was a mask like the others, only his mask resembled the face of a bear. His Keyblade was bulkier than any Aqua had seen. The handle was grey and the guard and outer base were jagged and dark blue/teal in color.

A brown bear with red eyes was set at the base. The shaft was brown with a very wide black area in the middle. Cream engravings adorned the dark area, the topmost which resembled her own badge again. The end of the blade curved back towards the base and this and a bit of protruding from that side formed C-sharped teeth.

The Keychain consisted of red gems, connected by a brownish chain and a brown token with the same eye she had seen before.

Why was she always seeing that infernal eye?

"Aced." Ava greeted.

"What are you doing? Do you not remember the Master's decree?" Aced questioned.

"I have not forgotten them. I simply choose when I will carry them out. The Master did not tell us or Ira to immediately engage Miss Aqua upon seeing her." Ava reasoned. "I see no reason to not converse with her before having to test her."

"You cannot disregard the Master's decree like that." Aced argued.

"And I have not." Ava said as she stepped to the side before looking at Aqua. "My apologies, Aqua. If Aced seeks to battle you, I cannot interfere."

Aqua looked between her and Aced and sighed before summoning her Keyblade. "Very well."

(Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep OST Master, Tell Me the Truth Starts)

Aqua prepared herself for battle against Aced who heft his Keyblade over his shoulder. The mood had become tense as Ava stepped back, looking between the two of them carefully.

To the surprise of no one, Aced made the first move.

He lashed out with an open palm strike at Aqua who quickly cartwheeled out of the way. As soon as she was out of the way, Aqua spun around and slashed at Aced with her Keyblade which was blocked. What happened next was mostly a blur as the two fought, jumping into the air and landing with enough force to cause cracks to form along the ground. Ava made sure to cast an illusion and barrier around the surrounding area so no one would wander into the middle of the fight.

Aced was very brutish in how he fought but powerful as he swing his Keyblade around like a living mountain.

Aqua however was more agile and despite being weaker she had the experience to keep up, being the embodiment of a calm, serene ocean rather a mountain.

Ava could only watch as they fought, wondering who would come out as the victor in this fight.

"Thunder!" Aqua shouted, firing a bolt of lightning at Aced.

The Bear Foreteller swung his Keyblade, actually creating a spatial rift that swallowed up Aqua's spell. He then opened another that the very spell Aqua had used shot right back out. Aqua raised her Keyblade, barely able to block her own attack. Aced roared as he charged at Aqua again, swinging his Keyblade with enough strength to likely shatter her body on impact.

Aqua teleported out of the way just in time and reappeared behind Aced. "Fire!"

Aced grunted as he felt the fire spell hit him from behind but shrugged it off as he spun around and charged at Aqua. The blue haired master fell back, frantically dodging powerful strikes and counterattacking when she saw an opening. Still, Aced barely slowed down as he rampaged across the battleground.

"I don't know who you are and where you come from but the Master deemed you a possible threat and I will not allow for possibility to become reality!" Aced shouted, swinging his Keyblade down.

Aqua grunted, her agility just barely keeping her alive against this opponent. Just as Aced swung again, Aqua vanished.

Aced grunted, believing she had teleported behind him again.

Only when he turned around he was greeted with a dozen blast from behind that sent him crashing face forward into the ground.

(Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep OST Master, Tell Me the Truth Ends)

'Impressive.' Ava thought to herself as Aqua reappeared. 'She made herself invisible but let him think she teleported again, leaving him wide open.'

Say what you will about her but Ava could admit Aqua was a cunning wielder.

But when Aced spun around Ava realized that Aqua had indeed angered him greatly.

'Oh no.' She thought and moved quickly.

Aced roared as he charged at Aqua with such speed she didn't have a chance to react as Aced swung his Keyblade down…

And shattered Aqua to pieces.

Only it wasn't actually her.

Aced could only watch in stunned silence as the illusion of Aqua he had shattered vanished along with the real Aqua and Ava.

"What?!" Aced grunted as he looked around. "Ava! AVA! AVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Xxx

Aqua barely had time to blink as Ava rushed up to her and both reappeared in another part of Daybreak Town in an alley. "Huh?"

"It's okay." Ava said as she cast a healing spell on Aqua, healing the few wounds she had sustained against Aced. "He won't find us."

"Why did you step in like that?" Aqua questioned once her wounds had fully healed.

Ava sighed as she stepped back. "I know I said I couldn't intervene…But as a Union Leader and a wielder myself, I just can't bring myself to fight a fellow Keyblade Wielder or allow one to come to harm."

Aqua looked at the woman, wondering if she had found a kindred spirit in Ava. "…I know how you feel. But won't you be in trouble?"

"Aced was taking things too far. He's always been the more straightforward one of us but I don't know what could have set him off like that." Ava sighed as she turned away. "The good news is that he is unlikely to challenge you again, having now had his chance. Which now leaves me and Ira."

"So do you plan to challenge me next?" Aqua asked.

"…No. Not today." Ava shook her head. "I think one challenge has been more than sufficient."

"So do I." Aqua said with a small smile before she sighed. "Seeing how strong you and the other Foretellers are makes me wonder if I have been neglecting my training in some way. The way you fight, it's a lot stronger than I could have imagined a Keyblade Wielder being capable of. Makes me feel a little…small."

"Then perhaps I can offer some pointers." Ava offered with a smile. "It's the least I can do for how hard we are making things for you."

"You would do that?" Aqua asked, looking surprised.

"Anything for a fellow Keyblade Wielder." Ava answered with a smile.

Aqua could only smile back. "…Thank you."