So after much debate, I thought it was time to wrap up this story. So here it is, thank you everyone for sticking with me through this.

Ch.13

When Zack was brought to the Land of Departure, he could hardly believe his eyes. He had only been to a few worlds so far in his adventures, but this one by far was the best. Everywhere he looked, the view was entirely breathtaking. With his new Gummi Phone, he knew that he would be taking so many pictures. He didn't want to forget such a wonderful place, though if he was able, he would stay here as long as he could.

"Enjoying the view?" Aqua said as she came up beside him.

"Of course I am! Your home is beautiful!"

"You know… it isn't my original home," Aqua said as she looked out over the cliffs.

"It's not?"

Aqua shook her head. "When I was a little girl, I lived in a different world. I didn't have a family, but Master Eraqus found me. He took me here and raised me alongside Terra, training us both to be Keyblade Masters."

"Wow. I had no idea. Do you remember what your home was? I mean, the world you came from?"

"No, I don't. I haven't really thought about it in a long while. My family is here, and that's all that matters."

Zack couldn't help but feel a little bad. He could tell by the brief distance in Aqua's eyes that it was a hard subject to talk about. "Sorry…"

Aqua smiled at him. "It's okay. As long as I am with Ven and Terra, I'm happy."

"And I hope maybe I will make you happy too one day," Zack thought to himself.

With a smile of his own, he linked arms with Aqua. "So! Care to show me around the rest of the place? Like inside and all? I still wanna see everything before the sun goes down!"

"Alright, Zack. Let me see what else I can show you."

The two walked off, still arm and arm. Both of them smiled, feeling happier than they had in days. Zack had to admit, with the battles over, he never felt more relieved. While part of him kept a close eye for any shifty activity, he knew what he wanted to do most of all.

He still wanted to remain by Aqua's side. He wanted to live this new part of his life as a keyblade wielder. It was a new chapter in his life, and he had no idea what to expect next. Would there be more training as a keyblade wielder? Or would there be a time to relax and not have to worry about the balance of the worlds?

Sure, he had these thoughts, but he tried not to dig too deeply on them. He wanted to focus on the now, and the now was with Aqua.

"So, ready for the best date of your life?" Zack asked.

"Are we going to do this now?" Aqua said, laughing a little. "I still have so much of this world to show you."

"Well, I was thinking, since we are already together and alone here. We're just walking around and stuff, why not make this the start of the date! Then later on I can really take you out to enjoy the night for a great date."

"And what would we do on this oh so great date of yours?"

Zack thought for a moment, looking up at the sky as he pondered. He had thought about the ideas of it many times before, but now that he was on the spot everything seemed to leave his brain. Quickly, he tried his best to remember, gathering whatever ideas came to his mind to make something worthwhile.

"Okay, how about this! We go on this tour of your world, then I could cook you a nice meal. Something I remember my mom used to make for me. Then uh…. Hm. Could we maybe find a world to watch the sunset for?"

"I think that sounds lovely," Aqua said. "Sounds very much like you, Zack."

"So, you'll do it?" Zack asked with a smile.

Aqua let out a soft hum before she leaned against Zack''s arm. "Yes, you've finally convinced me, hero."

Zack pumped a fist up into the air, cheering loudly. "Woo hoo! Finally!"

He couldn't even begin to describe how good he felt. A new sense of joy filled him, and he was going to live it to his fullest. Without even thinking, he wrapped his arms around Aqua and pulled her even closer, bumping their foreheads together.

"Opps! Sorry, Aqua!" Zack said as he took a step back to run his forehead.

Aqua started to laugh, placing her arms around her waist. "Never change, Zack."

Tilting his head, he frowned slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your energy that makes you, you. It is your shining light."

Reaching out towards Aqua, Zack pulled her in close. He smiled as he stared into her eyes. "You really mean that?"

"Of course. You are a wonderfully bright person, Zack."

With a smile, Zack leaned forward, bringing his face in closer. "Thanks, Aqua. But you know, you are pretty bright yourself."

Finally, he braced himself enough to gently place his lips upon Aqua's. A wonderful moment of bliss seemed to flow between them, as their feelings grew stronger with every passing second. Slowly, Zack could feel Aqua placing her arms around him, bringing them even closer together.

It was as if their hearts were singing in unison. It was a beautiful melody between them, and they were ready to embrace every second of it. From the beginning until the end, they would be by each other's side.