The guests in question were an older man around Xehanort's age, two older teens, and a boy who looked close to Vanitas' age. The older man was dressed in a way he'd never seen before. His pants were wide, and instead of a tailcoat he wore something like a robe. From his hair and eyes, he looked to be somewhere from Far East. The others wore clothing familiar to Vanitas, it surprised him that there were others with hair as naturally spiky as his. Especially the blonde.

Braig escorted them to their rooms on the second floor where they would stay for three days. It wasn't his first time seeing it, but Vanitas could finally eat in the greater dining hall.

Dark wood lined the walls along with vases of dark colored flowers, all illuminated by a large chandelier glittering with silver accents. The table was longer, able to seat ten people with two at opposing ends. Some chairs had been removed to even the spacing between the four teens, leaving three on each side. The blonde, Ventus, sat on the same side as Vanitas while the elder sat next to each other opposite.

A full spread had been put out with Braig seeing to serving them.

"Aqua." Xehanort's friend, Eraqus said from one end of the table. "Why don't you tell our host about your archery."

If Vanitas could describe the young woman as briefly as possible, he'd likely say "Prim and proper." Her back was as straight as anyone's, eyes focused like a guard, and her speech was never too loud or too quiet.

"I've been training at Brightcrest School of Archery. I received first place in every regional competition."

Eraqus chuckled.

"She's got talent they've never seen before and is an inspiration to all the young ladies there. Speaking of talent, Terra."

The other teen nodded his head.

"I've been accepted into the Great Bastion Academy."

"After you broke that guy's nose." Ventus mumbled, though to himself. Eraqus caught this and frowned.

Xehanort looked to Terra in surprise.

"Ventus." Eraqus warned.

"It's alright, I should have held back a bit." Terra gave a pointed look to Ventus who hurried back to his plate.

"My apologies. When I took him in, he'd grown a bit too old for finishing school."

Vanitas hadn't gone to a finishing school and knew better. He looked over to Ventus in a sideways glance and watched as he blushed and kept his hands busy with cutting into a piece of chicken, at least he had the right fork in hand.

Eraqus sighed, taking a sip of his wine and motioned to Ventus with one hand.

"It's been a delicate process, raising him. He was in a coma for two months, and I couldn't allow him anything too strenuous. He has taken this time to study at the Holy Dominion Church."

"Ah yes, I hear that is where the three infamous Mothers hail from?"

Eraqus smiled at Xehanort's recognition.

"The very same. Why, I'm sure he could be a good priest."

Big blue eyes, fair hair, round cheeks, and seemingly radiating light. Vanitas inwardly cringed. His chipper demeanor would likely grate on him in minutes if left alone for too long.

Xehanort didn't speak of the experimentation, and spoke for Vanitas when talking about their now famous expedition. Vanitas had been silent for the duration of their dinner and most of desert until a surprise question from Eraqus.

"I'm glad to see that Xehanort has found himself such a wonderful son. Would you show me some of your swordsmanship in the morning?"

Vanitas looked to Xehanort first, seeing a nod of approval.

"It would be my pleasure, Master Eraqus."

"Wow, you were tutored here too. So you must be really strong!" Ventus enthused to his left.

"I'm not really sure." Vanitas flatly responded. Did he have to talk so loud? He reminded him of the smaller children from the orphanage. Loud, and always audible when trying to find quiet.

From the meal alone, Vanitas picked Aqua to be his favorite out of the group. She was quiet, didn't speak until spoken to, and despite Terra's massive frame, he was sure she could take him down easily. Her arms were exposed in the halter dress she wore, a bit of definition on her forearms.

"Come on Ven, if a guy goes around boasting about how strong he is, chances are he's a total push over."

Terra's chastising earned a surprising quirk of the side of Aqua's lips, to which she did her best to suppress.

"Well, yeah but you hit like a jack hammer. I bet you'd think a bear's a push over."

"Now you're exaggerating."

Aqua covered her lips as a giggle slipped through.

"What's so funny?" Terra teased.

"It's just that, you two are like brothers from birth, but still almost opposites."

The unified "huh?" between the boys made her eyes soften further, Eraqus then cleared his throat.

"That was an excellent meal. Give my regards to the chef."

"I am glad you enjoyed it old friend. The hour grows late, and I'm sure you're still recovering from your travels."

The smile Xehanort gave Eraqus was new to Vanitas. It didn't look fake, but something in his eyes that made him think it wasn't entirely genuine.

"Yes, it was indeed a long trip. Though I suppose a train is far better than horseback."

They both chuckled, making Vanitas even more uneasy.

"Then please, let us excuse ourselves. I shall see you in the morning."

Eraqus stood first, then the older teens. Ventus scarfed down the remains of the small tarts before standing as well. They bowed, then let themselves be escorted out by another servant. Braig remained in the room, exhaling as the door closed behind them.

"What do you make of them?"

Vanitas turned to Xehanort with an eyebrow raised.

"Why do you ask?"

Xehanort hummed.

"Eraqus is like myself. No heir, and sitting upon a name and fortune. He has indeed been a good friend of mine, yet there are some things we don't quite agree upon." Xehanort's sigh was brief. "A good social and business partner is hard to come by. You too will have to earn his and his children's trust. They are adopted as well, so you at least have something to confide in."

Vanitas scoffed.

"That Ventus kid, he isn't any good. Terra looks like he'd sooner get himself killed in a war. Aqua seems like the best bet. She's strong, calculating, will probably keep the house afloat till she's 70. Wouldn't be hard for her to marry either."

"Considering asking for her hand are you?"

Jest or not, Vanitas gave a hard, flat stare. Braig's snickering only further irritated him.

"Do not consider it too out of the question. Political marriages are important. A powerful wife is just as good as any good business partner."

Xehanort grinned at Vanitas irritated sideways stare and stood, finding a grip with his cane. Maids entered to clean up, and Vanitas wrapped a piece of meat in a napkin for Void. Olette had been charged with the majority of Void's care during the day, allowing the feline back during the night so he wouldn't be in anyone's way. The next few days may be more stress than he'd anticipated and he was sure he'd need a distraction.


Breakfast had been quick, and quiet. Instead of the training room, they all gathered outside.

At the clearing close to the gazebo, archery targets had been set up a distance away. Dilan stood beside a rack of different swords and Isa flanked him.

Sunlight warmed them, and a spring breeze combed through Vanitas' hair. He wore his training clothes, as did Terra. Though his large pants and rather tight shirt seemed impractical, Vanitas was sure he knew how to move in them. Aqua held a bow at her side and a quiver on her back. Her blouse seemed custom designed just for her as Vanitas had never seen one in that kind of shape outside of dresses. She still wore a corset, though the thing didn't look like it was suffocating her to death.

Ventus stood beside Eraqus in normal, crème colored clothing. Clearly not fit for fighting.

Terra picked a broadsword fitting of his frame from the rack and Isa stepped forward, picking something closest to his claymore.

"You've got this Terra!" Ventus cheered. Vanitas winced at how loud he was but it only encouraged Terra.

Blunted steel clashed. Great Bastion Academy was for young men who wanted to serve royalty and other high nobility. Graduation guaranteed landing in a higher position in the military from the start. Both combatants' faces grew serious when they saw who their opponent really was and their clashes rang louder.

Vanitas took a moment to watch Xehanort's face. His gaze was collected save for the slight curl of his lips. Ventus cheered, though it was unclear if Terra could even hear him. Each parry and feint drew them closer into their own battle high.

"Enough!" Eraqus boomed, startling Vanitas.

Isa jumped back and Terra slowed his swing. They both stared each other in the eye, breathing hard and sweating. Terra bowed to Isa and the ex-pirate tilted his head, choosing to ignore it and put the sword back. When the gesture wasn't received in turn, Terra scratched the back of his head and also put his sword away.

Eraqus sighed.

Seeing this as some sort of que, Aqua briskly stepped forward and curtsied.

"I will begin now."

Vanitas looked between Terra and Ventus. Despite the impressive show, Terra seemed frustrated. Ventus had a hand placed on his forearm, receiving a warm smile in tow.

The strain of an arrow being pulled back caught Vanitas' ear and he saw just in time an almost gentle release as it flew dead center on the target. Aqua drew again, hitting just slightly beside the other arrow, and a third time on the other. It formed an arrangement almost like a flower.

Ventus and Terra clapped, making her smile as she curtsied again.

"Fine warriors you have raised." Xehanort clapped slowly. "And at such a young age."

"Thank you, I do my best with them. Now then, Vanitas, why don't you go ahead?"

Vanitas met Xehanort's eyes for a split second, picking his usual sword as Dilan picked one of his own.

"Wow I've never seen a stance like that before." Ven exclaimed.

"According to the letters my friend has sent, he developed it all on his own. Quite remarkable." Eraqus followed up.

Terra found his eyes darting between the guard and Vanitas.

"Amazing, he's so fast. But he's hitting really hard too. Barely breaking a sweat at that!"

Vanitas could tell Dilan wasn't holding back, and neither was he. Their practices had gotten intense, and what little he could get in a week, he'd go all out to make up for the sitting for hours on end, filing paper work.

Being able to move after being cooped up in a library or his room felt exhilarating. Their swords and feet danced until Xehanort called for them to stop. Begrudgingly, he complied. There was no telling when he would get to spar like that again.

To add to his dismay, they gathered in the gazebo to sit and listen to Ventus recite inspirational, religious poetry.

Sucking in his disdain, Vanitas wished he could find literally anything to tune the boy out. This area of the yard was the most quiet, giving Ventus ample opportunity to use the full extent of his vocal chords. Eraqus looked proud, as did Terra and Aqua. Their gazes were so soft Vanitas could practically feel the mush.

If he wasn't careful he was sure to gag.

Vanitas remained stoic as the day dragged on. His presence was only, fortunately, needed until after having lunch with the others while the old men reminisced elsewhere. All of his answers were curt; he only showed the necessary amount of respect to not make Xehanort look bad, all the while he wishing he could fight Terra one on one. Ladies didn't swing swords, so Aqua was unfortunately out of the question.

After another extravagant dinner, a knock on his door surprised him.

In night clothes fitting of his creamy skin and fair hair, Ventus nervously looked both ways down the hall. They stared into each other's eyes for several seconds before the blonde spoke first.'

Blurted out was more appropriate.

"Will you help me train?"