This is a sporadic add-on. It was an 'idea' that popped into my head one day. In my opinion it fits the "drabble" description (but it is not part of the original 100 prompts). I hope it meets your expectations. Enjoy.

A Little Extra
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Fourth Theme Set (Aside)
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"Wishing for the Moon"

Like so many once upon a times that have been passed by word of mouth or scrawl of text, this is yet another one of those bedtime stories. In typical fairy tale fashion, there is essentially a protagonist and an antagonist. And even more predictably, the protagonist will find various ways to overcome seemingly impossible odds. Be it with the powers of good or the character's guile and expedient actions. But not all tales require the cliché of hero versus villain. Sometimes there are deeper lessons to be learned beneath a seemingly simple surface.

Even so, such tales may become twisted in terms of the details of the story. Sometimes the 'good' and 'evil' are embellished. Sometimes chronology is disregarded and torn asunder by forgetful story-tellers. More minor events may even be forgotten, or even stranger, some are added on. Some fairy tales may even become darker than intended, the protagonist becoming nothing more than a tragic hero at the tale's end. However, for some stories, it is sometimes for the better, other times it is for the unforeseen and unintended worse.

Regardless, the ideals of these stories are what endure the tests of time and the mincing of words as the generations spread out. The spirit of these stories can live on long after one's natural life, just as they have after one's parents and their parents before them. But even if the stories are meticulously chronicled, if there is no one to hear the story, then that is the true and tragic death of it.

Would you be so kind and listen to this story?

Once upon a time in a place where technology and greed had not yet corrupted the people, there was a kingdom that was often compared to heaven itself. It was the grandest of all the kingdoms; never had it suffered drought, famine or pestilence. This extravagant paradise of civilization was called Radiant Garden and it was ruled by the sage known as Ansem the Wise.

This sage was known for his benevolence, he loved his people as much as they loved him. He treated them all equally and compassionately. Ansem himself would often call the kingdom's denizens his sons and daughters. It was even said that Ansem's kindness was so great, that even the most ruthless of criminals would be unable to resort to their vulgar ways in his presence. Some would even claim that those same denunciations of society would be compelled to repent for their wrongdoings and continue the rest of their lives as good Samaritans.

Such was the land of Radiant Garden, and so did it stay. Year after year the crops prospered, poverty and suffering was kept locked out of its golden lands. The kingdom continued to thrive under the vigil of their sage.

However, as history has constantly reminded humanity, tranquility does not last forever. Not even their sage's kindness could stop the seeping darkness that crept over the peaceful land. No one is sure when such an invasion took place, but its results were devastating as they were silent. Crops were ravaged beyond recognition by creatures born from a pitch black. Citizens of the outer reaches of the kingdom were devoured by frenzied maws never quenched of bloodlust.

It was not long until the unsettling news reached Ansem's ever listening ears.

Ansem was faced with dread and sorrow as news of rampant death flooded his castle's halls. In his kind heart he held onto fearful doubt that a solution may not be found. Reluctantly, he called on his respected friends, his council, to find a means of remedying the terrible conflict

The sage's council was made up of three respectable individuals. The first and oldest of his companions was a well-versed man who prided himself in his mastery of alchemy and sciences, Vexen. If there was a logical means of effectively removing the threats to the kingdom, he was most likely to have the solution. Ansem eagerly consulted the scientist and agreed to his requests for his experiments.

For months Vexen studied the monsters that were invading the land. Even with the help of his assistant, Zexion, another of Ansem's council, they were unable to find a means to truly rid the kingdom of its blight.

By the time the researchers had exhausted their theories, all but the innermost parts of Radiant Garden had been transformed into barren wastelands of death. The once beautiful pastures were nothing more then miles of lifeless soil. Anything that had once grazed on the vegetation were now rotting carcasses. Not even the scavengers would dare touch the fetid remains.

Eventually the alchemist resigned in bitter defeat and for better hopes. Vexen told Ansem he would seek other means of vanquishing the foul creatures in other kingdoms, as well as implore them for their possible aid. Zexion was left behind to ensure that any sign of weakness in the plague that swept the land would be documented and employed.

Vexen never returned.

The king was at a loss and asked the advice of his third council, a young and pensive man named Xehanort. Upon being asked for possible solutions, the sage was dreadfully told that he had no ideas, except to seek the aid of a mercenary. Even though Ansem was opposed to relying on such crude means, he hesitantly agreed. For if he waited too long there would be no one left to save.

With that mission in mind, Xehanort left the decaying kingdom in search of the champion meant to save what remained of Radiant Garden.

For the next passing days, Ansem neither slept nor ate. Zexion worriedly tried to convince the sage to maintain his hope for the sake of the surviving people. On the third day of Ansem's sleepless anticipation of Xehanort's return, he crashed from his fatigue. But despite how he slept, his mind was troubled by the thoughts of his suffering people.

The king reawakened in a cold sweat having slept an entire day. He looked outside his window and saw that a strangely full moon was out. With a feeling of impending dread hanging in his chest, he looked outside, expecting to see the glowing yellow eyes of the beasts that had ruined his kingdom.

Much to his surprise and disbelieving relief, there were none looking back up at him. Ansem ran down to the doors of his castle and pulled them open quickly. Just as his feet touched the ground outside his castle, he noticed that the once absent melody of crickets had returned to his kingdom.

Xehanort must have succeeded.

His attention was brought back when he heard a series of footsteps approaching him. With renewed joy for his restored kingdom he turned to thank them. Ansem gladly shook the hands of the young stranger that was standing next to his friend.

"Thank you young champion for your efforts! I can only hope that I can possibly repay your charitable deed!"

The young stranger's eyes widened. He kindly pulled his hands out of the grasp of Ansem's.

Xehanort cleared his throat and indicated to another stranger behind him. The man behind him stood in front of Ansem and forcefully shook hands with him. That was when he realized that the older stranger before him had a hulking weapon in his other hand which had dark blood smeared over its edge.

Quick apologies and introductions were made. The younger stranger was a musician and companion to the fighter, his name was Demyx. The older stranger who had actually rid the land of the monsters was named Saïx.

Ansem warmly welcomed them into the castle and a private feast was thrown in honor of Saïx's feat.

Having drank suitable spirits and eaten their fill. Ansem inquired the warrior about what he wanted in return for his services.

Saïx shook his head and politely declined. "What I want is something priceless," he claimed.

Ansem inquired and tried to coax a proper payment out of him, "I assure you dear friend, be it priceless or not, I swear upon my life that I will repay you."

Saïx took a lazy glance over his cup of untouched wine, "If you insist."

The king motioned with his hand for the warrior to continue.

"I require the Moon."

Silence overtook the room.

Saïx flashed a small but toothy grin at the sage, "If you cannot get that I suppose your life will suffice, Ansem the Wise."

Ansem chuckled warmly and Saïx's expression faltered at it.

The king took up his cup again and held it in the air for a toast, "Very well then, I shall get you the Moon."

However, despite Ansem's confidence in his claim, he was filled with regret.

After Saïx and Demyx had both gone to their guest rooms for the night, Ansem sought out Zexion. The young man regarded him casually as he entered the study. Ansem spoke thickly to his friend, "Zexion, you pride yourself with solving puzzles correct?"

Zexion confirmed his friend's abrupt question, "Yes, but there have been a lack of challenges as of late. Have you discovered one that is of suitable difficulty?"

The king braced himself for his own words as he strained them out. "How do you give someone the Moon?"

Zexion scoffed, not knowing the true weight of a seemingly trivial question, "What lunatic would ask something like that? Is seeing it not enough?"

The king did not reply to Zexion's response. That was when Zexion realized the matter was something much more serious. "I'll see what I can do." It was an interesting conundrum. How was one supposed to steal the very Moon out of the sky?

Setting about his task, Zexion began his work on how to 'get' the moon. Several days had passed and he still had no inkling on how to get the desired Moon. If Vexen was there, then he could have possibly figured out an alternative to the seemingly impossible problem.

But such resources were not available, so Zexion resumed his work.

Zexion was in the vast library re-reading Trismegistus's books. Upon finishing the tome once again and with no more information then when he started, he found himself distracted by melancholy guitar notes. Curious of their origin, he found that Demyx was playing an aria common to the kingdom.

Zexion had learned from the murmurs of the castle's servants about what Ansem had promised. He'd heard from the maids that Demyx was Saïx's traveling companion. With any luck, he could get clues from him.

"Demyx, why does Saïx want the Moon?"

The musician shrugged. "I dunno, but it doesn't seem too bad to carry around though. So I'm not gonna complain."

Zexion blinked in confusion at the statement. Demyx continued aloud, unaware of Zexion's astonishment, "I'd think it'd be better if he left the Moon where it was. I think the nights would be pretty dark without it up there."

Having recovered from his shock, Zexion decided to try out a strange idea that popped into his mind. "Carry it? Don't you think it's rather...big?"

This time it was Demyx's turn to be shocked, even so he didn't show it, "I don't think its that big at all, about the size of a coin in my opinion from what I see of it here."

"I see. Thank you for that...revelation Demyx." A somewhat insane plan began to form inside Zexion's mind.

More days had passed and Saïx was beginning to grow restless with the lack of his 'reward'. "Tell me King Ansem, how long do you plan to delay on your promise?"

Having heard of Zexion's scheme the previous night, he smiled broadly back at the impatient fighter. "I'm glad you ask brave champion, Zexion, could you give Saïx his just reward?"

Zexion presented Saïx with a lavish box. Saïx gave it a tap and reached a hand over to open it before stopping himself. "I'll wait until nightfall. I'd like to see the treasure in all its glory." Zexion's hopes fell. Saïx would realize it wasn't the Moon at all and then he could execute Ansem.

For the rest of the day Zexion was dreading the moment it became nighttime.

The sun's light flittered as it neared the distant mountain's horizon. The orange-red of sunset soon left and the sky became a dark blue. Crickets heralding the coming of night only reminded Zexion of how Ansem's death was drawing ever nearer.

Saïx smiled as he opened the box. Inside was a small silver cage that encased a glowing orb of light which seemed to levitate in the center of its container. He marveled at it, amazed as well as pleased about how he finally owned what he considered precious.

Just as he was about to thank Ansem about his payment, the slivered and pale form of the Moon peeked out of the horizon.

Infuriated, he brandished his weapon at Ansem. "Trying to trick me?!" Zexion stepped between the tip of the blade and the king. He stared despairingly at the ground and spoke as evenly as he could.

"I'm the one who got the Moon for you." Saïx scoffed at the ludicrous claim.

Zexion took a sharp breath. "That is the Moon. Please take it and leave." He thought to himself about how badly he wished it was true.

"Deceitful dogs like you are better off dead." Saïx brought his arm back as he readied to strike at Zexion's tense figure. Just as he was about to bring down the weight of it, a voice snapped him out of his action.

"Saïx, it's true! That is the Moon, Zexion wouldn't lie about it." Zexion didn't look up from his stare at the floor. Demyx was defending him?

Saïx roared back at at him, "THEN WHAT IS THAT UP THERE?!"

Demyx scratched his head. "Well, Zexion can't tell me his alchemy secrets but...you know how the Moon is not always a perfect circle right? Well Zexion must've used his alchemy to harvest the Moon for you!"

Saïx lowered his arm. Calm had once again taken hold of him. "I see."

With the previous fear and anxiety now alleviated, Zexion tied up the lie with a sense of finality, "Yes, well, that is why it took so long. The Moon can only regenerate so fast once I cut off a piece. Celestial harvests require much more patience then mere crops."

Saïx gave a short laugh. "Ah...It makes perfect sense then. How brash of me." He bowed to Ansem and Zexion. "My sincerest apologies, Ansem the truly Wise."

Having collected on the reward, Saïx and Demyx replenished their supplies for their journey elsewhere. Ansem and Zexion both saw the two travelers off.

Despite Ansem's zealous farewells, Zexion's was hesitant.

"Thanks Demyx."

The musician turned briefly and smiled quickly before catching up with the retreating form of Saïx.
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Hmm, well that was magical. This 'story' was based on the children's book talking about a princess who wanted the moon for her birthday or something like that. I can't remember the title of it. Anyway, I made some extensions/changes to the story to better suit the 'used' characters (contrary to common belief, Saïx is no simpering princess). I also used Ansem the (questionably) Wise. Vexen and Xehanort conveniently disappeared somewhere around the end, but that's OK. Finally, an entire section where Demyx doesn't get screwed over in some way.