I know everyone is very excited for this development. We've all missed Naminé and I do feel bad about not bringing her back sooner. But at least it is finally time for her return.
Even though Hayner, Pence, and Olette only knew about Naminé from description and never met the girl, they wanted to come along. For moral support and to greet a new friend. Because of course these guys immediately decide that she should be absorbed into their friend group without hesitation. They weren't quite at Sora's level of friendship, but it was impressive.
But the unnerving secret lab with a nightmarish history would already be crowded enough without bringing them along and having to introduce the trio to everyone. There would be so many explanations involved. Not to mention that no one was eager to discuss the newest breaches to the World Order with Donald. That was a topic that Lea was happy to procrastinate on a little longer.
It took a little convincing, but the trio eventually agreed to stay in Twilight Town. Mostly because Kairi pointed out that adding even more people might be overwhelming for Naminé. Though they did want to meet her when things calmed down.
And rather than wasting time with half of them running across town to get their black coats from home, they decided to just pile everyone into the Gummi Ship. Corridors of darkness were useful, but sometimes it was easier to travel in a group by other means. Lea, Isa, Roxas, Xion, Riku, Kairi, and Kiru crowded into the cockpit and set a course for Radiant Garden. With half-pints piloting, they made the trip in almost no time. Though they certainly left a lot of destruction in their wake.
In a Gummi Ship or with a Keyblade, they continued to wipe out large numbers of Heartless wherever they might go.
Lea felt tense and uncomfortable the moment that he set foot on his old world. And that anxiety only worsened when he followed the rushing Keyblade wielders into the building and down into the depths. He absolutely hated the lab and always would. Too many bad things happened there. But he could endure it if necessary. He shoved down the unsettling memories of those past nightmarish events because they had more important matters to deal with.
"Hello, Kairi," greeted Master Ansem as they arrived. "It is good to see you again."
She gave him a small and hopeful smile. Roxas, on the other hand, edged closer to Lea and Xion. He would probably never be completely comfortable with the man. And that was completely understandable. DiZ caused him a lot of pain before his more recent attempts at redemption. As long as Roxas wasn't attempting murder and Master Ansem behaved, Lea was willing to leave it alone for now.
Like the attempt to retrieve Roxas and Xion from Sora, the chairs with the attached scanners were back in the middle of the room. And occupying one was a replica body. But not the pale featureless version. They'd apparently already uploaded enough information to make it look like Naminé. Kairi and Xion's face, but the palest blonde hair that reached a little longer than shoulder length. And instead of cloaking the replica body in a black coat, they'd provided a white dress very similar to the one that Naminé once wore. Lea didn't know if it was Master Ansem or Ienzo who was responsible for recreating her outfit, but he knew it wasn't Even's idea. It was too sentimental for him.
As expected, the lab was crowded this time. In addition to Ansem and his apprentices, King Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were on one side of the room while Aqua, Terra, and Ventus were on the other. Lea gave Ventus a brief nod of greeting while Goofy waved at Kairi. It was definitely a good thing that they didn't bring the other three kids. Hayner, Pence, and Olette would have had to wait in the doorway if they'd come along.
"I'm sure that you remember the explanation from the last time you were here, Kairi. Let's see if this will go more smoothly," said Ienzo, gesturing towards the empty seat. "Hopefully there are enough people here to discourage any attacks in the middle of proceedings."
Crossing his arms in front of his chest, Lea added, "Not that there are many people left who might want to attack us."
The reminder of what happened— when he, Kairi, Donald, and Goofy fought to hold off waves of Heartless and Nobodies until Marluxia and Larxene arrived to tip the scales— did not go over well. Roxas and Xion edged in closer to him. As if trying to guard him. Lea had his collection of bad memories associated with Radiant Garden and the kids had theirs.
"Please take a seat, Kairi," said Even, typing something on the screen in front of him. "A more recent scan of your heart is needed, yes. A deeper scan that you'll simply sleep through. No effort required on your part. Once finished, an emotional trigger will be necessary to draw Naminé free and allow her to join her new body."
Smiling slightly, Kairi said, "Sound simple enough."
"And is it safe?" asked Riku.
"Are you doubting my genius?" asked Even. "I am far more than capable and intelligent enough to retrieve the newer heart from the primary one without causing harm to either one. There is no danger beyond my annoyance over such inane questions."
"Wow, he's got an ego," muttered Ventus, earning a slight nudge from Aqua.
Both Riku and Kiru accompanied Kairi the short distance as she claimed her seat. Offering her their silent support. Letting her know that she wasn't alone. If the place wasn't already crowded, Lea would have tried to slip over briefly to ruffler her hair as his own form of reassurance.
After all that time waiting for a new replica body, Naminé would soon be back. And, if things went right, they might be bringing Sora home not long afterwards.
Kairi opened her eyes. She was met with light. Not a blinding or painful light that burned at the eyes. A warm and gentle light. Powerful, but soothing. Welcoming. She couldn't see much else. The light hid any possible surroundings and the theoretical horizon. There weren't even any shadows. Just pure and endless light.
But she wasn't floating in the light. Blinking slowly, she looked down. Kairi found herself standing on a bright and colorful surface. A large and round stained-glass floor.
It was beautiful. There was a pink background and border of smaller circles with the stylized shape of her necklace inside. Kairi could identify the background as Destiny Island at dawn, though she couldn't help wondering if the numerous flowers were influenced more by her fragmented memories of Radiant Garden. In the foreground was the image of herself, asleep and holding her Keyblade lightly. And around her head were small round portraits of Sora, Riku, and Lea.
She smiled faintly. Even if it was only a stained-glass image, it was good to see Sora again.
Her boots echoed as Kairi turned. Behind her was another tall column topped by another stained-glass surface. Mostly white, but still beautiful from what she could make out. But most of her attention was on the pale figure standing there. Slumped slightly and wobbling on her feet like a sleepwalker, her eyes closed.
"Naminé," she said.
Her other half. Not a normal Nobody. Kairi was a Princess of Heart, without a single speck of darkness. She could never become a Heartless. And yet she had Naminé. Formed when Sora freed her heart when Kairi hid it inside him. Naminé was a unique and special Nobody.
And Kairi couldn't wait to spend time with her again in the real world.
"Naminé," she called again, stepping closer to the edge of her platform. "Can you hear me?"
Her head shifted slightly, blonde hair brushing against her shoulder. The faintest sliver of blue peeked form Naminé's eyes. Not quite awake, but trying to stir. Trying to react to Kairi's words.
Of course, it wasn't Kairi that was meant to get the sleeping heart to respond. The plan called for someone else. It called for someone who had known Naminé longer and formed a different connection with her.
"Are you… Can you hear us, Naminé? It's time for you to come back to us. Come back to… me."
The voice could have been Riku's, reaching so far down to them, but there was a slight difference to it. Both younger and far to world-weary in a different way. That's how Kairi knew it wasn't Riku. Those distant words came from his replica.
"Kiru," whispered Kairi.
"I… Come back…?"
Naminé's voice came out soft and fragile. Uncertain and nervous. Her eyelids fluttered. But sleep refused to release its hold.
"That's right," encouraged Kairi. "You can come home."
"But I… belong… here? Supposed… to be… here…"
"You don't have to stay here. Not anymore. You can be your own person." Smiling reassuringly, she said, "Your friends all want to see you again. Like Riku… and him."
"Please," continued Kiru from some distant place beyond the brightness, "I want you to come back."
Naminé raised her head. And her eyes opened.
Kiru thought that he was prepared. He'd spent months waiting, silently going over everything that he wanted to say to Naminé when she returned. What he wanted to tell her. The questions. The explanations. His occasional doubts that still lingered about the blurry line between real and fake memories. There was so much to talk about and he thought that he was ready. He really believed that he was prepared for that moment.
And yet, when Naminé opened her eyes for the first time, all words fled him.
He didn't know what he was feeling, but it was a lot. He'd wanted to bring Naminé back. He'd even been willing to surrender an available replica body and his own chance of returning until Riku essentially threatened him into survival. And now she was back. The reality of it felt overwhelming. Kiru didn't know what to do.
But when she blinked at the brightness of her surroundings and raised one hand, he reacted instinctively. Taking her hand gently and helping Naminé stand up. She smiled at him uncertainly. Kiru returned it with a bit more confidence. He was supposed to protect her. That certainty gave him the direction that he needed. Not because of a promise born of altered memories, but because that's what Kiru chose.
And it felt good to see her smile. She'd rarely smiled in Castle Oblivion.
"Hello," said Naminé quietly.
Still smiling at her, he said, "Welcome back. You can call me 'Kiru,' if you want."
"You chose your own name?" She ducked her head shyly. "I like it. The name suits you."
He wasn't going to lie. Hearing that felt good. His face and his memories might have originally come from another, but Kiru's name belonged only to him. It was something that he'd chosen and made him unique.
"It is good to have you back, Naminé."
Riku's greetings helped remind Kiru that he and Naminé weren't alone in that moment. Most of their audience was watching them, both patient and happy for their reunion. Riku was standing next to Kairi. Their position strongly mirrored Kiru and Naminé. Aqua, Terra, and Ventus seemed a little more uncertain, as if they were intruding on a private moment, but they were offering friendly smiles.
Meanwhile, Even looked like he was barely restraining himself from asking countless questions of Naminé to satisfy his scientific curiosity. Which was an improvement over Even looking at her like he wanted to dissect her.
Neither of them had many good memories of the Nobodies back in Castle Oblivion, for one reason or another. The last thing that Naminé needed was for the former Organization members to make her uncomfortable too.
"Hi, Naminé," said Goofy, waving at her.
Giggling, she said, "Hello."
"Naminé," said Master Ansem gently. She stiffened as she immediately recognized the voice and Kiru shifted in front of her protectively. "Welcome back. And I know that I can never apologize enough, but I am deeply sorry for how I treated you back then."
"Oh… um… I don't…"
She shifted awkwardly, her hands not knowing what to do without a sketchpad or coloring pencils to occupy them. Kiru wished that he could press those art supplies into her palms and let her work on drawing to calm down. It always seemed to sooth her back at Castle Oblivion. If he'd had more warning, he could have brought her something. A gift to reassure and welcome her. Instead, the best that he could do was slip his hand into hers and give it a squeeze.
"Naminé?" called Riku gently, pulling her attention away from the man. "We need to ask you something."
Closing her eyes, she said, "You want me to find Sora."
"Can you?" he asked.
Eyes still closed, Naminé's face took on a look of deep concentration. Her fingers twitched as she held her hands in front of her, as if she was trying to sketch something. Or she was sorting through invisible threads or chains. Kiru watched her expression carefully. And he saw when her brow furrowed and a frown crossed her face.
"I… There's something wrong," she said slowly. "I can trace the memories of his friends. Riku, Kairi… Donald, Goofy… Even Roxas, Xion, and Ventus… I can follow those chains of memories and even those people who are connected to his friends instead of him. But where they are supposed to connect Sora…" Naminé shook her head, staring at them with big blue eyes. "It's empty. They just disappear into a dark hole where I can't reach. He's cut off from those connections. I… I can't follow those connections. I'm sorry. I can't find Sora."
And as awful as Kiru felt hearing that, several of the others seemed absolutely gutted. Kairi looked like she might cry. Riku turned away, the hand by his side curled into a fist. The three who once hid in Sora's heart seemed to be drowning in guilt anew. Goofy and Donald were exchanging devastated looks. And even King Mickey was shaking his head slowly.
One of their main hopes for finding Sora had just been crushed.
"I'm sorry," she apologized again.
"It's not your fault," said Riku, somehow giving her a strained smile despite everything.
"Gosh, of course not," said King Mickey. "You did your best to help. You tried."
Kiru squeezed her hand. Naminé smiled weakly at his silent reassurance. She was blaming herself despite what everyone was telling her. It cast a dark shadow on her return. Turning what should have been a happy moment into something bittersweet.
Then it seemed to become too much for him. Riku hurried out of the lab, bumping into Roxas on his way. Kairi flashed a quick apologetic look before following after him. Someone needed to go with him, after all. Even King Mickey seemed divided on the idea of trying to chase after him to check on Riku. If Naminé was blaming herself, Kiru couldn't imagine how much Riku blamed himself.
Well, Kiru could imagine. One of the benefits of being Riku's replica.
"So one plan to find Sora fell through," said Lea carefully. "No problem. There's no reason to give up. I still say he's going to show up someday perfectly fine and probably dragging along half a dozen new friends." Walking over and putting a hand on Naminé's shoulder, he said, "It is good to see you again."
"Thank you," she said. "I… I don't know what to do now."
"Anything you want," said Roxas, taking a step forward. "That's the thing. We don't have to do anything that we don't want to. The Organization is gone and our friends aren't like them. No one can make you do anything anymore."
Lea smiled proudly at the boy. Naminé glance between the two, uncertain despite the reassurances. Facing that much freedom was overwhelming. Especially when someone was used as a tool for their entire existence. Kiru knew that better than most people.
"You can go back to Destiny Island with Riku, Kairi, and me," said Kiru carefully. "You can start a life of your own there. Maybe make some friends with the other kids who live there."
"Or you're welcome to stay with us in Twilight Town," said Lea. "You've at least spent some time there in the past. And we have some space in the apartment. We might even add a bunkbed."
Tilting her head, Xion asked, "What's a bunkbed?"
"I'll explain later," he said, reaching one of his long arms over to ruffle her hair.
"Or," said Master Ansem, his voice gentle, "you can remain in Radiant Garden, if that is what you wish. It would not have to be in the castle if you would be uncomfortable with that. I could try arranging something in the town for you. Sora's friends would be almost certainly help. And it would be the least that I could do for you, Naminé."
Bringing her hand up and resting her knuckle against her lower lip, Naminé looked thoughtful. Uncertain, but thoughtful. Then she turned towards Kiru.
"What do you want to do?" she asked.
"Me?" Kiru blinked in confusion, his mind immediately going blank. "I don't… I haven't really thought about it." Shifting slightly, he said quietly, "I just want… to stay with you."
Naminé's cheeks darkened briefly as she ducked her head. He immediately looked away. He'd overstepped a little. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
"Perhaps," said Aqua carefully, "I could make a suggestion?"
She exchanged looks with Terra and Ventus. Making certain that the three of them were still on the same page on whatever she had in mind. Something that they'd clearly discussed before. Maybe even multiple times.
"I know that we discussed this with you before, Kiru," she continued. "But the offer has no time limit and still stands. You're both welcome to come and stay at the Land of Departure. It was always meant to be a safe haven for Keyblade wielders. That includes you. And even if Naminé does not have a Keyblade of her own, we would love to have her as well. It… feels a little empty at times. From what I've heard, I know you were both originally from there when it was Castle Oblivion, so that makes it your home. And I know you have probably been practicing on your own since you gained your Keyblade, Kiru, but can offer a more formal and structured training. We've been trying to adapt Master Eraqus's teaching into something less rigid. And Naminé?" She turned towards the younger girl. "I would like the chance to get to know you better. Our home has more than enough space for you both and it could be a safe haven if that if what you want. We can offer you both a peaceful and quiet world to stay if that is something that you might need after everything that has happened."
They had indeed made that offer before. He'd almost forgotten. Buried the idea away. It didn't seem worth considering seriously until Naminé returned. Keyblade training might be nice. Learning everything properly instead of learning solely by being tossed in the middle of everything. But it was easier not thinking about it. Wanting something for himself was harder than just focusing on taking care of Naminé.
His original role was her protector. It was hard to move past that sometimes. He was working on it.
And it might be nice. To start somewhere new. Somewhere away from Riku's shadow where he could build something of his own. It would be good for them both to stay somewhere safe and away from danger and fighting. A peaceful life, but one without the complication of foreign memories always pushing their way in.
No one trying to use Kiru or Naminé. No one using them, holding them captive, or turning them into their weapons or tools. He knew better than to assume it would remain peaceful forever. Something always happened. But they could have a calmer and quieter life for a little while.
"Maybe… we could at least visit," said Kiru slowly. "Maybe see what it is like before making any decisions? The Land of Departure has changed from Castle Oblivion, right? We should get to see it first. See how different it might be."
Smiling, Naminé said, "That sounds like a nice idea."
That could work. They could try staying there for a few days to try it out. Kiru could give her the art supplies that he left on Destiny Island. He'd accumulated quite a stash for her in the months since Sora's disappearance. She could draw or sketch or paint while Kiru practiced with his Keyblade. They could see what it would be like.
"There you go," said Even. "The girl's living arrangement is sorted, yes. And we'll need to start concentrating on alternative methods of locating Sora. But for now, everyone who is not required should leave the lab. We are not releasing the girl until after the planned tests to ensure a stable integration of her heart into her new replica body. I have data to collect."
Axel kept to the shadows as he moved, both chakrams held in tight grips. He knew better than to be caught off guard. Not that anyone paid any attention to him as he hurried past. He didn't even need stealth. The chaos of his surroundings did the work for him.
There were screams and panic all around. Packs of Heartless roamed the night. Their numbers carefully encouraged by the Organization. The more Heartless that spread and stole the hearts of the local people on the soon-to-be-doomed world, the more hearts that the Organization could eventually collect in order. Bringing them one step closer to regaining hearts of their own.
Not that they had a way to actually collect those hearts yet. Unless Vexen cooked up something in the lab, the only way to supposedly collect those hearts would be with a Keyblade. But Lord Xemnas claimed that he would reveal the next part of the plan soon. And with it would supposedly be the answers to that dilemma. Axel held some suspicions about why he would be concealing that next step, but it wasn't worth investigating too deeply yet. Saïx would be the one in a better position to figure it out.
Regardless, he wasn't overly concerned about questioning the mechanics of their future heart collecting venture. It would take up too much energy and he would gain too much attention. He'd find out more soon enough. Until then, Axel would play his part.
He couldn't let himself be distracted by the cries of fear from everyone around him. Someone with a heart would feel sorry for them. They were terrified. And they didn't understand what the Heartless were or what was happening to their world. It was dark, horrifying, and beyond their comprehension. Sheer panic filled the population. They fought, they fled, and they hid, but nothing would save them. There was nothing that they could do to stop what was happening.
Their world would fall into darkness. They would all lose their hearts. The only ones who might survive would be those with strong enough hearts to make it to places like Traverse Town when their world vanished around them. Just like what happened with Hollow Bastion.
But Lord Xemnas felt that it would be a waste to squandered those potential Nobodies by letting those people with strong hearts and wills slip away so easily. Which was why he sent Axel. To ensure that certain targets lost their hearts.
He couldn't actually kill the targets directly. Not if he wanted to produce a Nobody out of the encounter. But wounding someone and leaving them helpless for the Heartless to finish off was a viable strategy. And sometimes Axel needed to take out those who got in his way.
That was his role. His purpose. The Organization's favorite assassin. A weapon for Lord Xemnas to direct in whatever direction served him best.
He'd lost count of how many had lost their lives or their hearts due to his actions, but Lea had long since earned his deadly reputation. Not that it bothered him. It couldn't bother him. He couldn't feel bad about what he was doing or what was asked of him. Without a heart of his own, it didn't really matter.
Perched on top of a building, Axel saw his target. Already cornered by Heartless, but weaker ones. His target might even be able to fight them off enough to escape. That would not be allowed.
Movement out of the corner of his eye. Two teenagers watching him. A boy and a girl dressed like him. As if they were members of the Organization. Something in him screamed not to do it and that he couldn't let them see what he was about to do, but Axel dismissed it. As long as they stayed out of his way, they didn't matter. He had a mission to fulfill.
He dropped down in the middle of everything, chakrams spinning. And while surprised, his target briefly seemed to believe that the redhead stranger might be there to help. A momentary flicker of hope.
But Axel turned away from the Heartless, arm lashing out with the chakrams—
—only to encounter empty air. Panting hard and blinking rapidly as he sat there trying to clear his vision, Lea needed a moment to regain his bearings. His racing heart began to slow as he managed to take in a few details of his room. And, swallowing hard, Lea banished the chakram from his hand and lowered his arm.
Summoning a weapon in his sleep was a new one. The kids had done it a few times in the beginning, but not Lea. He was a little surprised that it wasn't his Keyblade instead. He figured that would be the weapon more likely to respond to his distress and it always had a mind of its own.
Lea ran a hand through his hair briefly before flopping back down on his pillow. This was stupid. It wasn't even that bad of a nightmare. Some guilt-stained memories from the old day, twisted and combined together. It wasn't a specific memory or event. Rather, it was an amalgamation of numerous missions, turning into something vague and yet unnerving. More focused on his actions rather than any specific victim.
And then to twist the knife, his crimes were witnessed in the dream. He hadn't recognized them in the dream, but two figures watching him attack were clearly Roxas and Xion. Which was further proof that it wasn't real because neither of them would have existed yet. No, none of what happened was accurate. But it was close enough to reality to serve as a reminder of the kind of person that he used to be.
The kind of person that he didn't want to be. Not anymore. He couldn't afford to be that person. Roxas and Xion needed more than that. They deserved better. He needed to be better.
They needed him to be more than an assassin. A weapon to be turned against them at the whim of another. Everyone needed him to be more than that.
They needed him. Lea needed to be better. For the half-pints. For Isa. For Kairi, her and Riku dealing with the heartbreaking disappointment. Even for Naminé, Kiru, Ventus, and the other kids that he'd grown attached to. He needed to be better for all of them.
If he wasn't good enough, if he failed them again, Lea would lose all of them. He knew that he would. But he wouldn't let that happen. Lea wasn't that person anymore. He wouldn't let them down.
He wouldn't survive if he lost everyone again. He wouldn't be able to bear it.
Closing his eyes, Lea flexed his hand a few times. Trying to banish the memory of slashing through someone and the weight of his chakrams. He shouldn't dwell on it. He was exhausted and it wouldn't do him any good anyway.
He was fine. Everything would be fine. It was just an unpleasant memory.
I know that was a long wait and you're undoubtedly disappointed that they didn't get their expected lead on Sora's location, but things rarely go completely according to plan. But they aren't giving up. But in the meantime, Naminé has returned. Everyone is happy about that, even if they are disappointed that Sora is still MIA.