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Chapter 23
"We've come a long way toward reconstructing Roxas' heart. But a vessel... Without that... Yeah, right. Bodies don't grow on trees, Ienzo. It's the backup plan or nothing now. But...the backup plan isn't a true solution," Ienzo thought out loud, pacing before the computer. There had to be some way to create a vessel for Roxas and the other Hearts within Soras'. He was so lost in thought that he didn't sense anything happening right behind him.
"Finally. 'Bout time."
The familiar voice had Ienzo whirling around only to stare in shock as Demyx emerged from a Dark Corridor, carrying something wrapped in a white cloak, chuckling as he looked around.
"Ooh. Nice place."
"Demyx? Is that you?!" he backed into the computer console, fingers fumbling for the emergency alarm. Demyx had arrived using a Corridor…not necessarily a bad sign considering Lea had managed them at first once recompleted. No…it was his eyes that had him reaching for the alarm, Demyx's eyes had always been similar to Riku's in colour and now they were gold.
Demyx raised an arm, grinning at him. "Hey, Zexion! Long time!" he laid the cloaked bundle on the floor and rotated his shoulder and stretched his neck. "How's humanity treatin' ya? I re-joined the Nobodies, but, like...I just can't shake the feeling I've been sweet-talked, y'know?" he moved closer and Ienzo pressed the alarm. "We have sooo got to have a chat."
That could be taken a lot of different ways. "Whoa, back up. What?" he asked, unable to hide his alarm. He was really starting to wish he'd kept even some of the powers he'd grown so used to over the last decade. Being a powerless human was a big adjustment…and Demyx was a Nobody again.
"Oh! Sorry, sorry. I'm gettin' ahead of myself. Come on…you don't actually think I'm here to…" Demyx's eyes were wide with shock even as he waved his hands. "No, no. Come on Zex! It's me."
That reaction had Ienzo hesitating. He wouldn't have called them friends back then, but he supposed from Demyx's viewpoint Zexion had been more tolerant than most of the others of his music and rambling. Still, he had to be part of the new Organisation, then again it was Demyx and he did say he was sweet-talked. It was possible he'd let it happen because he had nowhere else to go, he'd never talked about his life as a Somebody and while he'd never seen him in a condition like Roxas'…he hadn't been much older than Zexion at the time. Which meant a good portion of his life had been spent as a Nobody.
Ienzo's gaze drifted to the bundle Demyx had set down, taking in the shape in confusion. Had he brought someone unconscious, injured? Why? "You came to catch up?" he asked, and Demyx laughed.
"I'm actually here on a top-secret mission. Apparently I'm so off everyone's radar, that I'm just the guy to handle a special delivery." He walked back to the Corridor and placed his hands on his hips before moving aside as if presenting something. "Ta-daaah!"
Ienzo literally staggered in shock at the sight of the man who emerged. It couldn't be…could it? "Master Ansem!"
The portal closed and Ansem the Wise stood with his hands behind his back. "Ah, well me little Ienzo," he greeted calmly.
Ienzo stared, stunned, even as Aeleus and Dilan ran into the room only to stop, equally shocked, both speechless. He stepped forward slowly, his feelings twisting and turning inside his stomach, choking back tears. "They told me you'd gone mad. That you abandoned us. I was just a boy, but I should have known better. I am truly, deeply sorry," he tried to explain. He'd had no reason not to believe them back then and after…well he'd had no ability to care if they had lied or not then.
Ansem placed his hands on Ienzo's shoulders and Ienzo forced himself to look up at him, waiting for his anger. "I think what matters is that you recognize the mistake. Peace, Ienzo." He was smiling at him! His tone was kind, just like Ienzo remembered. "It was I who was consumed by hatred, who failed you in my obligations as your mentor. Forgive me."
"So, uh...are we cool to get on with things here?" Demyx asked, and Ienzo forced himself to step back from the man he'd seen as a Father, glancing at the blond to see him pointing at the bundle. "Got ya a present from Vexen. One was all he could manage for the time being, but hey, he figured you guys would know what to do with it."
"A vessel!" Ienzo whispered. Vexen…so he was on their side despite being back with the Organisation? To be using that name again he had to have become a Nobody again, could they really trust him or Demyx? They would need to run tests on the Replica to be safe but even then, Roxas was within Sora who was very busy. Would he be able to come to the lab or would they need a way to retrieve Roxas' Heart remotely?
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Harry hung back as the group talked with Aqua, still a bit shocked by the hug. He'd gotten more used to positive physical contact over the years, he just hadn't expected it from her.
"Alright?"
He looked over at Riku and gave a small smile. "Glad to be out of there," he admitted, tired. He was surprised when Riku shifted slightly, letting him lean against him. "So is this your home World?"
"Yeah, well this specifically is the Play Island. We live over there," he pointed, and Harry looked to see another island not too far away with buildings visible. That made more sense than the tiny island they were on at the moment with the small shack and tree house that he could see.
"Have you been back recently?"
"Not since the exam, we went straight from that into looking for Aqua and Sora trying to get his powers back," Riku admitted.
"Is there anyone you want to see then?" Harry asked, it'd be easy to pop both guys over to the other island to see their families.
Riku shook his head. "World Order, it'd be too hard to explain us only being back for a few minutes." From his tone, Harry got the feeling Riku wasn't too keen to see anyone anyway.
"Are you okay Harry?" Sora was suddenly there, surprising him.
"I'm fine, I've never done that before. But are you okay?" he looked Sora over, he couldn't really feel any more Darkness in him than before but it might take a while so he'd keep an eye on the younger teen…and from the look of worry in his eyes so would Riku.
"I'm fine!" Sora grinned.
"So what now?" Harry asked, for now letting Sora get away with an answer he'd given himself far too often over the years.
As if waiting for that question, Sora's phone rang, making him jump.
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Sora rushed over to where the others were still gathered around Aqua. He was excited but also a little scared. They had a Replica for Roxas! And with Aqua back they could retrieve Ventus' body which meant there was only one Heart left to work out. Harry thought it was female and Riku seemed to remember something about a black-haired girl. Ienzo seemed sure that they could create another Replica for her.
He'd seen the way Riku was standing so close to Harry, he'd never seen him take to someone new so quickly, not even Kairi. It made him happy and excited for Riku, even if it was only friendship. He'd been worried about Riku when he and Kairi got together, that he'd feel left out or something. Not that either of them had any plans to let Riku pull away from them or anything but considering Riku had spent so long protecting him from the shadows rather than reveal himself, well… and he thought Harry and Riku could learn a lot from each other, Harry'd had Darkness ever since Vanitas or pieces of him had merged with his Heart after all. And Riku probably knew things Harry didn't that he could teach him too. It'd be neat if all four of them could train together…though he doubted it'd happen till Xehanort and the Organisation were dealt with.
He quickly explained Ienzo's call as Harry and Riku walked over more slowly.
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Mickey had seen the growing closeness between the two teens as well and was glad that Sora seemed happy about it, he didn't want to see their friendship tried again, not after everything they'd been through already. Aqua wanted to go retrieve Ven's body immediately but he was trying to convince her to wait, the whole group was tired. If Sora hadn't been briefly knocked out after helping to draw the Darkness from her then maybe the three of them could go with her to do it, but he didn't think that was a good idea now. and when Sora told them Ienzo had a Replica for Roxas it made more sense for them all to head to Radiant Garden where they could rest and Aqua could be looked over, Harry too since he was new to World travel. Though Merlin surely would have made sure he would remain healthy.
"Aqua I know you wanna get Ventus, but it's too risky right now. He's safe where he is right?" he asked, and she nodded. "Then isn't it better to wait till everyone is rested, in case we're attacked while retrieving him?"
"I…" she looked at them all, focusing on Sora, and Mickey looked at the teen, despite how energetic he appeared, he was pale compared to normal.
Riku had moved so that both Sora and Harry could lean on him if needed now, though Harry seemed to be recovering from what he'd done. "Mickey's right Aqua," Riku spoke up. "We could all do with food and a night's sleep. And if Roxas is brought from Sora's Heart first, that gives us another fighter to protect Ventus until he wakes."
That had her giving in thankfully, but Sora's ship was too small for them all.
"I know the way, I can get there on my glider," Harry told them.
"You have armour?" Aqua asked, and Harry shook his head.
"No, the gear Merlin supplied keeps me safe. Honestly not sure if it's his magic or mine that lets me breath out there though."
"Aqua, do you have your armour?" Mickey asked and she shook her head.
"I sent it back with Terra, without it I can't use a glider."
"I can use a Corridor, Mickey you'll be fine since our clothes were made to protect us in the Realm of Darkness. That leaves Aqua as the only extra passenger on the ship."
"That'll work," Sora nodded. "We could fit one more of you if you want." It was obvious the offer was to Harry as he'd be the only one travelling alone.
The older teen shook his head. "I'll be fine, I like my glider. Where should I meet you?"
"The lab is in the town castle, just follow the path from the bailey," he told him. If Harry wanted some time alone then that was fine. He probably wasn't used to fighting with a team or anything and if he wanted some time alone then that was fine. They didn't want to overwhelm him; he hadn't had to save Sora from Vanitas or help them after all, he had chosen to leave his World and then get involved in the fight. "We should meet at Merlin's place first; we could all use a hot meal and the chance to clean up first."
"I'll see you all there," Harry grinned and then called his Keyblade.
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Aqua watched as Harry opened the lanes and then tossed his Keyblade into the air, the blade shifting into its glider form, one that was very unlike any she'd seen before. He mounted and then took off at a very impressive speed. Without her Keyblade or armour she couldn't summon or use her own glider and she missed it.
They began getting ready to leave when something caught her eye, a glint in the setting sunlight. She walked across the sand and froze, eyes wide, as she stared at the familiar Keyblade. It had returned to the Realm of Light with the Islands then; she had thought it had faded away. She reached out and touched the Keyblade, feeling it warm under her hand, reacting to her. It seemed that for now at least Master Eraqus' Keyblade was willing to let her wield it. Which was good since she would need it to unlock their home and retrieve Ven. She was free and soon Ven would be back, then they would find Terra.
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Riku watched Harry vanish, hoping he could teach him how to do that. He glanced at Sora and saw his eyes were wide in awe and excitement, so they all wanted to learn. It would be a good backup method of travel at least, especially for those who couldn't open Corridors, safer too probably.
He watched in surprise when Aqua picked a Keyblade up off the beach. What? How could there just be a Keyblade laying around on the sand? "Aqua?" he called, worried when she just stared at the blade in her hand, shocked when he saw the tears in her eyes. He felt Sora start beside him but he held him back as Mickey went to Aqua, figuring the King would have a better chance of knowing what was going on.
"Will you be okay?"
Riku looked at him in confusion. "Sora?"
"I trust you," his best friend whispered, and Riku realised what he was worried about. "I know you're careful but the Organisation uses Corridors too."
"We'll be careful, promise," he grinned at him.
It felt good, that Sora trusted him so much when it came to using his Darkness. He still doubted himself at times, even after passing the exam, but it helped to know others trusted him, especially Sora and Kairi. Kairi had even gone into a Corridor with him to get to Sora to wake him when Marluxia put him to sleep. He didn't have a coat but their clothes had kept them safe in the Realm of Darkness so the Corridors should be fine.
"Fly safe, we'll beat you there, not sure about Harry."
"With the speed he took off at?" Sora laughed.
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Harry landed and dismissed his Keyblade, heading right to Merlin's, knocking before entering.
"Ah Harry, welcome back," Merlin greeted him happily.
"Hi Merlin," he grinned, and the much older Wizard stared at him before laughing.
"So, what do you think of your fellow Wielders?"
"A very interesting group," Harry admitted. "We're meeting here. Someone called Ienzo has a Replica for Roxas? Not sure who that is."
"That is wonderful news. Roxas is Sora's Nobody, formed when Sora was briefly a Heartless around the time you met Riku. He returned to Sora in order to wake him and finish restoring his memories after they were altered. Sora of course has wanted a way for him to be separated again since he learnt about his existence."
Harry nodded, that fit with what he could sense from Sora even after only meeting him a few times. They sat at the table and Harry began telling him what he'd been doing since they had parted. After, he went to shower off the lingering cold from the Realm of Darkness. When he returned to the main floor he found Riku and King Mickey sitting at the table, listening to Merlin.
Riku glanced up at him and smiled slightly, Harry smiling back at him. Seemed Gliders and Corridors were faster than a Gummi ship. He motioned back upstairs and Harry nodded, heading back up.
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Mickey glanced up, seeing Harry on the stairs, hair damp from showering. His glider was very fast to have beaten them there. He saw Riku motion and Harry nod before heading back up the stairs, glancing at Riku who met his gaze. There was a connection between them, that was obvious. Merlin trusted Harry and the teen had been very helpful. He grinned at Riku and waved him on.
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Riku headed upstairs, seeing the open door so he entered to find Harry sitting on the end of a bed, closing the door behind himself. "You made good time getting here," he offered awkwardly.
"That's not why you wanted to talk," Harry shifted back and patted the mattress.
Riku walked over and sat on the edge, trying not to fidget. He nearly jumped when a hand covered his, looking up into concerned eyes.
"You okay?" Harry asked him.
Riku took a deep breath, running his free hand through his hair. "Sorry, don't know why I'm so jumpy."
"Maybe because we're practically strangers and all our meetings have been pretty stressful?" Harry suggested. "And now we have a moment of quiet to talk." He tucked one leg under himself. "Did you mean it, what you said in the Tower? About thinking you wouldn't have made it?"
Riku looked away. "I gave into the Darkness, welcomed it, I attacked my best friend…I let Ansem in because Sora beat me," he shook his head. "Didn't blame him for a second when he 'killed' me, he was only defending himself. Then Ansem fully took my body and I could feel…" he swallowed. "I barely managed to hold on, to keep him from attacking Kairi, and then it was over. I don't remember how but I was on a path and everything kept fading in and out, my body flickering…I had nothing left Harry, no hope, nothing. So yeah, if you hadn't appeared…I don't think I would have been able to hold on till Mickey reached me." He looked back at Harry. "Worrying if you were okay or not gave me something to focus on too. You were just this little kid and you were dying but you were so brave. I'm glad you made it."
"Hey, I wasn't that little!" Harry crossed his arms, mock scowling, and Riku chuckled.
"You were what, ten?" he teased.
"Twelve thank you."
Riku shook his head. "I was three years older than you and now…you're older than me."
"Not by much. Does that bother you?" Harry asked, his turn to sound nervous.
"Maybe if we'd known each other, but we spoke for what, two minutes max? So no, it's odd but not bad. And it's good, having someone else here who's been using a Keyblade longer than us. Even with Aqua and Mickey…" he shrugged.
"You're a Keyblade Master, Riku. That's very impressive…I remember Master Eraqus commenting on Aqua and Terra being the youngest to take the test, and you were even younger."
"And if you took the test, I'm sure you'd make it too. Sora should have, what happened wasn't anything anyone could have predicted. He did what we were told to, he sealed the seven Keyholes. The way Master Yen Sid treats him…and looked at you when you admitted to having part of Vanitas…"
"Did you know Master Eraqus tried to kill Ven?" Harry asked, and Riku stared at him in shock.
"What?"
"It was before Ventus even remembered his past; he was told that he and Vanitas would form the χ-blade, that Master Eraqus had been keeping him in the Land of Departure as basically a prisoner, so he went home to confront him. As soon as he told Eraqus what he knew of Xehanort's plans...he declared that Ven had to be destroyed. If Terra hadn't shown up…" Harry shuddered and Riku felt sick. "Master Yen Sid reminds me a little too much of Eraqus."
Riku nodded, at least Yen Sid hadn't tried to kill any of them. "Do you think you and Ventus could bring Vanitas onto our side?" he asked curiously.
"I hope so," Harry answered, staring down at the floor. "He was made of Ventus' Darkness but…that's not all there is to him, Xehanort, he…" Harry shuddered.
Riku reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "After Ansem…I can imagine."
"I'm…kind of scared about Ven waking up. I know him but he doesn't know me and…he hates Vanitas for everything that happened, I have part of them both."
"Yeah, you do, but you're not either of them, you're Harry. He'll see that, he has to. Aqua does and she'll stand up for you. We all will."
Harry smiled and went to say something when they heard noise downstairs, even through the closed door. They both laughed and got up, heading down to find the others had arrived.
TBC…
