Hey everyone welcome back to day 8. This little story is inspired by a one shot by Ejes called King and Queen it's kind of a what if Aqua becomes a part of the Organization and believes Xemnes is Terra. I have been dabbling with this premises on and off for a while and created an AU where Dakota is a Princess from a kingdom called Lightris (How to say it: Light Tris) Ventus was also found and given a dark heart giving him the title Prince of Darkness. I've wanted to write this AU for a while, but I haven't even created half the plot so instead take this one shot. Maybe one day I'll expand on this Au but no promises, I've got enough stories on my plate anyway, enjoy the story.
The night of a ball at Cinderella's Castle wasn't uncommon. The Princess of Light and her husband love throwing parties for the townspeople. Cinderella says it's an excellent way for her people to come together through dance and let loose and have fun. Unfortunately, fun for Dakota and her friends wasn't the reason they were here. An informant of theirs informed them that the Organization was hunting for the original Seven Princesses. So, fearing Cinderella was a target, the gang offered to be bodyguards for the night. The Prince and Princess were grateful for the added security, plus it was always lovely to catch up with old friends.
Dakota was excited to dance. She got the pleasure to hear the band rehearsing and helped decorate. Looking around the castle one more time for intruders, the Princess of Lightris reunited with her friends who were making masks for the ball.
"Okay, before we forget, we're not here to lose ourselves in the festivities. We're here to protect Cinderella from the new Organization." Riku reminded everyone nodded,
"If we're not going to partake in the dance, why are we wearing masks and gowns?" Chloe questioned with a raised hand.
"We're wearing them to blend in. I know it's not the most practical way of fighting. But if we're not recognized, the Organization will let their guard down, making them think it's an easy win. Obviously, it won't be." Emily explained,
"Alright, any other questions?" Riku asked. Everyone shook their heads until Dakota slowly raised her hand.
"Can we still dance? I know we're not meant to get distracted but. I feel like blending into the crowd instead of standing around on high alert would be less suspicious."
"You know that's a good point." The Keyblade Master pondered, "It would be harder to spot us. Alright, I guess it couldn't hurt to dance but don't lose track of the mission, okay?"
Everyone nodded and scattered to get dressed. An hour later, the ball was in full swing. Each member took turns keeping an eye out for suspicious guests and taking turns being someone's dance partner. It was calm for the most part plus the masquerade masks made blending in easy. Dakota was enjoying herself when she spotted a boy with spiky blond hair wearing a black mask and tuxedo. She stopped short as she nearly made eye contact with Ventus, the self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness. Dakota could see his golden eyes through the tiny holes in his mask and wondered if they were staring at her. It wasn't a secret that Dakota had a crush on the boy, but he was the Prince of Darkness. She was the Princess of Light. They came from two different worlds despite being on the same side at one point.
The young Princess couldn't take it. She pushed through the crowds and took Ventus by the hand.
"What do you want?" He questioned harshly, not feeling too keen on dancing.
"I couldn't help but notice you all alone. I thought maybe you'd like a dance partner." She replied, trying to keep her identity a secret.
"No thanks, I'm not here to dance; I'm here for." Ventus cut himself off before he blew his cover. "I mean, I don't know how to dance."
"I could teach you." She offered,
"I have a feeling you're not going to let me go until I say yes, are you?" He asked hollowly,
"Nope." She answered truthfully,
"Fine, only one dance, okay?"
Dakota nodded but had plans to keep Ven distracted until her friends caught on. The two royals danced to song after song. Even though Ventus tried to run away a few times, Dakota kept him right where she needed. The others caught onto Ven's presence pretty quickly and kept a close eye on both of them in case there was a trap involved. But a thumbs up from the Princess of Light gave everyone the message that she'll handle it.
Dakota was about to ask the prince if he'd like something to drink when he came back with a cup of punch and a plate of cookies.
"Do you want to step outside for a while? It's getting stuffy in here."
The Princess nodded, grabbing a drink and lacing her arm around his. Outside, the two enjoyed a leisurely chat while eating the snacks.
"So, where did you learn to dance like that?" Ventus asked,
"I was taught when I was younger. My parents thought it would do me some good to learn how to waltz before I get invited to fancy parties. Can't have myself stepping on toes and knocking people over now, can I?" Dakota replied, batting her eyelashes, a slight tease in her voice.
"No, I guess not." He agreed, "What are you doing here anyway? You're not a local. I doubt you're here just to dance."
"What makes you think I'm not a local? It's rude to assume someone's origin, you know."
"Don't play dumb with me," Ventus said in a bored tone and conjured a gust of wind, blowing the mask off Dakota's face.
The Princess was shocked Ventus figured out her identity, but the shock soon turned to guilt. "You knew it all along, didn't you?" She asked, looking down at the plate of crumbs.
"You may have disguised your backstory, but you are horrible at hiding your voice. I recognized you when I saw your dress which you also wear a little too often."
Dakota mentally faced palmed, "And here I thought I outsmarted you." She groaned, placing her face in her hands.
"Ha, it was a nice attempt, but it's nearly impossible to outsmart the Prince of Darkness." He smiled arrogantly,
"Well, let's not get cocky. Keep in mind I'm not the only one here." She replied, her spark returning,
"And neither am I. To be honest, I'm not in charge of kidnapping Princess Cinderella. The truth is, I wasn't meant to interact with anyone. Aqua wanted me to keep an eye on the Princess, but that quickly got old, so I just stood out of sight. Well, that was until you found me. I should thank you, though. You saved me from a night of boredom." He thanked taking off his mask playing with the decorations,
"I'm glad I was able to make your night a little better. I certainly had fun."
"I know, you did. Why else would you ask me of all people to dance with you?" Ven stated, lifting her hand a placing a soft kiss on it.
The brunette was taken aback by the kind gesture but didn't pull away. "You know I'm glad I got to meet you. You might be on the dark side, but you have a good heart deep inside."
"Don't make me laugh. I lost my light a long time ago. Falling into an eternal sleep will do that to you."
Dakota was about to speak. But an explosion in the distance made her jump to her feet.
"Ven, let's go." Aqua's stern voice cut in. The two turned around to face the corrupted Keyblade Master.
"What happened? Did you get the Princess?" Ven asked,
Aqua shook her head, "She's not worth it. There's too much security. Besides, she doesn't have what we're looking for. Now let's go."
Ventus obeyed and walked to his older sister figure, not spearing a second glance at Dakota.
"Bye Ven. I'll see you soon." She waved quietly,
Aqua suddenly stopped shooting an evil glance at the girl. "Knock her out."
Ventus did as he was told without any remorse. Using his Keyblade to conjure a sleep spell, Dakota was knocked out in an instant as the two wielders chuckled darkly at the Princess's unconscious body.
"Not bad." Aqua smiled,
"I've been wondering when I'd get to do that. I like spending time with her, but she lets her guard down too easily." Ven replied with a shrug.
The two left without anyone to stop them. And Dakota woke up shortly after. A while later, the group reunited and reported their findings. It turns out Xigbar caused the explosion in hopes of causing a panic. Once everyone started running, Aqua would swoop in and kidnap Cinderella, but Riku foiled the plan, and with Ventus leaving his post, Aqua had no choice but to set out to find him.
As the others chatted, Dakota was lost in her world. She couldn't help but relive the night in her mind while playing with the black mask that Ven left behind. Even though Ventus was the Prince of Darkness, he was her prince. Dakota wasn't about to give up hope they couldn't be together. She was light, and he was darkness, but together they made a beautiful twilight.
Aww, wasn't that precious? I've always kind of liked the idea of an evil Ventus he would still be cute but terrifying. And I love terrifyingly adorable characters. Anyway, next prompt is Darkness we're halfway done folks XD.
