Well. I got one response to separate what's going on with Sora and the others into two separate fics. I'm warming up to the idea despite the vague cringe I have still. However, I must conclude leaving Quadratum behind before focusing on Sora.

This is also version two, because I didn't like how the first version was going, lol. It's a short chapter, but it felt wrong to try and push it further. After this it'll be Sora's story.

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Riku spent the morning observing.

One might think this odd, but now that Ephemer had arrived Riku quickly gained a new understanding of Ava and those associated with her.

Ludorr, despite being the "oldest," as well as a benefactor, still deferred to Ava to some degree.

Ephemer also deferred to her, respecting her authority while also chatting with her in a familiar and friendly manner.

Skuld was similar, despite their friendship and present spat, the girl clearly saw her as an important figure of authority who had failed her expectations.

And that was the crux of it.

Ava was a leader first to them, and a friend second.

He should have really noticed this sooner, especially with how frustrated Skuld had been with Ava since Sora's test. Now, knowing what he did from Ava's confession last night, he realized just how alone she was.

She was their leader who couldn't falter. Despite the strange time shenanigans that had befallen her, she had taken in her teenage son, only to find out he was someone who frightened her. With the way she'd been acting, she hadn't been able to really make sense of what was going on for herself, let alone explaining it all to the others.

He had been the most neutral of them all, simply accepting the explanations given while holding no judgements.

It was no wonder that she had told him that The Master was Sora.

He did, however, needmore information.

Carefully he approached her as she brewed in the kitchen at a frantic pace to produce the highest quality items, but also the more rare ones before their departure.

He was aware that they were alone in the condo. Ludorr off to make arrangements, Ephemer going along with Skuld to her job to help in whatever way he could (he simply had far too much energy to be stuck inside).

Riku sighed and internally groaned, realizing he was taking the adult role again, "Have you eaten yet today, Ava?"

She barely paused in her work as she glanced up at him, "Not just yet. I fed Rota and I've sort of been at this since."

Riku frowned, going to the fridge to see what he could possibly put together with his dismal cooking skills.

There were eggs, and he could at least manage that without help. He looked at her, "Eggs ok?"

She paused, looking at him before making a few odd wistful faces before almost crying, switching back to holding herself together, "Sure."

He stared at her for a moment longer before taking them out and going to work to prep them.

What had caused that reaction?

While keeping an eye on the eggs he'd scrambled, he threw a few pieces of bread into the toaster, pulling out some butter as he went.

It was an easy meal to piece together, so after not that long he had a plate of eggs and toast ready. He watched her as she finished capping her current brew before turning to him to take the plate with a small smile, "Thank you, Riku."

He nodded before settling into a chair and eating, observing her.

She observed him in return, "You used to watch me all the time, with that same clear look."

Riku stiffened as he nearly choked on his food, feeling a little embarrassed as he looked away from her, "Sorry."

Ava shrugged as she ate, "What's on your mind?"

Riku chewed for a long moment with brows furrowed before answering, "...Why did you almost cry over eggs?"

Ava stopped before barking a sad laugh, "Sora told me that despite learning how to cook a bunch of different dishes, for some reason he had problems with eggs. Explosive problems."

Riku tilted his head, "But he never had any problems when we were kids…"

Ava shrugged, "Something that started happening while learning how to cook it seems."

Riku figured Donald or Goofy would know better. He glanced at her again, "So… You said Sora's The Master. What.. what do you mean, and what did he do to you?" He blinked and sat straight, "Though if it's a sensitive topic you don't have to tell me, I just want to understand. I don't…" He waffled a moment, "I don't like how alone you look while surrounded by everyone."

He knew how it felt to feel like a third wheel, while also being seen as the more mature one. He'd practically built his entire persona around the idea.

Ava studied him for a long moment as she continued to eat. Slowly, she came to a decision and nodded to herself as she set her plate down, "There are a lot of things I can't explain. Or well, more so that I don't want to explain more than once… So I'd rather wait until everyone who needs to know is gathered together in one place. I don't think I could explain myself more than that."

Riku nodded as she continued, "The shortest and most abridged story, is that Sora- The Master of Masters was like a father to me… and after he had faded away, leaving us to our Unions and Roles, a Book of Prophecies in hand, I began to suspect his motives. In the end, I chose to try and forge a new path, separate from what he had written and instructed…" She wilted, "I'm now more confused about his motives than ever before."

Because that was the weird part. He had actually come to talk to her before he'd been chased off.

His Heart fragment that had spoken to her while resting in her Heart Station… It had explained a lot and nothing all at once. His personality was also the same and oddly warped, which didn't help things.

She slumped, "I'm not a very strong person, Riku. I know everyone sees me as a powerful Keyblade Wielder with incredibly vast knowledge- and I won't say I don't fit those assumptions. But, I was only fourteen when I first was put in charge of thousands of like-aged Wielders, given the Role to select what children would live on after the inevitable Keyblade War, and who would die." Tears gathered in her ice blue eyes as she looked at Riku in devastation, "How in the world can I honestly live with myself for having to make such decisions, because of a Role given to me by the person I loved most?"

Riku could only look at her in sympathy, unable to even begin to figure out an answer as she covered her face for a moment to regain her bearings before wiping away her tears with a sniff, "Not only was The Master of Masters the man who saved me and raised me like his own child along with the others, but he's actually my son? What am I supposed to do with that? It makes me question everything."

Riku nodded as he understood. Clearly, it didn't change the fact that Ava loved her son- of course she did. She'd been happy, as far as he knew, to have him back in her life.

Yet, it was completely overshadowed when he had been changed during his Test. The shift in his appearance had triggered something in her to realize the truth of his identity in her life.

It was why she was both stressed over his disappearance, and entirely unconcerned.

She knew some of what had happened to him, and clearly, he was still around and kicking.

Riku frowned, 'I'm going to kick him when he shows up next time.' He nodded to himself in resolution.

Ava raised an eyebrow at his action, and he flushed slightly as he scrambled to speak, "I'll try and get Skuld off your back."

Ava smiled with a slight slump of her shoulders as she softly spoke, "Don't worry about it. She'll understand soon enough, and honestly… I'm not sure she's ever been this frustrated before." She shrugged, "Might as well let her ride it out."

Riku frowned, "But she'll feel guilty about it later."

Ava nodded, "True, but do you really want to get in between two girls fighting?"

The silver haired teen paused as he re-evaluated himself and the situation. Slowly he slumped, "But…"

Ava gave him a tired smile, "It's our problem, so let us work it out in our own way."

He bowed his head in slight dejection, "Right…"

"Thank you, Riku. I appreciate your support."

He blinked as he looked up to her, studying her for a moment before nodding, "You're welcome."

It was all he could do, for her, and for Sora.

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Over the course of the day Riku had become an invaluable help to taking care of Rota as she worked. He was terribly awkward with the infant, feeling bad as he constantly ended up having to ask her questions. His left wrist was a huge hindrance to him, but she reassured him that his questions weren't at all distracting and that it was fine.

Honestly, it made her feel a lot better that someone was caring for her daughter again. Now that Sora wasn't there to help, Rota had been left alone more often than not, and that simply wouldn't do. Thankfully, Rota seemed to sync with Riku's calm demeanor well enough and was generally at peace.

She still ended up having to take care of some things and would have been slightly more annoyed about it, but Riku was barred from using his left hand as much as possible, so she couldn't hold it against him when he was unable to deal with some of Rota's care. He did at least put in the effort to watch from a distance so he at least had an idea of what to do when his wrist was better.

He was earnest, and reminded her of Vale and Ruki both a great deal. Ruki took care of her in ways Invi never had, and Vale also took care of her in his own way that her fellow Foretellers hadn't.

She hadn't thought of most of the others in so long.

Ava sighed as she leaned back in her chair to stare at the ceiling, needing a moment to relax from her frantic pace. Soon they would leave this city, and return to the place where Wielders learned how to protect the Worlds.

The final place where they could do so.

She didn't have any particular details, but Riku and Ludorr both seemed to be on the same page when it came to where they'd be headed and staying.

She looked forward to meeting the many friends Sora had gathered.

The friends he'd spent countless Loops trying to save.

Ava frowned as she contemplated everything the Master had said and done as he raised the six of them.

At some point, he must have finally come to the resolution that not everyone could be saved, certainly, since he'd seen the coming of the Keyblade War. Still, why had he amassed so many children into one place?

Not to say he had been the only one to do so- not by a long shot, but Daybreak Town had very few adults over the age of twenty five.

There were simply too many questions, and the one who could give her the answers she wanted, she didn't have the strength to see.

Slowly she sat properly again, staring at her brews as she formulated her next project. She pulled out Sora's crown necklace and ran her fingers over it, a new and old comfort as she remembered doing this same action as she waited for her time with him and Aeros to come to its end.

The path ahead was no longer clear.

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The time had come. Riku explained to Ludorr at some point where he'd initially found himself when he'd arrived. It was difficult to coordinate, seeing as he only knew the place by sight, but once located, it was realized that would also be the point of departure.

Ava, Ephemer, Ludorr, Riku, and Skuld met up with Yozora and his team, as well the Doctor to say their farewells in the middle of the city where Yozora had lost his most important person.

The atmosphere was solemn, but they all made the most of it as they could. Ava stepped forward, dressed in her Foreteller robes once more as she took Yozora by the hands, "Thank you for everything you've done for us. I know things weren't always pleasant, especially with that test, but I still cherish the time I've spent here in Quadratum. One day, I hope that if I can be of any help to you in your journey to regain your lost loved one, that it would be an honor to be able to help you in whatever manner I am able. Though it is a small comfort, if you ever need a place away from others, know that Ludorr's condo is welcome for your use."

Yozora nodded as he glanced to Ludorr who nodded in agreement, stepping forward and shaking his hand as Ava stepped back, "I look forward to returning one day, as my most original self to give you a hand. My assets are in your care, my Prince."

Yozora faltered a moment, "I've always appreciated your friendship… Brain. You've really helped me a lot, even when things fell apart. I'm not… really sure how we'll get on without you."

Ludorr stepped back with a soft chuckle, "You lived without me for a few years when I had fallen during the Heartless invasion. I am sure you all will come to be able to function without me again."

Yozora sighed lightly with a shake of his head, "It just wasn't the same."

Ludorr gave him a gentle look, "I'm sure. Still, we all have our duties. We must go."

Yozora closed his eyes, his head slightly bowed before he nodded with a smile on his face as he looked all of them over, "Be well, and may you also regain what you've lost."

They all nodded as Yozora took a few steps back, Ava and Ludorr also retreating a few paces. The Wielders then turned to Riku as he nodded, summoning Braveheart.

He closed his eyes, thinking of the way he'd arrived, the pathway the Star had granted him. He took a few steps back and lifted his Keyblade with both hands up to his waist as the ground changed and lit up below them as the pathway, similar to the Keyholes of the Sleeping Worlds opened up. In reward, a World Gate appeared and floated before them.

Ava was surprised as she'd never seen this sort of phenomenon before.

Riku looked at the others, "This is how we go back. I'm not sure how it'll work for non-Keyblade Wielders, but…"

Ludorr nodded as he took the Doctor by the hand and summoned a Lady Luck Keyblade. It was ancient looking, and it didn't seem overly pleased with him as it was still inferior, but it had been with him all of these years just as much as any other had been when he had first gained the use of a Keyblade.

It would help him return, and that was enough. He had at least that much leeway with it.

Ava and the other Union leaders summoned their Keyblades, Rota watching in fascination as she was harnessed to Skuld's chest.

They all pointed their Keyblades to the World Gate, and with a blinding flash of light, they were gone.

The Gate left behind as their way back, none left to be able to use it.

Except The Master, who had observed the phenomenon from a nearby rooftop.

It was time to reconnect.

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It hadn't taken long for Sora to lose track of time.

The field he'd first found himself was now dirt and some vague level of construction. He wasn't sure where the layout was coming from, though obviously it would have been his mishmash of past Memories, but the weather didn't change enough for him to note the passage of years.

Sometimes it was cold, sometimes it was hot. They interchanged sometimes within the same week.

He had quickly been convinced by Vanitas's remnant to preserve his adventuring clothes, and to make use of the black pants and shirt he'd been given. Over time, the Remnant had also convinced him to make use of the Darkness to create a Darksuite, in part to keep from ruining his clothes, and otherwise to protect his skin from the sun.

Vanitas had been furious the first time Sora had ended up with a blistered sunburn, shocking the Islander as he was made to do everything he could to protect himself from the sun.

He refused to figure out the helmet thing though, so he was left cobbling together a head covering to protect his scalp and face.

Sora stretched as Auron hummed from his Heartbinder, 'It's already been five years.'

The mixed brunette froze at Auron's musing, "Wh-huh?!"

Vanitas sighed from his own Heartbinder, 'I know it's hard to keep track, but you've been at this construction project of yours for a long time. I'm surprised you've made it this far all by yourself.'

Sora frowned as he looked out across the many acres he'd cleared and divided, "...It doesn't feel like it's been that long. Guess that means I'm not getting any taller…"

Vanitas paused for a long moment, 'So you really haven't noticed.'

Sora tilted his head in confusion, "Noticed what?"

Auron decided to answer, 'It isn't at a particularly fast, or perhaps even natural pace, but you have gotten taller. That, and your voice has changed a little.'

The mixed brunette paused as he looked himself over, trying to figure out how he hadn't noticed. He didn't feel like he sounded that different from Vanitas, yet, he supposed there was a minute shift.

Sora could admit he should have realized it sooner, after Vanitas started complaining about how long his hair had gotten, convincing him to tie it in a messy ponytail without thinking.

He wondered if he looked a little more like his father.

Sora took in a sharp breath as he realized he hadn't thought of anyone all that much once he'd started throwing himself into his work. He panicked, partially curling into himself as he pressed a hand to his chest and thought of his friends faces and voices.

They were blurry and indistinct.

Tears gathered in his eyes as he realized just how far away everyone was, quickly fumbling for his Gummi phone to pull up the pictures he'd taken.

He shuddered a breath as he looked over everyone's pictures. The friends he'd grown up with and the one's he'd only just gained.

He held the Gummi phone close to his chest, ruminating on their Memories to bring them back into clarity.

"It's about time you remembered."

Sora jolted as he looked down at his phone.

He vaguely remembered that the AI within it had looked the way he had at the start of his journey, yet, now he looked the way he had during his struggle against the original Organization XIII.

He tilted his head in slight confusion, "...Data?"

The him in the phone smiled wryly, his arms crossed in annoyance, "I've been left in the dark for years in your inventory! What've you been up to?"

Sora scratched his head abashed, "Uh… digging, I guess?"

Data gave him a look that Sora couldn't help but chuckle at. He turned the phone around, panning the area as Data was left amazed, "Woah, that's… This is all by yourself?"

The phone was turned back to himself as he nodded, "Yup."

Data tilted his head in confusion, "You never summoned Auron or Vanitas's Remnant to help?"

Sora paused, "N-no?"

Data pouted at him, "Well why not? They're your friends, aren't they? Working with others has always been more rewarding than by ourselves."

Sora flushed slightly at Data's observation, "I… I lost track of time…"

Data's eyes widened for a moment before he sighed, "Sora... "

Sora nodded, "I'll try to do better."

Data sniffed, "You'd best. Make sure to let me see the light of day more than once every few years, huh? It's lonely for me too."

Sora nodded with a slight smile, "Yeah, I'll do that. ...Sorry."

Data dropped his arms and smiled with his hands on his hips, "We're in this together, don't forget that."

"Mmn."

Just a couple thousand more years to go.