In a barren landscape of dirt and rock, of destroyed mountains and dusty plateaus, littered with thousands of broken keys, three figures stood alone.
"You're being serious?" Vanitas said slowly, staring.
Xemnas gazed down on Vanitas with slitted eyes. "Do either of us look as if we are joking?"
"Hurry up and do as you're ordered, boy," Ansem said harshly, uncrossing his arms.
Vanitas hesitated, then he raised a hand and summoned his weapon. He hesitated again... "You aren't going to hold this against me later, are you?"
The pair glowered at the boy in unison.
"Just want us to be on the same page here about this being your idea..." Vanitas muttered quickly, stepping forward. He raised the blade, and before he could think about it, he drove it through Ansem's chest.
Ansem gasped and fell to a knee. He gazed up at Vanitas. "P-pathetic...worthless...child! Your blade...it did not cut deep enough."
Vanitas snarled, raised his arm once more, and slashed at the man's neck.
Ansem burst with darkness, and began to fade.
Vanitas looked to Xemnas.
"I don't require your assistance." Xemnas raised a hand to his head - some strange emotion flashed across his face - and a red light burst from his palm. He went rigid...and fell, fading away the same as his Heartless counterpart.
"Dammit, what am I doing?" Vanitas uttered to himself alone. "Bringing back the old bastard in full glory...worst mistake of my life..."
"You have done as destiny dictates," a young man's cool tones rang out.
Vanitas whirled. And stared like an idiot again at the newcomer. "Who the fuck are you?" he exclaimed.
The twenty year old young man of silver hair and golden eyes gave a smirk. "Hmph. You don't recognize your own Master? I'm hurt."
"Yeah, bullshit," Vanitas sneered.
The young man sighed. "I suppose it is time I tell you a rather long story...Vanitas, isn't it?"
"Make up whatever story you want, weirdo - I'm out of here," Vanitas retorted, turning away and raising a hand to conjure a portal.
"Why in such a hurry?" the man called out, voice brimming with amusement. "Where would you go? What would you do? Tell me that, Vanitas. You have no home, no friends, no life to call your own. Your destiny has always been one ruled by another...and it will always be so."
"Alright, now you're just pissing me off!" Vanitas snarled, whipping around and raising his weapon. "You want to screw with me? Fine. Let's PLAY!"
The silver-haired man gazed back at him, unfazed by the threat of imminent death. "Heh. Strike me down, and my most current self will not be pleased with you at all...once he returns a complete person. Or rather, I should say once I have returned."
"Shut UP!" Vanitas yelled, leaping for the man with a great slash of his weapon. The man's hand flew up in an instant, a blue light flashed, and Vanitas found himself frozen in mid-air - fucking time magic! A Time Spell! And a damn strong one, at that! He couldn't break free, couldn't even move his eyes-
"No," came the man's cold voice as he turned leisurely to face Vanitas. "I will talk, and YOU WILL LISTEN!" he said, louder - angry. He drew in a breath...and released it. His twisted features relaxed again. But his eyes remained narrowed as he gazed at Vanitas.
Familiar eyes that made Vanitas's Heart tremble...
"It's really you?!" Ven, their Ven was shouting as he stormed into the room.
"What the hell kind of game have you been playing with us?" Elrena was hissing venom.
Aqua jumped to her feet, shocked. "What in the worlds are you-"
Lauriam stormed in last, but he raced forward past them all, shoving Aqua aside and heading straight for Braig. He seized him and lifted him up, slamming him back against the wall. "WHERE. IS. MY SISTER?" he yelled in the man's face.
Terra came sprinting in after them, taking in the scene. He sighed and strode forward, putting a hand on Lauriam's arm. "Not here."
Lauriam snarled and threw him off, his eyes glinting.
"I said-" Terra started again, hard, as he seized Lauriam and pulled him back roughly.
Lauriam twisted around and shoved out at him, summoning his Keyblade to hand. "Stay out of my way!" he breathed, ragged. "He knows where she is, he probably knows where they all are - our friends...and we will get them all back again-!"
"Ven? You're here..." came a quiet, subdued voice.
Lauriam froze, mid-sentence.
Ven startled, tearing his gaze away from Luxu, looking over to the bed. He stared at the woman in shock, his fury evaporating. Eyes brimming with rage now began to change, to glisten with something new. Something wholly different. He took a shaking step toward her, his mouth open. His lips quivering. "Wha...what? It- can't be - is that...you're...Skuld?" he whispered, the name coming from somewhere deep in his Heart.
"Huh?" Elrena looked over at the woman now too. Her eyes widened. "No way..."
Lauriam turned his head to look, and a gasp escaped his lips. His weapon arm trembled at his side, as he took in the sight. As he recognized this woman, too... "Is it really...you? Here?"
Skuld blinked slowly, and a thin arm was raised, a hand reaching out to Ven. A smile on her sharp features. A new light...to those amber eyes. The light of life - of presence. "We made it..." her voice came again, slow and quiet. But there was emotion to it, there was a real passion. "We...made it..."
Ven reached back for her, slowly moving closer...until their hands touched. Fingers brushed... He drew in a sharp breath, falling to his knees before her. Taking her hand in both of his, now. He shut his eyes, then opened them again, looking to Luxu. "You - you...? Did you - find her?"
"I did," Luxu spoke quietly. "Listen, I know that we Masters did wrong by all of you kids - we let that war happen, we failed you in the worst way possible - but after...and ever since...I've been doing- what I can to look after you. I was there in the data world, yes, and I watched you all. And at the end, when you made your plans to escape to the future with the Ark, I was there too. Brain's plan was brilliant, but it had a flaw. He was missing a key component to make it all work. I met with him, and I told him the missing piece. I gave him my Keyblade, and I sent him into the future. And because I did, because he did, the rest of you were able to escape as well."
Lauriam, Elrena, and Ven were all watching Luxu now with utmost attention - but it was no longer intense, directed vengeance: it was confusion, conflict...
"And that's what I've been doing to this day," Luxu spoke on. "When I saw you, Ven, ten years ago now - strong and pure as ever, with friends at your side, fighting to do the right thing...I was glad for you. And when Skuld came into my life again soon after, and I had the chance to help her...I took it. I saved her, took her out of Xehanort's reach. And you two-" His eye slid over to Lauriam and Elrena.
"Right, let's talk about us! You brought us into the Organization," Elrena interjected sharply. "If you cared so much about us, why didn't you just let us be?!"
"Because, either way, Xemnas would have found you," Luxu said. "And he would have brought you two in anyways. Convinced you. And you would have agreed, wouldn't you? Both of you, without memories or a better option."
"You could have given us one," Lauriam said, narrowing his eyes. "You could have simply told us about our pasts when we first met, and let us take the risks of hiding from Xemnas. If you truly cared, you could have done better for us."
Luxu nodded, reaching up to rub at his neck. "Yeah...I know. I could have - I should have done better for you guys than that. Here and now, and way back then. Instead of only telling Brain, I could have gone to all of you and explained everything...like I'm doing now. That's what I should have done. Just like I should have gone and told the other Foretellers everything I knew...something that might have actually averted the war. Made a real difference. But, look, I am here now...and I'm ready and willing to do all I can to make that real difference in the world. For all of you. No half-assing it, no excuses. Alright?"
"If that's true, then tell me where my sister is," Lauriam stated. "Elrena's...Chirithy...saw her with you, after the war."
"My...what now?" Elrena stammered, her hand going to her forehead. Her face screwed up with sudden pain. "Oh my god," she said, hushed, her eyes flying open suddenly.
"Huh? Really? I was found out by a Chirithy? Irritating little fuzzballs..." Luxu muttered, shaking his head. "Anyways: that wasn't her. It was a data version of her."
"You expect me to believe that?" Lauriam glowered.
"If I could explain-"
"Just tell me, damn you-"
"Alright: your sister's alive!" Luxu raised his voice, speaking rapidly. "She's alive because I saved her! After the Darkness struck her down, her Heart moved on. And then I reconstructed a version of her out of her data, which I then took back into the real Daybreak Town, and sent off in the Ark to another World. A whole new Reality. With that data, in that vessel, her Heart was able to be drawn into it - allowed to exist again as a complete person. And that's where she still is now."
"She's really still alive?" Lauriam said, his voice trembling.
Luxu held his gaze. "Yes."
"Whatever or wherever this world is...take me to her."
"Alright." Luxu stepped forward, gazing down at the Keyblade in Lauriam's hand. "But you're going to have to do some of the legwork."
"Explain."
"I'm going to need you to use the bond you have with her - while I use the Power of Waking - to help get us there. As for getting back...I'll handle that myself."
"Just tell me what to do."
Luxu nodded. "Okay. Just aim your Keyblade out, and focus with all of your Heart...on her. On your feelings, your memories, the desire to be with her again. To find her again..."
Lauriam did as bade, taking deep breaths and raising his Keyblade before him. He closed his eyes, bowing his head...
Luxu stepped forward, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He called on his own powers, summoning and pointing his own Keyblade out as well.
Side by side, the two weapons began to glow, energy formed on their ends...
And then a purple sphere with spikes on it appeared to hover before them.
Lauriam opened his eyes, gazing at the strange construct. "What is that...?"
"That's our portal - our path to her. Now take us through it..."
Lauriam nodded, and refocused. The portal began to glow, particles of light rising from it... "Strelitzia...I promised you that if you were ever in any kind of trouble, I'd come running. I haven't kept that promise in the least - I failed to protect you back then - but I will not fail you now! I'm coming for you now, my dear little sister..."
The portal burst with light, and suddenly Lauriam and Luxu became a stream of energy particles themselves, which flew straight into the portal. A light flashed, and the portal vanished.
"Ass..." Elrena uttered, under her breath. "Couldn't even be bothered to ask me to come along too? I'm only the girl who gave you the two most important clues about her in the first place...no one significant..."
"Lauriam..." Ven whispered. "Come back to us. I can't lose you again, either."
Luxu and Lauriam reappeared out of the portal, materializing in an alleyway of a grand, technological cityscape.
Luxu immediately strode out of the alley, into the open streets - with Lauriam hot on his heels.
Lauriam took in the crowded street, the cars passing by, the signs and tall buildings. "Where is she?"
Luxu sighed, glancing up the street and placing a hand on a hip. "I'm not exactly sure - and that's the truth."
"What?"
"Look, all I did was ensure she'd reform in this world - but whatever she'd do or wherever she'd go afterwards...that would have all been entirely up to her." Luxu kept his face neutral as he met Lauriam's furious gaze. "Hey, here's an idea: ask your Heart. See if it's got a clue. Your connection to her can bring you the rest of the way there, if you listen to it."
Lauriam's anger faded. Slowly, he closed his eyes, and a hand rose to touch his chest. Luxu stood watching him patiently. After a minute or two, Lauriam's eyes opened again. He pointed down the street, already moving. "Somewhere over there..."
"Lead the way," Luxu said, following after the man.
"It's really all true, then...isn't it?" Aqua spoke gently, as she moved to kneel beside Ventus on the floor - before the woman named Skuld.
Ven, who seemed to have eyes only for this woman, simply nodded. His eyes were full of shimmering tears now. But on his face...was a smile. "Yeah...My Heart- I know it all sounds crazy, but it is."
Aqua nodded back, gazing at Skuld in deep thought. "Right..." she whispered. Then, she smiled. "I believe you, Ven. And I trust you. And I trust that you trust your Heart. And...I'm glad, that you're getting back so much of your past - your friends. And whatever...fears and pain you carry...Terra and I will always be here for you. Okay? That will never change. Because you will always be our friend, too."
"Right," Ven echoed. "Thanks, Aqua..."
"You're welcome."
Ven sighed, releasing Skuld's hand and bowing his head. He sat back on his heels, shaking his head. "What's...wrong with her?"
"I'm not sure," Aqua said softly.
"Do you think it's like what happened to me?" Ven pressed.
"I...I don't know, Ven," Aqua said helplessly. "Though, I'm sure you can ask- Luxu. He seems to have all the answers."
"Yeah..." Ven agreed, perking up again somewhat.
"Ven...if-" Aqua began.
Suddenly a pink light filled the room, and they turned to see that strange portal materializing in the middle of the room. Energy burst out of it, and three figures took form...
Three. Not the two who had just gone in, not five minutes ago.
Ven whirled around, and then he was staring at that third figure - with a look of fear. Fear...and shame, and guilt, and remorse...all of it so powerful...pouring off of him in waves. His arms went around himself as he shrank back against the bed frame, as if afraid of being hurt...or afraid of hurting someone else.
This third person, alongside Luxu and Lauriam, it was a girl - a girl around Ven's age. She had pale skin, green eyes, and long, light orange hair that was tied back into long, double ponytails. She wore a short white dress with lace trim and a black bow tie, along with arm sleeves that matched - each had black bands around them.
She looked around the room, at all of them, seeming overwhelmed. By emotion, and simply the presence of so many others.
Lauriam put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, holding her...
The girl's eyes found Ven - and then flitted away to Elrena instead. A shy smile came over the girl.
Elrena blinked back at her, looking...almost as uncertain and shy as the girl was, surprisingly. "Ummm...hi...Strelitzia?" she said finally. "Welcome back to the land of the living - and the future, too, I suppose?" she continued on, in faux airy tones.
"H-hi...Elrena..." the girl replied, stammering and quiet. But she looked delighted to have been remembered. It was in her eyes, Aqua saw. "Thanks..." Finally, she returned her gaze to Ventus. Ven flinched outright, looking away quickly. She frowned, and her head drooped.
Lauriam squeezed her tight. He turned to look at Luxu. But now, unlike before they'd left for wherever they'd gone...there wasn't much anger or malice anymore. In fact, there was... "Thank you," he spoke quietly. Though, that was all.
Luxu, for his part, simply nodded, turning away and going to Skuld's side, sitting on the end of the bed.
"Come now, Strelitzia, we need time to ourselves - this is going to take a great deal of adjusting to," Lauriam told his sister, as he guided her out of the room. "On all sides..."
"L-Lauriam, it's fine, I-!" the girl protested weakly.
"You were killed and you've moved thousands of years into the future; it's not 'fine' - and that's all right..." Lauriam was saying, as they left the room and shut the door behind them.
Aqua looked around the room. Terra, to Elrena, to Ven, to Skuld, to Luxu...back to Terra. "I think we need time to process all of this, ourselves," she spoke. "Terra, would you join me outside?"
"Sure." Terra nodded, heading for the door.
Aqua gave Ven a swift hug before going after Terra.
Together they left the hotel, emerging out into Second District together. There, they began a simple walk around the perimeter. Passing buildings and shop fronts. They got all the way around the district, once over, before Aqua finally chose to speak.
"What are our lives becoming?"
Terra glanced over at her, considering. "The lives we've always dreamed of? The lives of Keyblade Masters?"
"We're meant to protect and explore strange and wonderous worlds - not have all the strangeness come to us personally," Aqua despaired. "Everything is just...it's all so...and i'd thought it couldn't get any more hectic and- crazy- than when Kairi and the others first came into our lives," she went on, laughing. "I thought that all of this, with Nobodies and the Organization and...I thought, surely, that had to be the peak of it. But now...?"
Terra nodded, a small grin on his face. "It is all pretty crazy, isn't it? It's overwhelming. But we can only take it as it comes, and deal with it how we were taught to."
"Please, Terra, we were taught nothing about how to handle...ancient Keyblade wielders and- time travelers- and- this is far beyond the scope of anything we ever trained for! Anything we could have imagined!" Aqua exclaimed.
"I don't know...I had some pretty adventurous dreams, back in the day," Terra joked. "Ideas of what my life would be like as a Master, roaming free, meeting all kinds of people..."
"You couldn't possibly have dreamed of anything like this," Aqua said, glaring somewhat. "This is just- it's like-"
"A fairy tale?"
Aqua glared harder.
"Sorry," Terra muttered, looking away.
Aqua sighed. "No, I'm sorry. It's just...this is all so much, so fast, and I can hardly keep up anymore. I feel...next to useless. Helpless. All I can do is...go with the flow."
"Then we do that. And we hope the river slows down somewhere along the way. Or that it dumps us into a nice lake."
"That's all i can hope for," Aqua murmured in agreement.
"Hey...at least, whatever happens, we're all still together. We can face anything, as long as we stay together," Terra said firmly.
"Right." Aqua smiled, nodding.
"Clearly, you've inherited my sense of fashion, because you look amazing!"
After Xikira- Namine's emergence from the clothing store's dressing room, Kairi couldn't help but gush at her new appearance!
Gone was that - admittedly pretty blue dress of hers - A sleeveless white crop top with blue little starry buttons down the front, on each side of her body. A white belt with a gold clasp. And a light blue, double split skirt on her lower body that reached her ankles. Beneath that, Kairi spied she was also sporting a pair of blue workout shorts. She had light blue slippers on her feet. And to cap it all off, there was the blue headband on top of her head, keeping her longer-than-Kairi's hair out of her face.
Namine blushed, but smiled and did a twirl on the spot. "Do you think Roxas will think so too? And Luxu?"
"They'd be stupid not to," Kairi said, grinning widely.
Namine laughed, nodding. "True!" She eyed Kairi a moment, adding in earnest, "I really love your outfit, too."
"Thank you," Kairi beamed. "Some of my latest accessories were more for practical reasons than for style - but I find they actually work for both after all."
"What do you mean by that?" Namine said curiously.
"Well..." Kairi tilted her head back and pointed at her face. Her great big scar. "See this? It's not just there - it's other places, too. I made sure my clothes could cover most of it up. I don't want to draw too much attention to it..."
Namine frowned, her blue eyes widening. She joined her hands at her waist. "What happened?"
Kairi grinned, tossing her head and reaching up to pull her hat down a bit more over her face. "Just some bad luck against a dangerous Heartless a while ago."
Namine stared at her even more intently. Then she looked down at herself. "I've fought all kinds of Heartless, and I don't have anything like that. I guess...Nobodies are just different that way? From - humans?"
"Maybe?" Kairi shrugged. "Though, doesn't that...Luxu...friend of yours have scars too? He is a Nobody, isn't he?"
Namine blinked. "Hmmm...that's right. I never really thought about it. Oh, and Saix has scars too. I wonder what it is about them that's different from me or Roxas?"
"You could ask him sometime," Kairi suggested.
"I will," Namine said, nodding. "But right now I want to keep looking for more clothes. I want an outfit for every day of the week!"
"Good call," Kairi said. "Let's do it, then!"
Roxas wandered back into the fountain square of Fourth District, going over to the usual spot in the corner.
He sat down against a stack of crates with a sigh, drawing in his knees and hugging them.
Not long after, he was joined by his new friend - Rei.
She sat down beside him, eyeing him sidelong. A frown on her face. She was worried.
Roxas turned his head aside.
After a minute, she tapped him on the arm and bumped her notebook against him, gazing at him intently. When he looked over at her, she did it again - then poked him with her favorite pen.
Roxas sighed, then took the notebook and pen from her. He read over her question - more of that worry, expressed now in writing. He propped the book against his legs and sat up straighter, begining to write back to her. "I told you about my twin sister before. She finally came back today. She did what she wanted to do, I guess. She saved her friend, brought him back with her. And I'm happy she's back. I am. But I still want answers. I want to just ask her so much. But I don't want to upset her. I don't want to ruin things between us. But I'm still mad at her. I care about her, I like her, but I can't stop feeling this way. Even now. You're a normal person, right? What would you do if it was you and your sister?" After finishing his message, he gave the notebook and pen back to Rei, watching her anxiously now.
Rei read the long message over swiftly, her eyes darting left to right. She glanced over at him, her eyes glinting. A smile on her face. Then she started writing back. After a miute, she handed the notebook back over for Roxas to read. "I wouldn't call myself 'normal', either, and I don't have a sister. But I'd say if you really want to get all of this off your chest, you just have to talk to her. Tell her how you feel, tell her what you've been thinking. Hopefully she listens to you. And when she explains things back to you, you need to listen to her too. Don't let yourself get all angry; it doesn't have to ruin things if you can both just communicate, and try to understand what the other person is saying. Try to see where you're each coming from, you know?"
Roxas frowned, staring out across the square. He nodded, absently offering the notebook to the girl.
Just tell her, huh...? Roxas thought glumly. What if she doesn't care? What if she won't listen - or answer? How can it be that simple?
Well, maybe Rei was right about one thing, at least: the only real choice Roxas had if he wanted to "get this all off his chest" was to just go for it.
Roxas took in a breath, rising to his feet. He glanced down at Rei, awkward suddenly. "Uh..."
One half of her mouth quirked, and she raised a hand and gave him a little wave. Or maybe it was a "Shoo" gesture...
Roxas nodded to her, tried to smile one last time for her, and set off across the square again.
When Roxas finally found Namine again, it was in the middle of Second District.
She was sitting on a bench, by herself, near the fountain with that stone wall with an image on it. Unfamiliar things, to Roxas's mind. But she probably knew exactly what it depicted. That was her thing, wasn't it? She was doing it right now, it looked like, in fact; she was turned toward that fountain, and she had that book of hers open in her lap, a pencil in her hand. She kept glancing at the fountain, every now and then, a smile on her lips.
Roxas also couldn't help noticing she had on a totally different outfit now from before - from even just thirty minutes ago! She wasn't wearing that dress of hers anymore - instead she had on some small top that showed her arms, shoulders, her stomach, and her lower body was covered in just these two...flowing pieces of cloth, behind and in front of her legs. It was like she'd taken a dress or skirt and cut it up on either side. Her feet, wearing new shoes now, were tapping and moving side to side beneath her. Oh, and she had something in her hair now, too. A blue band?
Roxas sighed.
Xikira - or - Namine...she looked happy.
Really happy.
Roxas took a breath and started over to her, trying to keep Rei's advice in mind.
"Uh - hey, Xi- um, Namine?"
She glanced up at him, her smile widening. Her eyes lighting up. "Hey, Roxas. What's up?"
Roxas smiled at her, too, suddenly. Before, he might have been confused about that last part - what it even meant - but he knew now. Rei said it often enough the past week. So did Aerith. It was a normal people way of expressing interest or concern about somebody's life - how they were feeling, or what they were doing - Aerith had explained. A "catch-all" phrase. He sat down on the bench with her, leaning back. He glanced at her, then down at the open book in her lap. One, big white page was still blank - but the other one had something that kind of, almost looked like the image on the stone wall at the back of the fountain. "Uh...Look, I want to ask you some things, okay? I want you to answer them. There's some stuff I...I want to know. I have to."
Roxas watched her smile fade. "Okay..." She nodded, and slowly shut her book of drawings. She held it in both hands in her lap, bowing her head. "I told you before...remember? You can ask me anything, and I'll answer you," she added quietly.
"Okay," Roxas said, taking another breath. "So answer this one for me...Why - why didn't you ever tell me anything you were doing? With Lauriam and Elrena, and- and with- about Xigbar? Any of it? You were going to leave the Organization, but you never told me that. And after that, when you went back to it, you still never told me a thing. Why? If we're...supposed to be...'siblings', if we're brother and sister, if we're- a family then why couldn't you trust me like you- apparently trusted - everyone else?"
Namine gripped her sketchbook tighter, pressing her knees together. "It's not that I didn't trust you, Roxas-"
"Then why?!" Roxas demanded. "Was it all just words to you - it never meant anything to you? Were you just acting, like a good little Nobody? Did you ever feel a thing for me?!"
"I did! I really did!" she said instantly. "But...I guess I just never...thought about you. I was so focused on what I was doing, on what I wanted to have, that I didn't...think about including you in it."
"But you could include Lauriam, and Elrena, and even Xigbar-"
"Luxu."
"I don't care!" Roxas snapped. "Stop lying to me - why can't you just be honest with me?!"
"You know what, fuck you!" Namine erupted, leaping to her feet and stalking away across the plaza, her sketchbook held against her side. "I don't have to sit here and take this crap from you, Roxas! If you're just going to say I'm lying about everything, what's the point?!"
"I just want you to GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER!" Roxas yelled, jumping up and following after her.
Namine stopped, whirling around to face him. Her shaking hand flew up, and her Keyblade materialized - aiming at him. Her face was twisted, her lower lip was trembling. Her blue eyes were shimmering.
Roxas froze, staring at the end of her weapon. "Xikira-"
"It's Namine," she retorted, her eyes narrowing. As soon as they did, a tear fell down her pale face.
"Okay. Namine." Roxas gazed into her eyes, shock still coursing through him. Melting away the anger. "Look, just...what are you doing? Are you going to fight me or something? Do you want us to fight?"
"We're already fighting!" she said fiercely.
"But not...like that..." Roxas said quietly. "I just...want to know. Please. Just talk to me, just tell me. Just..."
"Maybe I'm just the worst sister in the world," she replied. "Maybe that's the answer you're looking for. So, there: you have your answer - now leave it alone."
"I'm not leaving-" Roxas started, stepping forward.
Namine adjusted her grip and thrust her weapon forth, stepping in, herself. She cocked her head at him, her teary eyes hard. "Yes, you are. Or I'll make you!"
"Then make me!" Roxas snapped, curling his fists and glaring back at her now.
"Just...fuck off..." Namine muttered.
"Make me."
"Fuck off, fuck off, fuck off-!" she uttered furiously.
"Make me, then! Do it! Attack me! You'll probably lose!" Roxas yelled.
"What?! You really think that? I've beaten Luxu, I wouldn't lose to you!" she retorted hotly. "Get real, Roxas!"
"Okay, fine! You asked for it!" Roxas slashed his hand before him, conjuring his Keyblade and falling into his combat stance.
Namine blinked at him, then fell into a stance of her own. "No you asked for it! I'm going to beat you into the ground so you'll shut your stupid mouth-!"
"Hahaha...Hahahahaha!"
Musical, delighted laughter rang out through the plaza, along with loud, echoing clapping.
Roxas and Namine both turned together.
Lauriam was standing there - side by side with some girl in a white dress, with long, orange hair. Paler skin than Namine, and little dots on her face. She had green eyes.
"Your first, big, sibling blowout?" Lauriam spoke on, his voice rich with amusement. "How wonderful. Congratulations, both of you!"
"What are you even talking about?" Roxas said angrily, glowering at him now.
"As heartening as it is to see, I do have to break it up," Lauriam went on. "Both of you, now: Keyblades away. Calm yourselves. No good will come from escalating the situation like this. Besides, I'd like to be able to introduce you two to my sister."
"Your sister?" Namine gasped, lowering her weapon instantly, staring at the unfamiliar girl. A smile grew on her face. "You finally found her? How? Where? When?! Strelitzia, right?!" she said, in a high voice, as she raced over to the girl.
The girl - Strelitzia - Lauriam's sister...? She shied from Namine, blushing furiously and wringing her hands. "R-right! Nice to- meet you...Namine, i-isn't it?" the girl stammered out, in a high voice of her own.
"Yes! Lauriam's told me all about you," Namine said enthusiastically.
"Ooooh, noooo," the girl moaned, looking over at Lauriam with nervousness. "What have you been saying about me?!"
"No need to look that way - it's been only the best of things," Lauriam laughed.
"Where did you get that dress?" Namine was saying to Strelitzia quickly, looking her up and down. "It's beautiful!"
"I- I've just sort of always h-had it," Strelitzia said swiftly, twisting her body and looking away. "B-but t-thank you!"
"Xik- ah, Namine, the excitement is wonderful to see, but let's not get too excited," Lauriam told her. "Give her room to breathe, if you please."
"Right...sorry!" Namine took several deep breaths. "I'm just so happy for you," she said to Lauriam brightly.
"Thank you," Lauriam said warmly. His gaze found Roxas at last. "Strelitzia, this - is Roxas. Namine's...ah, twin brother."
Strelitzia looked over at Roxas with a small smile. Her eyes flickered to his Keyblade. "It's nice to meet you..."
Roxas stared at her. He looked at Lauriam. Then, at Namine. He sighed, letting his weapon vanish. "Nice to meet you too," he murmured.
"Well, that's that, then," Lauriam told Strelitzia lightly, taking her arm. "There are a few more people we should have you meet, still. Come now..."
"R-right," the girl squeaked, stumbling along. She twisted around to look at Namine as she was led through the doors to the First District, her cheeks still holding that pink tinge for some reason.
Roxas looked to Namine alone now, again.
She looked back at him.
Her head fell, and her hand reached across her body to grasp her other arm. "I'm- I'm sorry...Roxas...I really am. For being such a terrible sister. For not thinking of you. For not telling you anything. I should have. I'm sorry..."
Roxas sighed. "I just...guess I need time to think about it some more," he told her finally. "See you."
"Roxas-"
He ignored her, turning around and walking away.
"Grrr - I said I'm sorry; what else do you want from me?!"
Roxas turned back to see her stalking up to him with her Keyblade in her hand again, her face twisted with anger.
His own anger grew in response to hers.
He slashed his hand across his body and summoned his weapon back too, stomping forward to meet her.
"I want you to do better than just saying sorry over and over again!" he shouted. "Sorry doesn't cut it!"
"How about this then?!" Namine actually raised and swung her weapon down for him!
Roxas gasped, bringing up his quickly to block her. He pushed back at her with all his might, stoking his anger, and a burst of white energy erupted out of him. Namine was sent skidding backwards across the plaza, all the way until her back struck the stone wall. Her expression changed from angry to shocked. Roxas stared at her, and then he laughed at her as he realized it. "I'm stronger than you - I'm better than you at this! I'm going to beat you!"
"As if!" Namine yelled, pushing off from the wall and racing forward with her weapon held high.
Roxas held his weapon at the ready, waiting for her, watching her. Anticipating her...
Suddenly, a magical barrier sprang up between them - which Namine ran right into, and bounced back off of!
"Oof!" she cried, falling on her butt in a sprawling mess. "What?!"
The air warped strangely in front of Namine, and then all of a sudden Xigbar - Luxu, whoever Namine had said he really was - appeared in front of her. He stood over her, looking down on her, a hand on his hip.
"What are you doing?" Namine said, glaring up at him.
Luxu gazed down at her, impassive. "My catchphrase senses were tingling," he said, deadpan.
"Luxu-"
"No," he cut across her firmly. "Whatever you two were just about to beat the hell out of each other for...you're not going to solve the issue by beating the hell out of each other. Got it?" He glanced over his shoulder at Roxas. "I think it's about time somebody introduced you kids to the idea known as 'conflict and resolution skills.' You want to be real girls and boys now? Well now, real girls and boys don't pull weapons on each other just because they get upset. That's a no-go in the worlds, kids. It has some hefty consequences. You want to vent your shit, you want to yell and scream? Fine. But no Keyblades, no attacking each other. Ever. Especially not when it comes to your friends and family! Now, both of you, get your asses back on that bench and take some deep breaths, for god's sake!"
Roxas and Namine both glared at Luxu. They looked at each other, past him.
Namine rose to her feet, letting her weapon vanish.
"Good," Luxu said. "Roxas - you too."
Roxas glared a minute more before releasing his weapon too. He spun around and strode over to the bench, sitting himself down there and crossing his arms.
"Okay - if I take this barrier down, you aren't going to try and hurt him, are you?" Luxu addressed Namine. She glared harder, then raised her hand and curled all of the fingers except one. Some gesture Roxas had no idea about. But Luxu seemed to: he gave a little snort, shaking his head. "That's not funny - it's not cute. I need an answer."
"Fine! I won't," she responded, making it sound mutinous all the same.
"I'm trusting that you actually mean that." Luxu let the barrier fall, and jerked his head in Roxas's direction.
Namine moved slowly across the plaza, and fell down heavily next to Roxas. She sat as far away from him as possible, crossing her arms too, holding her sketchbook to her chest.
Luxu came over to join them, standing there in front of them both - towering over them. "Alright...So, who wants to tell me what's going on here?"
"She pulled her Keyblade out first - twice," Roxas said quickly. "I didn't want to fight her or anything-"
"Bullshit!" Namine interrupted furiously. "Why did you take out yours and swing back at me if you didn't want to fight too? You threw me against the wall with that- explosion of yours!"
"Because you attacked me first! What did expect?" Roxas retorted. "I think you're just mad I'm stronger than you. You're mad I was going to win."
"I could have easily won if I-" Namine started.
"Alright, both of you - stop!" Luxu barked out, holding up a hand. "Geez, you really are twins, aren't you? Look, here's how we're going to do this: Roxas, you tell me your side of this story first, and then, after that, Namine can tell hers. Understood?"
Namine looked outraged. "Why does he get to go first? I thought you loved me-!"
"It's not about liking anyone, it's about being fair and wanting the truth!" Luxu cut her off sharply. "Now can you sit there and try to behave? Okay? Please?"
Namine did that gesture again with her finger, but she didn't say anything.
Luxu scowled at her, then looked at Roxas. "Okay...You've got the floor. Tell me what's going on. How did this all start, for you?"
Roxas frowned, glancing at Namine, then he began to talk...
Luxu waved at the Namine, watching her as she sat atop a wooden box, watching Roxas and his friend playing around on a skateboard.
Her body was relaxed, her feet were kicking, and she had her sketchbook in her lap - propped open. Drawing at her own leisure. Just like any other kid.
Getting her and Roxas to sort their issues out had been...an ordeal. But they'd gotten there in the end. It'd just taken a lot of shouting and crying, on both sides. From both these kids. Both...just kids. And that was it, wasn't it? The conclusion they'd reached to resolve their feelings: that they'd both just been new existences, doing what they could with what they had, what they knew. Trying to find their way in such a limited situation - with limited experience or information.
Not that Luxu hadn't guided them toward that conclusion, just a little, specifically...
But they'd ultimately gotten there on their own, for the most part.
Luxu was glad for them - but mostly just glad it was over.
Teenage drama wasn't his thing - the Hearts of children sure were volatile, weren't they?
But he'd gotten them to settle.
Luxu leaned against the lip of the fountain, letting his arms fall to grasp the golden material. The spouts of water around and inside the fountain lightly sprayed him with cool droplets.
"She looks pretty happy, huh?" came a peppy voice.
Luxu whipped around, tensing - chastising himself for being so off his game. But then he relaxed upon seeing who'd approached him. He eyed the young woman up and down - this powerful mage named Aerith. Long brown hair, beautiful green eyes...and what a cheery look on her face. That easy smile of hers. He flashed a grin, turning back to watch Namine. "Yeah, she does," he agreed.
"And you seem pretty happy for her, too."
Luxu hesitated. He nodded. "Yeah," he said simply.
Aerith stood beside him, placing her hands behind her back, her gaze on Namine as well. "Still...I know it has to be hard for you, learning to be yourself again."
"HUH?" Luxu turned to her sharply, lips parting.
"Oh, don't worry: you're not that easy to read," Aerith said quickly, holding up her hands and giving an apologetic look. "You're actually one of the most puzzling people I've ever tried to figure out - at least by looking. Even now, you don't exactly let yourself just...No, I'm sorry. It's none of my business, is it?" she amended, shaking her head. She let her hands fall to her sides, looking to the kids again.
Luxu flushed hard, trying to regain himself, looking away from her. He worked his jaw, took a breath... Then he let it go, throwing up his hands. "It's, uh, been a looong while since I was myself, true enough," he said, rubbing his neck. "All I've known for a...a long time has been putting up an act, playing this role...and keeping everything that really matters close to my chest. Because, for a long time, I thought I was trapped. Thought there was no hope. No point in trying to...do or be anything different. Take another course. Resist. Hell, I..."
He sighed again, shaking his head and putting a hand to his forehead. "But, because of that girl over there, she reignited that spark in me - spark of hope, defiance, life itself, I'd say. It IS hard to be me again...but I do finally feel like me again, at long last. That...boy that I was, so long ago now, who took a back seat in my life, swapped seats with the cynical, exhausted, bitter Hearted old man...that boy finally woke up again. Sat up, and took the wheel back. Except..."
"Except it's been so long since he last drove, he's having a little difficulty staying on the road, huh?"
Luxu nodded, giving an embarrassed laugh. "Yeah...forgot where half the controls are, too. Which buttons to press, switches to flip, how to..."
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it again in no time at all," Aerith said sincerely, smiling at him. "With Namine's help, of course."
Luxu glanced at her, then away again. "Heh...got that one right."
"But you still play it up for her - the act. Is it because it's what she's still comfortable with, and you don't want to disrupt that?"
Luxu startled. "For a woman who says she can't puzzle me out, you're pretty damn perceptive."
"Am I?" Aerith put a finger to her chin, thoughtful. "Hmm. I've never heard that one before. But, you know, I'll take it: Thank you, Luxu."
Luxu stared at her intently...
What was with this woman? For a twenty year old, she was...
Unlike anyone he'd ever known. And that was saying something.
Not that he'd known a lot of people in his lifetimes - never actually gotten that close to anyone around him, and all...but...even still...
Or maybe - maybe he would have known, if he had gotten close to the people around him earlier in his many lifetimes. If he'd let himself...if he'd just...earlier...
Maybe it was all around him, all the time - this whole time - and he just hadn't had an eye for it...Hehe. Maybe he'd just never noticed - never cared to. Couldn't let himself...
"You're a special sorta woman, Ms. Gainsborough," he replied at last.
"Wow. Coming from you, that must mean a lot!"
"No," Luxu sighed. "No, I'm nothing special. It's everyone else who are...special. For embracing life, living so fully, richly, taking every moment, exploring, making a purpose and a way for themselves...filling up their Hearts. I'm just the guy who's stood on the sidelines, watching it all pass him by. A million chances, a million opportunities, all let slip right through my hands. You might be a hell of a lot younger than me, but you've got a richer, fuller Heart than I do. Hell, mine's emptier than most of our other resident Nobodies."
"Is that so? Well then, we'll just have to cram so much wonderful things into it that it damn-near explodes!"
"Huh?"
"It's never too late to fill up your Heart with the memories and experiences that matter. As long as you're alive, as long as you're here, you have the chance. That is, if you aren't too afraid to take it."
"Alright, what the hell are you?" Luxu said, exasperated - and stunned.
"Well...I'm a woman...and a person...and a mage," Aerith listed off thoughtfully. As if actually considering it seriously. "And someone willing to be your friend...if you'd like one."
"Uh-" Luxu flushed again, gritting his teeth and turning away swiftly. "You know what? All right - sure. Let's...let's be friends, Ms. Gainsborough."
"Well, if we're gonna be friends, you have to call me Aerith. Okay, Luxu?"
"Right. Aerith, then."
"Great!"
Friends, huh? How long had it been since he'd even had a friend...? Namine didn't exactly count - she was a dependent, a child, who he happened to hold a great deal of affection for. But a peer, an equal, an actual friend...?
Luxu shut his eye. Damn, did he miss his friends...
The other Foretellers, his fellow apprentices...who he'd been waiting so long to be able to see again...kept alive only in memories - memories of all the ways he'd messed things up with them. Especially with Ava...
Ava, who he didn't even know where, or what she...
Ava, the only one to try and change things, with the information and power she had to her...
Luxu opened his eye again, letting a breath go. He turned and found Aerith had gone.
Dammit. Was he just getting old now, losing his edge, or...was she really something else?
He suddenly found himself grinning; he was looking forward to finding out.
After the longest, craziest day of his life - and that was saying something - Terra just wanted to sleep.
He crashed in a spare room in the hotel, in Second District.
He wasn't sure how much sleep he actually got, however, because it seemed like no time at all before he was waking up again.
Sitting up in his bed, as a feeling raced down his back. Settled in his Heart...
Terra frowned down at himself, placing hand to his chest. "Master?" he spoke softly.
But...there wasn't a response.
Not that he expected one.
Still...
On some impulse, the guidance of his Heart, and that feeling down his spine, Terra got out of bed and left the hotel behind. He stepped out into Second District...and he stopped, staring up into the night sky. Up there, a strange, green energy was dancing across the sky. They were wavy, moving like fluttering curtains. Curtains put up over the stars... It was almost like the phenomenon known as an Aurora, but though Terra had never witnessed that before, he felt like this was different. Entirely different. And...fascinating, wonderous - even beautiful. And whatever it was...he didn't think it meant any harm.
Terra lowered his gaze, and made his way into First District. He took the back streets all the way into Fourth. He emerged into the fountain square, finding it quiet and vacant. He walked out into the middle of the district...and spotted a lone figure before the fountain.
He recognized her as he approached: Aerith. She was kneeling, looked to be - praying, almost. Well, no, she probably was.
Not wanting to be intrusive, Terra turned to leave-
"You don't have to go - they won't mind."
"Hm?" Terra turned back to gaze at the woman. She was still in that kneeling position, still...she hadn't looked at him.
"Come on, get over here," her humorous tones came to him.
Terra smiled, and obliged the woman. He strode across the square, and dropped to a knee beside her before the fountain. He glanced over at her, then raised his hands to mimic her posture.
"Who's 'they?'" Terra said curiously, bowing his head as she did.
He saw a smile cross her lips. Her head raised, looking to the sky. "All of them - up there."
Terra followed her gaze, lifting his head to look. "There are people up there...? I- I don't know follow, sorry."
"I didn't say people, silly."
"Oh. Of course. My mistake. Would you mind...enlightening me?"
Aerith gave a small laugh, giving him a sidelong look. "I would have thought you of all people would be in the unique position of being able to enlighten himself."
"Huh?" Terra looked over at her, confused. "I don't...what do you mean by that?"
Aerith sighed, like he was a bad student who just wasn't getting it. She shook her head, brushing long locks of hair back out of her face. "Well, if you need me to spell it out..."
"I'd appreciate it," Terra said lightly.
"Mm. Alright, then. I'll keep it simple for you: you know that Hearts exist all around us, don't you?"
"I do."
"I'm not talking about people," Aerith said, as if he needed reminding. "Or animals. Hearts grow everywhere - in the trees, in the grass, and in the flowers of every world. The fruits from seeds, the petals on the winds. And every time a leaf dies and falls in the autumn and winter seasons...a Heart departs from its home world."
"I've been taught something similar, yes," Terra agreed, nodding.
"But you've never believed it."
Terra held her gaze, surprised. It hadn't been a question. And the look in those green eyes that shined in the dark...shined like the lights in the sky...with the reflection of those lights in them... "No, I guess I haven't," he said honestly. "I know that worlds have Hearts - but every little thing in them...? No."
"Well, surprise - they do. And this is them - those Hearts, leaving the world tonight," Aerith spoke, raising an arm to point high. "I always do my best to come out and see them off - to listen to their last words. And not just theirs - the ones from here - but the ones just passing through, who came from distant worlds."
"Right. That's...kind of you?" Terra managed to say.
"Kinder of them, sparing a minute to even talk to me," Aerith said, entirely serious - and so completely casual.
"Are they talking right now?"
"Are you listening right now?"
Terra blinked.
Aerith smiled at him in a way that was almost pitying. "It doesn't take much, you know - to hear them. It's just that most people are too...well, I know we all have a lot going on right now in our lives. But if more people could just take a moment to open up their Hearts..."
Terra gazed up into the sky, breathing in and out. He closed his eyes, placing a hand over his chest...
For a few moments, there was only the water from the fountain, the air over the windows and stone...but then...
Faint whispers grew.
Distant, overlapping.
Dozens, hundreds - maybe thousands of voices, all distinct, all filling Terra's ears simultaneously. Impossible to even discern, to separate them, to...
He opened his eyes, and it all faded away.
He turned to Aerith with a gasp.
She simply knelt there, smiling at him still. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
"I heard them," Terra breathed. "But...I couldn't understand them."
"It can be hard to," Aerith nodded. "That's the part that admittedly takes a little practice. I've been doing this all my life - ever since I was a little girl. Of course, for some people it simply comes easier to them than it does to others; that's been one of my natural advantages, to be honest."
"Natural advantage? Because you're such a powerful mage? Have you always been?"
Aerith laughed again, shaking her head. "Mmmm, you'd think it would be because of that, wouldn't you? Nope - it's because I'm a Cetra."
"A what?" Terra said politely.
"One of the last of the people known to most residents of Radiant Garden as 'Ancients.' They were the original stewards of that world - the first to be born, to live, to grow and thrive. They flourished, thousands upon thousands of years ago...until they suddenly all vanished. Well, most of them vanished. Some of them stuck around, intermingled with the new people called 'humans' who appeared in the world. Even as human civilization grew, thrived, and spread...Cetra blood survived in them. Their essence - and, yes, their power."
"I see..."
"I've always been so much more in-tune with the natural world, and with Hearts, than most people are - just by being who and what I am. Though, it isn't just Hearts...not exactly, anyways."
"What does that mean?"
"When your Heart and body were invaded by Xehanort's..." Aerith began quietly. "your thoughts and emotions were so strong that they inhabited your armor - became infused with it."
"That's right," Terra said simply. "Sorry, but I'm not seeing how this has to do with...this." He gestured up to the sky of lights.
"Thoughts and emotions being cast off from the Heart - it's more common than you think," Aerith replied. "On a rainy day, when someone is feeling an immense sorrow, or grief, that sadness itself can become a part of the rain. When two lovers reunite in a field of flowers, their love and joy can still be found in those flowers after."
"Any rain, any flowers, or - are you talking about magic?"
"Oh, it's a lot EASIER for thoughts and emotions to ride the currents of magic, or to become bonded to a magical object or item - but it can happen anywhere, with anything. It isn't magic, no...it's a kind of power all its own. Like the powers of the Heart. It's not something even I know too much about. I don't think I ever will. That any of us will. But I do think...that I'm okay with that - because we're not meant to fully understand these kinds of things."
"So..." Terra raised his gaze to those green waves in the sky once more. "Are you saying that it isn't just Hearts who have left their bodies that are up there? That there are...lingering feelings and thoughts from living people floating up there too, that get cast off from people's Hearts during their lives?"
"Now you're getting it!" Aerith said, cheering for him and clapping her hands together. "That sure took a while, didn't it?"
Terra shook his head, but a laugh escaped him all the same. "I was always a slow learner, it's true. Sorry to burden you with my incompetence."
"Oh, that's alright. I'm used to it."
Terra laughed harder. And now, Aerith joined him.
"Who knows...? Yours might even be up there - somewhere," Aerith spoke quietly.
"You mean my...Lingering Will? From my armor?" Terra gazed at her. "But wouldn't it - he - be here?" He touched his chest. "He gave up his existence to save mine...giving me this second chance. Freeing my Heart from Xehanort's dark grasp."
"Oh, even a tightly packed life like his would have still left traces behind - on the winds, in the places he visisted," Aerith smiled. "Especially places of-"
"Of strong emotion, or significance," Terra nodded.
"Mhm. You really have caught on quite nicely to this whole thing, haven't you?" Aerith gazed at him, tilting her head. A secretive sort of grin came to her face then. "Say, has Kairi ever looked at you before? Really looked? The way she's looked at Roxas, for instance?"
"I don't think so, no. Why?"
"No reason. Just...she might look one day, and be surprised about what she finds," Aerith said cryptically.
Terra stared at her. "Do you...?" Was it possible that she KNEW? "Can YOU...see...?"
"If I do, I'm not going to tell - it seems a bit rude, doesn't it?" Aerith said innocently. "To go peeking around at people's Hearts like that..."
Terra grinned. "Just a bit. Thank you, Aerith. It's not a secret I keep for myself - I'm just trying to respect the wishes of another," he said carefully.
"I understand," Aerith said seriously, quiet. "My lips are sealed. Though, I do hope one day...that he might change his mind." Those strange, green eyes swirled and bore into Terra's as the woman held his gaze. Irresistible, hypnotic...powerful in a subdued, understated way. And so... "After all, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? It's never too late to learn, was what my mom always used to say. As long as you're alive, no matter how old you get, you're still capable of reflecting and changing. Because that's what life is. What it's all about, really. And I think it's just the most beautiful thing, personally..."
Terra gasped as he felt a twinge in his chest, a flare of several emotions at once. He grasped his chest, bowing his head. "I...uh..."
"Are you okay?"
Terra straightened up, finding Aerith right in his face, peering at him. Their noses were nearly touching. Terra let his hand fall away. "I'm fine. Thank you. And...thank you for allowing me to- sit with you here like this. But I think it's time I...got back to bed. I'll leave you to it."
"No problem. Thank you for indulging me tonight - and for listening. Not just to me. It's rare that they feel heard - really heard," Aerith said meaningfully.
"No problem," Terra echoed sincerely, glancing up at the sky again before heading off.
When it happened, everyone knew about it.
It would have been impossible not to have noticed it.
Traverse Town itself changed, right before it happened. Expanding the outer area of grass and trees surrounding the districts. Forming field and hills, like the outskirts of Twilight Town, really. It was even dotted with new little houses.
Worlds definitely had Hearts - they were alive as much as people - and this world knew what was coming. And it knew it before they did - before the people did!
"Alrighty, everyone: we need all hands on deck!" Aerith called out, with hands on her hips as she stood in the grassy plains beyond First District's entrance.
"Keep an eye out for a guy in a white lab coat - long hair, blonde," Luxu spoke. "He's going to be our guy." He paused, glancing down at Namine, then added, "Oh, and be on the lookout for a guy with dark blue hair as well for us! He'd also be wearing a lab coat. Should make them easy to spot."
"I'll look for Zex- Ienzo, and you can look for Vexen - I mean, Even?" Namine said, before rushing off across the field, weaving between the people who were all just starting to wake up again. Most of them seemed fine - but others...not so much.
Luxu gazed after her. He nodded to himself and turned away to head in the other direction, keeping his eye peeled.
After a few minutes of searching, he didn't find any sign of Even.
What he did find...was someone else familiar. An actual surprise.
Luxu stood gazing down on a man in a black coat, with long blue hair and an X-shaped scar on his face.
Heh...Well, this is going to be awkward for a hot minute here.
"Hey, up and at 'em, sunshine," he said, crouching down beside the young man. He reached out for him, touching his forehead. "I know you're strong enough to pull through this."
"Luxu - did you - find him?!" Namine spoke, rushing up to him excitedly, breathy. She stopped, looking down at Isa. "He's recompleted too? He's human again?"
"Yep," Luxu nodded.
Namine's little face scrunched up. "Do you think he's still going to be an asshole?"
Luxu laughed. "Hmm...Well, to answer that one honestly: that partially depends what he was like before becoming a Nobody. But the other part of it was that becoming a Nobody does change a person, inside and out. Lack of conscience, empathy. Who he was as a Nobody isn't...entirely, necessarily reflective of who he truly is. I want you to understand that."
"I think I do - and he didn't used to be such a dick," Namine said casually, considering. "I've seen a lot of Axel's memories before - Isa was in them. They were best friends. And he wasn't a dick back then."
"Good to know," Luxu said humorously. "Let's cross our fingers, all the same, eh, kiddo?"
"Right!" she laughed, joining her hands at her waist, her eyes fixed on Isa now. Anticipatory...
"Ugh...ack...Where- what happened...?" Isa's eyes opened. Green eyes. He gazed up at the pair of them, confused and wary. "You...'Xigbar'...? And Xikira...? Have the two traitors captured me, then...?"
"Great, he's still a dick," Namine sighed. She threw up her hands, shook her head and brushed back her hair. "Why did we get our hopes up?" she said to Luxu.
"Hey, don't count him out just yet - it's natural to be confused in this state. Coming back from one state of existence to another isn't an easy thing," Luxu told her quietly. "He might not have all his wits about him just yet - or his memories."
"What are you two even- talking about?" Isa groaned, trying and failing to sit up. "What did you do to me? Why am I so...weak...? What's this feeling...feeling...?"
"There you go..." Luxu said softly. "Getting an inkling now, aren't you, Isa?"
"Why would you call me-"
"Because that's who you are again! You're human again - you've been recompleted - just like I told you would happen!" Namine said, with undisguised smugness. "Remember that? Yeah. Suck on that one!"
"Xi- Namine!" Luxu barked in warning. "Okay, first of all: you told him about recompletion? Really, princess? Really? Do you have any idea how badly that could have blown up in your face? Second: don't kick a guy while he's down." He grabbed her arm and gently pushed her away. "Why don't you go and find Ienzo? He'll need somebody to help him adjust, too. Get past all this confusion and pain."
"Oh - right! Bye!" Namine turned and bolted immediately, her face full of worry.
"Heh..." Luxu watched her go, satisfied with himself.
"Am I truly meant to entertain the notion...that she was telling me the truth?" Isa spoke up again. He cocked a weak grin and began to laugh. It turned into coughing, and his hand went to his chest. He froze, then stared down at himself. "What...?"
"You know what," Luxu said simply. "Welcome back to humanity, dude. Enjoy the warm and fuzzies again. Assuming you ever had that to begin with..." He crouched down, raising a hand to cast a Healing spell on the other man.
Isa glowered, then let his head fall back again with a gasp of sheer relief. Relief from pain. "Absurd...I can't be- this can't be- that girl couldn't have been telling the truth about such a-"
"That girl has a name - it's Namine. Formerly Xikira. You'd better remember it."
Isa stared at him in confusion again. Then he closed his eyes. "What happens to me now, then...?"
Luxu grinned, stooping down to pick the man up in his arms.
"Must you carry me this way?" Isa growled.
"Would you prefer it if I threw you over my shoulder?"
"Likely, yes."
"Hah. Too bad, so sad, sunshine. It's not a long walk - you'll live. Hopefully, anyway..."
Isa said nothing in response.
Good.
AN: Sorry I had a lot to do this chapter lol and it was getting a bit on the longer side, soooo I have to keep you guys in suspense one chapter more about who all returned as humans besides Isa! xD I would've included EVERY discovery/interaction in this chapter if it wouldn't have pushed it up to like, 15K words lol. :D Sooo yeah...next time! :P