Authors Note: Hey guys. Glad you liked the last chapter of the story. It was great to read your thoughts and comments about how it went.
I am going to take a moment and just say thanks. Thank you for the support on the story, the meaningful feedback I get through reviews, the suggestions on how I could make this story better, and the encouragement you give me to continue this story. It means a lot because it tells me that you all enjoy my style of writing. I know it's not perfect, but I will only get better through practice.
I want to give a few stats while I am here. Currently this story has 300+ reviews (Insane, might I add), 220+ favorites, 250+ follows, and a ton of views. (I can't get you the exact number because the stats view counter is offline for a week for some reason, but it is over 21K views when it last registered, which is unbelievable.) The story itself reached 100K+ words with this chapter.
I am very glad that you all enjoy this story and I hope you enjoy what I have planned for the future.
Anyway, this chapter was a beast to write. I will say it again; this is my first fanfiction, so writing about developing relationships is a bit difficult. That is why this chapter took as much time as it did. Also for the fact that my rough draft started with less than 2K words. I added 8K to the chapter and made it much better (in my opinion). It took a lot of work and thought, so I hope you like it. And if you do, please leave me some love. It was very hard to get this one done in the time it took.
Warning…You know the drill by now.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
P.S. Gosh dang it guest reviewer Blarg7865. You totally guessed it. So much for a cool surprise now. But sorry, No Esuna.
P.S.S. I said I SHOULD be able to get the one out earlier, but because of the sheer amount of words I added to this chapter it did not happen. Patience nameless guest reviewer. I'm not getting paid to do this.
A Heart in the Void
Chapter 11
It was a very quiet ride from Lagdorian Lake to where Tabitha lived. But even though words were not spoken, thoughts were bombarding the three individuals that were riding on the back of Sylphid.
Roxas's mind was in utter chaos, completely confused as to what to think now. His entire existence consisted of people telling him that he was a being that was just meant to fade away into nothingness. Organization 13 claimed to not have hearts, nor would they ever obtain one without the power of kingdom hearts. But, what the water spirit had just said to him completely contradicted that. She said that nobody's like him where capable of growing their own hearts.
But if that were true, then what was the point of Xemnas's plan? If they could grow their own hearts, why did they need Kingdom hearts? Why did he fight so hard to destroy the heartless if it wasn't needed in the first place? What was the point of the whole year he spent in the organization?
That was only one question though. The water spirit also confirmed that the girl in his memory was not just a figment of his imagination. She was real. She existed at some point in his life and apparently, she was very important to him and Axel.
But if that were true, what happened to her? Why did he forget everything about this girl?
And…what in the world were the runes of Gandalfr? The runes he removed where the familiar runes that tried to warp his mind and force him to forget what few memories he actually had. Where the familiar runes and the runes of Gandalfr connected somehow? Were they important?
Roxas was not the only one that had a lot on his mind. Kirche also had a lot to dwell on after all she heard from the water spirit. There was a lot said that she could not make sense of. Most of it had to do with Roxas. What was the heart of this world? What did the spirit mean when she said that Roxas was called here to protect this world? What was the darkness that the water spirit feared? And how did it put this world in danger? What were the runes of Gandalfr that the water spirit claimed Roxas had removed? There were too many questions to ask and not nearly enough answers.
Tabitha was also curious about all these questions, but her mind was focused on something else. She bit her bottom lip as she hoped and prayed that Roxas's healing spell would be able to help her mother somehow. Each time she visited her mother and saw the state she was still in, it seemed to take a bit more out of her.
But, even though Roxas's healing spell was powerful, she really didn't want to get her hopes to high. She had hired the best healers, tried every antidote she could find on the market, and did everything she could think of to cure her mother's insanity. But the potion held strong. The only ones that could make a portion of that caliber were the elves and there was no way that she could get an antidote from them.
Tabitha glanced back at Roxas, who was holding onto Sylphid neck, his eyes staring down at the trees as they passed over them. The wind was whipping gently against his golden hair, though it did nothing to bother him. He was the only hope she had in a long time. Ever since she saw him heal that little girl in Tristania, her mind kept begging the question…
Could he heal her mother?
She wanted to ask so many times, but her doubts kept her from speaking her mind. She really didn't want to lose the hope she had of seeing her mother sane again. To be able to hug her mother without her screaming out in horror. To have her mother actually recognize her as her own daughter for the first time in years.
Tabitha's lower lip trembled a little more as she continued to think about it. What if it didn't work? What if he couldn't heal her? It would be like nothing ever changed and she would be without hope again. Just the thought was frightening.
Tabitha turned forward again as she saw her home coming into view. How she hated that place and the memories it brought. She remembered how her mother sacrificed her own sanity to keep her safe and the nightmare that followed. If this didn't work…she didn't even want to think about it. Maybe there was never a cure to begin with and she would be cursed to never have her mother back again.
Soon, Sylphid landed in the courtyard of a massive castle. Roxas hopped off the dragon before he stared up at the large estate. It was HUGE. Not as big as the castle in the world that never was, but it was still impressive.
Tabitha and Kirche jumped down as well before Tabitha turned to Roxas. "Please come with me." She said, her voice a little shaky.
Roxas nodded and was about to follow before he felt a small tug on the back of his coat. He looked behind to see Sylphid with a mouthful of his jacket. The dragon suddenly let go before she stared over at Tabitha. Roxas scrunched his eyebrows in confusion before he also turned to Tabitha.
Tabitha and Sylphid stared at each other for the longest time before Tabitha gave a very small sigh. "Very well, but wait until after this works." She said, causing the dragon to coo contently before she lowered her head and licked the side of Roxas's face.
Roxas was even more confused than before as he rubbed the saliva off his face with the sleeve of his coat. He didn't get what just happened, but it didn't really matter right now.
Tabitha turned and waked toward the castle with Kirche right behind her. Kirche had a knowing smile on her face, but made sure Roxas didn't see it. Roxas followed after the two girls as they walked up to the huge entrance to the castle.
Just as they walked up to the front door, it opened to reveal an elderly gentleman wearing a suit. He had white hair and wore glasses. When he saw Tabitha approaching, he gave a soft smile that was warm and welcoming. You could also tell by the look on his face that he was very relieved as well.
"Welcome back Lady Charlotte. Was the mission a success?"
Tabitha gave a small nod before she walked past the butler and through the front door. The butler then noticed Kirche approach next. "You have my gratitude for helping milady accomplish her mission. I was a bit worried about this one, but she looks like she has good friends that are willing to help her." He said with a smile.
Kirche smiled back. "Of course. But it was easier than expected, with his help." Kirche said as she turned and gestured to Roxas.
The butler turned to see Roxas standing there. He raised an eyebrow before he turned to Kirche. "Is this another friend Lady Charlotte?" he asked, causing Kirche to nod her head.
The butler turned back to Roxas before he gave another soft smile. "It's wonderful to have so many guests visit the castle. It has been a bit quiet since the tragedy. I am glad that Lady Charlotte has made so many friends. My name is Percerin. I am the butler for the Orleans family."
"I'm Roxas." Roxas replied back before he raised an eyebrow. "Who's Charlotte?"
The butler gave a small, but bitter laugh as he closed his eyes and shook his head. "That is Tabitha's real name. It appears that I will also have to explain the story to you as well?"
"Story?" Roxas asked.
"No…not right now."
Roxas, Kirche, and Percerin turned to see Tabitha standing there. She was biting her lower lip with a very unsure look in her eyes. Percerin blinked a few times because he was not sure he was seeing this correctly. Ever since the tragedy, Charlotte had kept her emotions firmly locked within herself. But now, her face was displaying an emotion she had not showing in a long time.
Vulnerability.
Percerin looked back at Roxas, his eyes wide. He didn't know what was going on, but this boy was connected. Why was he even here in the first place? Sure, he was Charlotte's friend, but how did he get all the way here to Gallia? And what was he doing here?
"Percerin, please make tea. We-We have something that we need to do." Tabitha said. With each word, she could feel her mask crumbling a bit more.
Percerin could not believe what he was seeing, but complied anyway. It had been a long time since she had shown emotions and he was not going to get in the way of that.
"Right away." He said before he gave a small bow. He turned and made his way to the kitchen.
They watched as Percerin departed before Tabitha turned to Roxas and Kirche. She lowered her head a little as she bit her lower lip. "Come." She said before she turned and made her way down the hall.
Roxas and Kirche looked at each other for a second before they followed. They swerved down a couple of hallways before they found themselves standing in front of a specific room. Tabitha took a deep breath to calm her nerves before she quietly pushed the door open and entered. She gestured for Roxas and Kirche to follow in after her.
The room was nearly empty, but there was a bed and one chair near a very large window. Sitting in the chair was a woman with long blue hair. She was sleeping soundly with a doll clutched in her hands. As they drew nearer, Tabitha turned to Roxas and Kirche before she placed a finger over her lips, silently telling them to be quiet. Both Roxas and Kirche could see the desperation in her eyes as they continued to approach the woman.
When they were close enough, Roxas eyes widened a bit when he saw the condition this woman was in. She was very thin, her cheekbones clearly showing. She had bags under her eyes and looked like she had not eaten in days. Roxas raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Tabitha.
Tabitha had a sullen look on her face as she gazed upon the woman.
"My mother." She whispered. Even though Roxas and Kirche barely heard her, it was easy to tell by the sound of her voice that she was deeply saddened.
Roxas nodded before he walked a bit closer, standing next to Tabitha in the process. "What happened to her?" he whispered back.
Tabitha felt her lower lip tremble a little bit, trying to work up the strength to explain what happened.
Kirche saw her friend struggling so she also walked up and stood next to them. "Would you like me to explain it Tabitha?" she asked, an understanding look crossing her features.
Tabitha looked over at her longtime friend before she gave a nod. "Thank you."
Kirche turned to Roxas before giving a small sigh. "Roxas, before I explain what happened, you need to know a little about Tabitha and her family." She started.
"…Ok." Roxas said as he looked over at her.
"Tabitha's grandfather, the king of Gallia, passed away 5 years ago. The people were divided among the two heirs of the throne. One of them was Tabitha's father, Charles. The other was her uncle, Joseph. Long story short, Joseph had Charles killed in the feud and he was able to seize the throne."
Roxas blinked a few times before his eyes widened. "So, that means Tabitha's uncle is the king…and he became the king because he killed Tabitha's father?"
Tabitha nodded her head. "Yes." She said quietly.
Roxas ground his teeth. It was not the first time he had heard of such a thing, but it still angered him to learn how some of these nobles obtained there political power. He looked over at Kirche for her to continue.
"Even the death of his brother was not enough for Joseph. He came after Tabitha next." Kirche said as her eyes narrowed a bit. "During a party, Tabitha was given a glass of water that was spiked with a potion that induces insanity."
Roxas felt his teeth grind together as the story continued to unfold. Why would someone do this to her? Wasn't killing her father enough? Roxas then looked over at Tabitha, who was staring at her mother with a downcast expression. His eyes widened a bit when he realized where this was going.
"So, Tabitha's mother…"
Kirche nodded. "She realized that the water was laced, so she drank the potion herself, saving Tabitha in the process."
Roxas reached up and rubbed his eyes, trying to quell the amount of rage he was feeling. "So, it wasn't enough that she lost her father, but they also took her mother as well." He said as he lowered his hand and looked at Tabitha. She had turned her gaze to meet his, a pleading look in her eyes.
"I-I have tried everything I know to undo the potion effects, but nothing has worked." She said as her lower lip trembled. "I was about to give up hope, but…I saw how you healed that girl in Tristania, and…I could only hope that you could do something for my mother."
Roxas nodded in understanding. It really hurt to see Tabitha like this. She was usually so composed, so in control of her emotions that she didn't seem to have any at all. But now, she looked desperate. She really wanted her mother back and Roxas really wanted to help.
But…
Roxas gave a small sigh as he looked over the thin woman that was Tabitha's mother. "Tabitha, I am well versed in light magic…in fact, it is my specialty. I can heal just about any physical injury or illness, but this…" he said as he gestured to her mother. "This is not physical. It is the effects of a potion. The spell you saw me use is meant to heal, but it cannot undo the effects of potions."
Tabitha nearly felt her world shatter when she heard his explanation. Her gaze fell to the ground as her hope began to crumble. This is what she feared would happen. She would get her hopes up, only to have them come crashing down. Tabitha sniffed a bit as she tried to mask her emotions, though it was futile. Tears were already starting to well up in her blue eyes.
"But…I may have something that might work."
Immediately, Tabitha's head shot up as she looked into Roxas's eyes. He looked a bit unsure, and even hesitant, but the conviction was there. Her heart started to hammer in her chest.
Roxas sighed a bit. He only had a few of them that were for emergencies, but…Tabitha was his friend and he could tell that she needed it more than he did.
Roxas reached into one of the pockets of his coat before he grasped what he needed.
An elixir. One of the most powerful potions the Moogles could synthesize.
He pulled the precious item out of his pocket and showed it to the two girls.
Tabitha and Kirche stared at the glowing bottle in Roxas's hand. It fluid inside looked as if it were made of liquid gold. It even brightened up the room a bit with the amount of power it seemed to display. It was almost hypnotic the way it pulled in your attention.
Tabitha tore her gaze away from the bottle before she looked up at Roxas. "What is it?"
"Elixir." Roxas said simply.
Kirche raised an eyebrow as she too looked at Roxas. "I have seen plenty of elixirs in my life, but none like this. Where did you get it?"
"I had it on me when I was summoned. This Elixir is vastly different from the ones you have seen. When I was low on magic and could not heal myself when fighting, this was one of the potions that kept me alive." He said before he turned to Tabitha. "It is made specifically to heal any injury and fully replenish you magic…but it also has the ability to remove negative potion effects."
Tabitha's eyes widened a bit as she registered what he was saying. She looked at the golden liquid again. Just by the look of it, this elixir was far more advanced than any potion she had ever seen in her life. It seemed to radiate with power…and that power could help her mother.
"What-what do you want for it? I will do anything. I will give anything." Tabitha said with a slightly cracked voice.
Roxas raised his eyebrows in surprised. "What do you mean? You are my friend Tabitha and I can tell that you need this a lot more than I do right now. If there is no other way, than this elixir will probably do the trick." He said as he extended to potion over to Tabitha.
Tabitha's eyes widened a bit as she looked into Roxas's eyes. "But why? Why would you just give me something so valuable?"
"Because…you are my friend. If I have the power to help you, then I will." He said, conviction in his eyes as he reached down with his other hand, grasped her wrist, and gently placed the elixir in her palm.
Tabitha could literally feel the power of the potion in her hand. It was a warm feeling, almost as if it were alive. She looked up at Roxas, who had released her and took a step back. "You do it. It is your mother."
Tabitha looked between him and the elixir a few time. She could not believe that Roxas had just given her something so valuable. However, this also made her extremely nervous about this, but it was her only hope. She would place her trust in Roxas. She would have hope that he was right about this. After all, what else could she have hope in right now?
Tabitha turned to her mother, who was still sleeping in the chair before she gently unscrewed the top off of the glass bottle. Gingerly, she reached down and clasped the back of her mother's neck and gently tilde her head back slightly. With her other hand, she tipped the liquid out of the bottle. It looked like drops of molten gold as they fell from the glass container before they went into her mother's mouth.
Unconsciously, Tabitha's mother licked her lips as the elixir was emptied down her throat. With one gulp, it was fully ingested.
Tabitha took a step back to see what would happen. She was holding the empty bottle in front of her with both hands as she prayed for the success of the elixir.
She didn't have to wait long before a vibrant, golden glow suddenly emitted from her mother's body. Her mother's eyes shot open as the glow began to encompass the whole room, causing everyone to shield their eyes from the light.
It was only a few seconds later before the light dimmed down. Tabitha still had her arms over her eyes, not sure if she even wanted to know what happened. Her heart was still hammering against her chest. What if it didn't work? What if it had made her mother worse than before?
"C-Charlotte?"
Tabitha felt her breath caught in her throat. Her breathing increased until it was coming out in short gasps. She was almost too afraid to lower her arm.
"Charlotte…Is-Is that you?"
Slowly, Tabitha lowered her arm and looked at the woman sitting in the chair. Her eyes widened immediately as tears began to fall down her cheeks. She dropped the empty glass bottle, which shattered on the grown before her hands went to her mouth.
"M-Mother?"
Slowly, a doll fell from the woman's grasp as it hit the ground with a dull thud. "Charlotte…What-What happened? What's going on?" Tabitha's mother asked as she looked directly at Tabitha and tried to stand from her seat. However, she only got halfway before she fell down again. She looked down at the state of her body before she gasped. "Why-Why am I so frail?"
Tears were streaming down Tabitha's face as she gently approached her mother. She knelt down in front of her. "Mother, Your-Your back." She cried as she buried her face into her mother's lap.
Tabitha's mother blinked a few times as she gently stroked her daughter's hair. "Charlotte, what is going on? Shh…Don't cry. Please tell me what happened." She said desperately, though her words did very little to quell her daughters crying.
Roxas felt…a bit confused. Tabitha was crying. Why was she crying? It looked like the potion had worked and her mother was fine.
He was pulled from his thoughts when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Kirche standing there with a smile on her face. She nodded over to the door as she gently pulled on his coat. Roxas took the hint as they both quietly left the room, leaving Tabitha and her mother alone.
Roxas followed Kirche down the hallway and to the main lobby. Kirche sat on the couch before she patted the spot next to her, inviting Roxas to sit down. Roxas was still a bit confused as to why Tabitha was crying, but he took an up her offer and sat down. Kirche gave Roxas a smile before she leaned against him, resting her head against his shoulder. "You know Roxas, every time I think I have you figured out, you go and pull something like this." She said as she looked up at him. She saw the confused look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Kirche…" he said as he looked down at her. "Why was she crying? Didn't the elixir work?"
Kirche blinked a few times as she pushed off of him. Was he serious? Did he really not understand? She stared into his eyes to see if he was really asking that question. To her surprise, he was serious. He really didn't know.
"Roxas, do you really not know?"
Roxas nodded. "I don't. When I rescued Siesta, she also cried. It wasn't because she was sad…it was because…I don't know." He said as he gave a sigh. "I cried when I was sad. But why do some people cry when they're not?"
Kirche really could not understand why he didn't know this. But then she remembered the first time she tried to seduce him. He actually asked her what love was. But why did he not know these things.
"Roxas, why don't you understand these things. It like you doesn't understand emotions."
Roxas sighed as he looked over at her. "It's because I was born without them."
…
Kirche stared at him, trying to find any indication that he was lying…However, she found none. And that was truly frightening.
"H-How?"
"It's a long story. One that I would rather share only once, with all of my friends." He replied he looked forward and rested his chin on his intertwined fingers.
Kirche continued to stare at him before she gave a defeated sigh. She liked a mystery, but Roxas was far beyond that. He just didn't make any sense. But, she would be patient. He deserved that much. She smiled a bit as she rested her head against his shoulder again.
"I supposed your story will explain where you found an elixir like that?"
Roxas nodded. "They are only for emergencies. I only have a few of them left."
Kirche nodded as a small smile crossed her features. "That was really nice of you for giving one to Tabitha."
"She needed it."
"Yeah, I know. The reason she was crying is because she was relieved…and happy." Kirche said.
"Relived and happy? Why would you cry for those reasons?"
Kirche gently pushed away from Roxas. "Sometimes, when someone goes through a traumatic experience, they cling to the hope that everything will be alright. Tabitha had to deal with seeing her mother like that for a few years now. Having her back would definitely bring a few tears."
"Why?"
Kirche laughed a little. "I remember when you said you had friends you left behind when you were summoned. How would you feel if you saw them again?"
Immediately, Roxas choked up a bit at even the thought of seeing Axel, Hayner, Pence, and Ollete again. It confused him though. Why would he cry when he was not sad? It was almost like he was so happy he could cry.
"I…think I understand." Roxas said as he interlaced his fingers in his lap. "There are so many things I have learned, but there is still so much I have yet to understand about the heart."
"I remember the water spirit saying something like that. She said you were…growing your own heart. What did she mean?"
"Again, that is a very long story."
"So I guess she wasn't just spouting out nonsense." Kirche said as she laughed a bit before she rested her head against Roxas's shoulder. "I guess I can be a little more patient then."
Suddenly, the door to the kitchen opened and out walked Percerin with a tray and a pot of tea. He set the kettle down on the table as he poured a few cups for the guests. "It is so nice to see that lady charlotte has so many friends." He said joyfully as he offered the cups to Roxas and Kirche.
Kirche leaned forward and grasped one of the cups before she took a sip. Roxas took the other one.
"And how long do you plan on staying? Should I prepare a couple of rooms for you two?"
"That would be nice Percerin." Kirche said as she lowered her glass. She was a bit tired after all of the events of the day and could seriously use some rest.
"If I may ask…" Percerin said as he looked over at Roxas. "How did you arrive here in Gallia? How long have you known Lady Charlotte?"
Roxas took a sip of his tea, cringing a bit at the bitter taste before he placed the cup back on the table. "I needed a tear of the water spirit." He said simply. "Tabitha asked me to come back with her to see if I could help her mother."
Percerin countenance fell a bit after he heard that. "Yes, she still holds the hope that milady can be cured one day." He said as he reached for the cups and placed them on the tray.
"Oh, you won't have to…" Kirche started before she felt a small tug on her sleeve. She turned to meet Roxas's gaze before she saw him shake his head.
Percerin didn't seem to notice the gesture as he picked up the tray. "I will prepare rooms for you both. I have already prepared the bath if you would like to use it." He said as he walked back to the kitchen.
Right when he left, Kirche turned her head, her eyebrow raised. "What was that about?"
"I-I don't know. I just felt that Tabitha should be able to spend some time alone with her mother…without any interruptions. If we told Percerin now, he would most likely see for himself. Let them have a moment."
Kirche stared at him for a while. "You know, for someone who does not understand why someone cries when they're happy, you sure can be thoughtful."
"I guess I am trying to learn how to follow my heart." Roxas said as he stood up. "I am going for a walk before I go to bed."
Kirche gave a small smile before she also stood from the couch. "Yeah. I think I will hit the baths. Would you like to join me?" she asked, a seductive grin crossing her face as she lowered the neck of her shirt a bit.
Roxas's face went a bit red as he thought about the time she shared a bath with Siesta. He really didn't want his heart going out of control again. "Maybe next time."
"Oh, poo" Kirche pouted before she walked up to him. She clasped his chin before she turned his face to the side slightly. She then gave him a quick peck on the cheek before she pulled back. "You know Roxas; I mean it when I say I am very grateful for what you did for Tabitha. She is one of my best friends and she didn't deserve what happened to her."
Roxas's face flared up a bit more before he turned away from her. "Y-Yeah. Like I said, if I have the power to help my friends, then I will." He said before he started to make his way out of the building. Kirche watched as he left out the door, a small smile crossing her face.
It was a cool night outside and Roxas was sitting against one of the walls of the large estate. He rested his back against the wall as he looked up into the night sky. Both moons were shining brightly, casing a calming glow across the land. The stars where shining as well, signifying the millions of other worlds out there.
Roxas really did have a lot on his mind at the moment. There was one particular thing the water spirit said that was thinking about though. Somehow, the heart of this world had called him here to defend it from the darkness. But…what did that mean? Heartless had not shown up so far in this world. Did she mean the heartless would come here in the future?
Roxas gave a deep sigh. Life was never simple was it? Was it too much to ask for a simple life? Just to be with the people that he had grown to care about and just live? Why did he always have to fight?
A friendly warble tore him front his thoughts. He looked up to see a familiar blue dragon staring at him just a few feet away. Roxas chuckled a bit as he beckoned the creature closer.
"Hey Sylphid." He said as he reached up and scratched the top of her head. "It looks like we were able to help Tabitha after all. Her mother will be fine."
Sylphid's teal eyes widened a little before she let out a happy coo, licking the side of his face before she took a few steps away.
Roxas raised an eyebrow before he saw Sylphid sitting on her haunches just out of reach, staring at him with her teal eyes. He wiped the saliva off his face with his sleeve again. "Is everything ok Sylphid?"
Suddenly, a bright blue light began to emit from off of the dragon. Roxas's eyes widened a bit as the light levels continued to increase. He actually jumped to his feet and readied himself for anything to happen. Soon, the bright light vanished, leaving Sylphid nowhere to be seen. Roxas blinked a few times, looking around for the dragon. What the hell just happened?
"Oooh, I don't know why big sis wants me to wear cloths all the time. They are so uncomfortable!"
Roxas shot his gaze to one of the trees in the courtyard, only to see a figure standing there. She was a bit taller than Tabitha…maybe about as tall as him. She had long blue hair and was pulling uncomfortable on the cloak she was wearing, almost as if she had just struggled to put it on. He raised an eyebrow as he turned towards her.
"Umm…Who are you?"
The figure stopped pulling at her cloak before she turned her attention to him. Immediately her face morphed into a massive smile before she launched at him. "ROXAS!"
Roxas was so stunned by the sudden turn of events that he didn't even register the person barreling into him before it was too late. He fell straight on his back as the girl landed on top of him, pinning him to the ground with her arms firmly latched around his neck. She was rubbing her cheek against his while cooing contently.
"Umm….Who the hell are you!" Roxas exclaimed as he sat up and tried to push the strange girl off of him.
The girl whined a bit before she latched on tighter, wrapping her legs around his waist to ensure he didn't push her off.
"Roxas, don't push me away!" She cried
Roxas had no idea what the hell was going on. He had never seen this girl in his life, yet she seemed to know him for some reason. "How do you know me?" he asked as he stopped pushing her.
The girl paused for a few moments, just to make sure that Roxas wasn't trying to push her away again. She then slowly released him before she moved away slightly, but made sure to have her hands on his shoulders. She looked into his crystal blue eyes while he looked into her teal ones. For some reason, those teal eyes were really familiar to the nobody.
The girl then smiled widely again before she let off an excited sequel. "I wanted to show you this form for so long Roxas, but big sis said I had to keep it a secret. She didn't want anyone knowing I was a Rhyme dragon."
Roxas blinked a few times as he rose and eyebrow. "A…Rhyme dragon?"
The girl nodded again, her eyes nearly sparkling. "It's me Roxas. I'm Sylphid."
…
Roxas stared at her for the longest time. "Uh…What?"
The girl nodded again as she clenched his coat in her hands and shook his a couple times out of excitement. "Yeah. I'm Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid. But I usually like to call myself Irukukwu. I don't know why, but sis named me Sylphid." She said as she puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.
Roxas was still completely baffled by the turned of events. Sylphid could turn into a human form? That was pretty farfetched. But then again, he was an empty shell that could use an all-powerful weapon known as the Keyblade…and he came from another world…So maybe it wasn't that farfetched. Even so, the familiarity of the teal eyes really spoke volumes as well.
"So…you're really Sylphid?"
The blue haired girl nodded, a fanged smile crossing her face. "Uh-huh" she chirped.
"And Tabitha didn't want you showing this form to anyone, right?"
"Yep!"
"So…why did you show me?"
Sylphid…or Irukukwu smiled widely again as she nearly cloaked him out in a hug. "Big sis said if you could help her mother, I could show you this form. I wanted to show you for a long time because you were one of my first friends besides big sis." She said before she drooled a bit. "You would always bring me snacks and food every time I saw you. Not to mention big sis always seems a bit happier when we all sat on top of the academy together."
"Um…" Roxas said as he saw the slightly disturbing look on her face. Obviously she was thinking about all the delicious food he would bring her when they would sit on top of the academy and watch the sunset. "Your welcome?"
Irukukwu/Sylphid pulled back slightly, her smile was a little less extravagant this time. "I really mean it. Thank you for helping bit sis. Ever since she saw you heal that little girl, she has been wondering if you could help her."
Roxas stared into her teal eyes for a few moments, still trying to process that Sylphid had the ability to change into human form. He blinked a few times before he gently pushed her away. "It's no big deal." He said as he stood up.
Sylphid followed suit before she wrapped one of his arms in a hug. "It most definitely is a big deal. It nearly killed me to see big sis every time she went to see her mother. It was almost like…she lost a piece of her soul with each visit." Sylphid said, a downcast look crossing her cheerful features.
When Roxas saw the look on her face, he could not help but feel a little bad for the dragoness. She looked like a sad child. He reached over with his other hand and patted her head, causing her to look up at him.
"Don't give me that look. Everything should be fine now." He said before he gave a yawn. "But today has been a very long day. I think I will be going to bed."
"Ah!" Sylphid chirped as she let him go. "I'll come too. I always did like sleeping with you." She said cheerfully as she walked beside him.
Roxas blinked a few times before he shrugged. He was too tired to give it to much thought tonight. He turned to the dragoness, who was happily skipping beside him. "So what should I call you? Sylphid, Or Irukukwu?"
"Hmmm" Sylphid said as she adopted a thinking pose. "I guess Sylphid when I am in dragon form. And Irukukwu when I am in this form. After all Irukukwu is my real name." She said before she grinned at him.
Walking down one of the hallways was a little difficult because Irukukwu was hanging on his arm, beaming happily as they made their way to his room.
Soon, Roxas saw a familiar red-haired girl heading in their direction. She was wearing a bath robe while drying off her hair with a towel.
"Oh, Roxas."
"Hey Kirche." Roxas replied as he walked over to her.
Kirche gave a small grin when she saw the blue-haired girl attached to his arm. "So, I see Tabitha let Sylphid show you this form. I have to say that I was surprised when I finally found out about it."
Roxas blinked a few times. "You knew? When did you find out?"
"Not too long ago. It was after I found out about Tabitha's mother just yesterday. When I offered to help her with the water spirit mission, she showed me just what Sylphid could do." She said before she grinned down at the dragoness. "So, how did he react? Was he as surprised as me?"
Sylphid squealed a bit as she clutched his arm tighter. "He was a bit surprised, but no one could really beat your reaction."
"I guess not." Kirche said as she gave a small laugh. "Well, I think I am going to bed. It has been a long day." She said before she faced a door that lead to a bedroom."
"Um…Kirche." Roxas started.
"Yes~"
"That's my room."
Kirche turned towards him with a knowing grin. "And~"
"Didn't Percerin give you your own room?"
"What? You don't want share a bed with me? I promise you it is big enough. You don't want me to be cold tonight, do you?"
"How…Ugh, never mind." He said before he gently tugged his arm out of Sylphid grasp, causing her to pout a bit. "I am going to take a bath as well…Alone" Roxas said firmly when he saw Irukukwu about to come with him.
Sylphid was about to whine, but Kirche reached out and patted her arm. "Let the man have his space…because he won't have much of it tonight." Kirche said with a seductive smile.
Sylphid stuck out her lower lip before she complied and let Roxas walk towards the bathroom.
It was a few moments later that Roxas found he relaxing in the midst of a massive bath. His mind was overloaded with the sheer amount of information he had obtained and he just wanted to let his brain relax as the soothing water washed over his body.
"A heart, huh?" Roxas said as he closed his eyes and rested his back against the tile of the back, placing his arms along the side of each edge. "It looks like you were right, Axel. We really did have hearts." Roxas opened his eyes as he stared at the celling. "I just wish you were here with me. We could have both grown hearts together."
"Roxas?"
Roxas blinked a few times before he turned to see Tabitha standing there, a towel wrapped around her torso. Immediately, his face flared up a bit before he turned away from her.
"Tabitha. Um…Hey." He fumbled awkwardly. "Is…Is everything alright with your mother."
Tabitha sniffed a bit before she nodded. She casually walked over the other side of the bath before she dipped beneath the debts, a blush dusting her face. "Yes. She was…very tired, but I was able to tell her everything. She is sleeping right now."
"Good." Roxas replied, thankful that Tabitha had kept her towel covering her body as she rested in the bath. "I'm glad I could help."
Tabitha's lower lip trembled a bit more as she looked up at him. "Roxas. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you did."
Roxas shook his head. "You don't need to."
Tabitha sniffed again before she stood and walked over to him. She sat herself down on his left side, her blush taking another shade of red. She hesitated for a few moments before she slowly rested her head against this shoulder.
Roxas felt his heat race a bit before he took a deep breath. He was getting better at this. "So…I saw Sylphid's other form a few moments ago. Her name is Irukukwu?"
Tabitha paused for a moment before she pushed away and looked up at him. She gave a small nod. "Sylphid wanted to show you for a long time."
Roxas laughed lightly. "I know. She told me."
"Roxas?"
"Hmm?"
Tabitha bit her lower lip before she looked up at him, almost not sure how she was going to ask this. "What did you mean? When you said you were growing your heart?"'
Roxas gave a small sigh as he rested his head against the tile of the bath. "It's a very long story. One that I would rather share just once with everyone." He said as he glanced at her. She was staring at him with her deep blue eyes.
"You have a lot of secrets, don't you?"
"I don't mean to have them; they are just things I don't like to talk about. And besides…" He said before he grinned lightly at her. "And I am not the only one who has secrets."
For the first time, Roxas thought he saw a fleeting smile cross her face before she covered it up with her emotionless mask.
"I will tell you all eventually, but like I said at the lake. Give me time to find a way to put it into words." Roxas said as he leaned his head back against the tile again.
Tabitha nodded before she rested her head against his shoulder.
Little did Roxas and Tabitha know, there were a few figures that were watching the scene from the doorway.
"I swear, that is probably one of the cutest things I have ever seen." Kirche whispered, nearly gushing.
"I want to join them!" Sylphid whined a bit, nearly darting out into the bathroom.
Kirche shook her head as she held her back. "Give them their moment. Tabitha deserves it after all she has been through."
Sylphid pouted a bit more before she complied, glancing back at the two as they sat in the bath. "Way to go, big sis." She whispered.
It was early the next morning that Roxas found himself eating breakfast in the dining room. Percerin had woken up early and prepared a meal for them. Sylphid had gone back to her dragon form and was outside, while Kirche was eating alongside him.
Last night, Roxas and Tabitha parted ways. She went to her mother's room to sleep with her while Roxas went back to his room.
Needless to say, it was a very strange night's sleep for the nobody. He woke up that morning to find himself lying on his back with Sylphid on his left side, grasping his arm in a vice grip. On his right was Kirche. She was resting her head on his shoulder with one arm resting lightly on his chest.
Roxas felt his heart race wildly before he maneuvered away from both of the girls and make his way to the dining hall.
"Is everything suitable for you sir?" Percerin asked as he poured a cup of Tea for Roxas.
Roxas swallowed a mouth of eggs before he nodded. "Everything tastes great."
"Thank you sir." Percerin said. He was about to go through the doors to the kitchen, but stopped dead when he turned around. His eyes widened greatly as he accidently dropped the kettle of tea. The kettle crashed to the ground, spilling the tea everywhere, but Percerin paid that no mind because his eyes were glued on the two figures that where standing in the doorway.
Tabitha was standing there in her usual attire; however, she was helping to support another woman. One that he thought he would never see sane again.
"Milady Alexandra." Percerin whispered as he continued to stare at Tabitha's mother.
Alexandra smiled kindly at the old butler. "Percerin dear. Thank you for taking good care of Tabitha. I am sorry for worrying you."
"But…How? How is this possible? What…How…" Percerin stuttered, trying to make sense of what was happening.
Alexandra smiled gently before she slowly walked forward, slightly leaning on her daughter for support because her body was still a bit frail. Soon she stood in front of the old butler before she placed a hand on his shoulder. "All will be explained shortly Percerin. For now, please bring my daughter and I something to eat. I am feeling a bit…Famished." She finished.
Percerin blinked a few times before he reached over and gently grasped Alexandra's palm. "Of-Of course, Milady." He said shakily, tears building up in his eyes as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He then turned and departed into the kitchen, leaving Tabitha, Kirche, Alexandra, and Roxas alone in the dining room.
Soon, Tabitha led her mother over to one of the chairs across from Roxas and Kirche before helping her sit down. She then pulled a chair out for herself.
"Thank you Charlotte dear." She said before she gave a relaxed sigh. She then looked over at Roxas and Kirche, who were staring at the both of them, waiting for them to get settled.
Alexandra then looked over at Roxas, staring into his crystal blue eyes. Just from one look, there was a depth to them, one that she had rarely seen in someone as young as him. He looked as if he had seen the darker side of the world, which was something she could sympathize with.
"So, you are the one that healed me?" she asked, directing her question at Roxas.
"Well…" Roxas started as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "It was the power of the elixir I had on me."
Alexandra laughed lightly into the palm of her hand. "Yes. My daughter already informed me of how I was healed, but you supplied such a valuable potion without a second thought. Tell me, why did you do it? An elixir with such value would have been worth a fortune. There would have been countless nobles that would have paid a handsome fee for it. So why did you give it to my daughter."
"Because…she needed it." Roxas said simply. "I really don't care about money. Tabitha needed help so…I helped her."
A gentle smile crossed over Alexandra's face as she heard his words. It seemed that everything Charlotte had told her was true about this boy. He really didn't care about riches, nobility, or status. "I am glad to hear such wonderful things from someone as young as you. Please continue to be her friend. She will definitely need them for what is ahead in the future."
"You mean with her uncle?"
Alexandra nodded. "I don't have a doubt in my mind that this was all his doing. He wanted the throne so badly that he killed his own brother to secure it. However, that was not even enough for him. He tried to take my daughter away as well, just to leave be even more broken." She said as her lower lip trembled a bit. "Losing my daughter after I lost my husband would have killed me…But that might have been just what Joseph wanted."
Roxas nodded in understanding. "So, what are we going to do now?"
Alexandra rested her hands in her lap. "All of you will go back to the academy and pretend as if nothing ever happened here." She stated firmly.
"Mother! What are you saying?" Tabitha said as she turned her attention to her mother.
Alexandra gave her daughter a comforting smile. "It would be best if Joseph never found out that I regained my sanity. He still feels like he is in control of the country, with me out of the way. If he found out I have been cured, he will most likely come back and finish what he started. I need you to go back to the academy and continue your schooling."
"But-But what will you do?"
A firm look crossed her features. "I have a few letters I need to write. One of them, directly to Marianne."
"Marianne? You mean the current queen of Tristan? Princess Henrietta's mother?" Kirche asked her eyes a bit wider.
Alexandra nodded. "She was one of my closest friends back when we were attending the academy. I asked her to look after my daughter should anything happen to me. And from the looks of it, she has done just that."
"Wow." Kirche said as she leaned back in her seat.
Tabitha scrunched her eyebrows a bit. "Mother, I have just gotten you back after all these years. I-I don't want to leave yet."
Alexandra looked over at her daughter before she gently rested a hand on hers. "I know, but you have to continue to be strong. Joseph cannot find out about this before we make a decent plan of action. We need to reveal what he has done and back it up with evidence." She said before she smiled at her daughter. "I am so proud of what you have accomplished Charlotte. I know your father would be proud as well."
Tabitha sniffed once before she grasped her mother's hand in her own. Alexandra looked over to Roxas again. "I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for our family. If there is anything you need, anything at all, just comes to us."
Roxas nodded, but he truly could not think of anything. He already had what he wanted.
"And, I have no right to ask this from you…But please…" Alexandra said as she lowered her head slightly, causing both Tabitha and Kirche to widen their eyes. "Please look after my daughter."
Roxas felt a little uncomfortable with everyone looking at him, so he just nodded. "I will protect her. She is my friend and I will not let anything happen to my friends."
Alexandra raised her head before she gave him a gentle smile. "Thank you."
It was later on in the day that they were standing in front of the door to the mansion. Tabitha was saying her goodbyes to her mother and Percerin. Percerin was still having a hard time understanding what just happened.
When she was done, they turned to leave, but a hand stopped Roxas in his tracks. He turned to see Alexandra standing there with a smile on her face, her hand gently resting on his shoulder. "I mean it Roxas. If you need anything, just let me know."
Roxas frowned a bit, still not sure what he would want. He finally shrugged. "I already have what I want."
"Oh, and what is that?" She asked, genuinely curious.
"My friends."
Alexandra eyebrows rose into her hairline. Who knew that two words could mean so much? She finally smiled gently before she cupped his chin with one of her hands. She then brought her lips to his forehead. It only lasted a second before she pulled away, nearly laughing at the confused look on Roxas's face.
"It was just a sigh of trust. There are not many people I would trust with the safety of my daughter, but you just look like one that can handle it."
Roxas raised an eyebrow. "How can you tell?"
"By the look in your eyes."
It was a full day later that Roxas, Kirche, and Tabitha found themselves back at the academy. Sylphid was such a champ for flying them all the way, and she was very tired by the end of it. When they landed, she was already laying on the ground, ready to fall asleep.
"Well, I don't know about you two, but I could use a long, relaxing bath right now. What do you say Tabitha?" Asked Kirche.
Tabitha gave a small nod before she looked over at Roxas. She hesitated for a few moments before she walked up to him before slowly wrapping her arms around his torso, resting her head against his chest. "Roxas, you have no idea how much this means to me. I can never thank you enough." She said as she squeezed a bit tighter.
Slowly, Roxas raised his arms and hugged her back. "You welcome. If you ever need me for something, just know I will always help you. After all, that's what friends are for, right?"
Tabitha just nodded against his chest before she pulled away.
Kirche just watched with a tiny smile on her face before she grabbed Tabitha's arm. "Tabitha~ hurry up. I really want to take a bath." She wined playfully. "By the way, what should we call you from now on? Tabitha, or Charlotte?"
"Tabitha." She said simply before she was dragged away by Kirche.
"No~ Tabitha, don't start with the one word answers again. We were just getting full sentences out of you~."
"Special circumstances."
Roxas chuckled as he watched Kirche whine a bit more before they both disappeared into the background. He was tired as well after the extensive trip. It was much more eventful than he ever though it would be and he was very tired.
"I think I need to relax as well." He said as he made his way back to Louise's room. It took only a few moments before he was standing in front of her door. He could only pray that the antidote worked because the last thing he needed was a hormone driven Louise chasing him down the hallways.
He took a deep breath before he opened to the door. Right when he walked in, he saw Louise sitting on a chair, brushing her hair in the mirror. She turned to see who had entered her room, causing their eyes to meet. They stared at each other before Louise's face turned several shades of red. Instantly, she stood up and grabbed the chair she was sitting on before she hurled it at the nobody.
Roxas's eyes widened a bit as he rolled to the side, causing the chair crashed into the wall behind him, nearly breaking into pieces. He looked up to see Louise standing there, a horrified expression on her face.
"I…I…I CANT BELIEVE I SAID ALL THOSE THINGS TO YOU!" she screeched before her face turned several different shades of red. "I CANT BELIEVE I DID THOSE THINGS. MY-MY REPUTATON IS RUINED."
Roxas registered what she said before he almost cried in happiness. She was back to normal. She was not chasing him down the halls with that horrifying look in her eyes.
However, since she was back to normal and she was in a VERY bad mood, that only meant one thing.
He had to run.
He nearly laughed as he dodged a thrown hairbrush before he threw open the door and quickly raced down the stairs, Louise hot on his heels. However, this time she didn't have her ridiculous hormonal speed, so he was quickly getting away from her. He exited the building before he ran across the academy grounds. Soon, he found what he was looking for.
"Sylphid!" he yelled casing the blue dragon to raise her head. She let out a joyful warbled upon seeing him. "Hiding maneuver alpha!" Sylphid nodded her large head before she immediately curled into a ball, extending her wing up. Roxas jumped into the center as Sylphid lowered her wing over him, complete hiding him from view.
"WHERE ARE YOU? YOU DOG!" He heard Louise shout as she ran right past them.
Roxas waited a few seconds, listening as Louise's footsteps disappeared. He gave a sigh of relief. "Thanks Sylphid."
Sylphid purred before she curled tighter around him.
"Yeah…Even though she is back to normal, I don't think I want to sleep in her room tonight. Can I crash out here with you?"
Sylphid grunted softly, signifying her answer. Hopefully, Louise would cool off by morning. Still, this was much better than how she was. At lease she couldn't find him anymore.
"Roxas."
Roxas gasped, thinking Louise found him. However, he immediately threw that idea out the window because that was not Louise's voice. It was familiar, but he had not heard that voice in a while…
Wait a minute.
"Henrietta?"
There was no reply for a few seconds before Roxas heard a small giggle. "I saw you slip away from Louise. It's a nice hiding spot, but I have to talk to you and her about something." Henrietta said.
Roxas sighed a bit. It was a bummer, because he was just getting comfortable. But by the sound of her voice, Henrietta needed his help with something. Gently, he nudged Sylphid in the side.
"You heard her Sylphid. You got to let me out." Sylphid gave a sad warble in protest before Roxas nudged her again. Finally, she retracted her wing, allowing Roxas to climb out.
He looked up to see that Henrietta was wearing the same hooded cloak she wore when they first met. "Looks like you have been sneaking around again."
Henrietta laughed softly. "When you're a princess that is usually the only way to get around. Agnes transported me here, but it would have been suspicious if I was walking around with a guard."
"I can understand that. So what do you need?"
"I need to talk to both you and Louise."
Roxas gave a small sigh. "Well…Finding Louise should be easy. Just follow the screams." He said, causing Henrietta to giggle one again. "I will find Louise. Please wait in her room until I get back."
Authors Note: Awe yeah. Roxas was not able to use the power of his Keyblade to rid the effects of the potion because Curaga is a physical healing spell. Roxas is a nobody that can use light magic to its highest caliber, but curaga can't undo negative potion effects. He had to make a bit of a sacrifice for one of his friends by giving up one of his precious elixirs. Now he only has a few left.
About the pairings. Some people were like "Harem…YUSSS." And some were like "NUUU Harem!"
There are a few thoughts I would like to lay down on the table about harems. For one, very few people can actually do them justice. A lot of the time, there is no actual development between the MC and each girl in the harem. It's just like "You are hot…I Wove you!" In this story, I am going to try and have as much development as possible between Roxas and each girl if I do have a harem. It's still up in the air about the harem idea though.
Anyway, I will ask your opinions again about pairing much later, when more development has happened. I will ask again…probably after the Albania war arc of the second season of the anime. Yes I have already planned that far ahead, so no worries.
Another note by the way. I got a beta. He had been working really hard to find the errors I had in the chapters I have already posted, so not quite this one yet. He is known as The Lord Of Pages and I am grateful for what he has done so far. If you want to check out the changes, I have updated chapters 1 and 2. Big shout out to him for all his hard work.
Finally, I seriously searched the internet for Tabitha's mother's name, but could not find it for the life of me…So I named her Alexandra. Sounds royal enough. If she does have a name, someone please tell me in a review so I can edit the chapter.
But anyway, thanks for reading and look forward to the next chapter.
Until then!
