Chapter 38 – Home

"Nope, not like that, Chip." Max reached down and gave the cog another twist. "It has to be so tight it can't even budge, or it won't work."

Chip gave the cog another look, then put his tiny hands on it to get a feel for what he meant. "Gotcha." He wiggled out from underneath the Gummi Ship and gave Dale, who was currently in the cockpit, a thumbs up.

Dale returned the gesture, and soon the Gummi Ship was sputtering to life. He ran some diagnostic tests, and everything seemed good to go.

"What were ya doin' when you were gone, anyway?" Chip asked, wiping his hands on his little work apron. Max likewise wiped his forehead. Adding all these upgrades to the Gummi Ships had been hard work, but it would be worth it in the end. The worlds were changing, and he was gonna be ready for this new way of life Sora had created.

"Met a guy who was a captain. Name was Jim, Jim Hawkins." Max grinned at the memory of all their adventures together. "He taught me a lot about machines. And about flying."

Chip gave him a quizzical look. "Flying? But I thought you said he was a captain."

"I never said he sailed the seas, did I?"

Dale powered down the Gummi Ship, but the noise didn't stop. The sputtering of another Gummi Ship engine reached Max's ears as it docked.

King Mickey's Gummi Ship. And not just that. Inside was—

"Dad?"

"Maxie!" his dad crowed as he jumped out of the ship. "I'm finally home!"

Max couldn't even bring himself to be embarrassed by the use of his childhood nickname. He just ran the rest of the way to his dad and threw his arms around him.

"You haven't changed a bit, Dad." And he really hadn't. His hugs still felt the same as ever. The only thing that was different was his outfit.

"But you've changed a lot," Goofy said, leaning back to look at him. His eyes were misty, and he paused to sniff loudly and wipe his nose. "You've gotten so big. Gawrsh, son, you'll have to tell me all about your adventures."

"You first. Sounds like you've had a lot of them."

His dad shrugged and grinned. "What can I say? Sora's kept me on my toes."

Max raised his eyebrow. "More than I did?"

His dad laughed at that. "I don't know about that."

Max watched as Queen Minnie and Daisy arrived in the hangar. King Mickey didn't waste any time running to her side, and they bumped noses as Pluto bounded around them and barked happily.

Donald likewise went to Daisy, and she gave him a stern look.

"Donald!"

"Y-yes Daisy?" Donald asked, rubbing the back of his neck. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot for a moment.

Are they still fighting? Sheesh, you'd think by now they'd—

Then she threw her arms around Donald, and all the tension in the air melted away.

"I was worried sick about you," she said. "I'm glad you're home."

"Me too. It's good to see you again, Daisy." He leaned back and offered his hand, a big smile on his face. "Now how about that date?"

Looking at all the happy faces around him, Max couldn't help but smile.

Some things really didn't change after all.

The hall was silent, the tension in the air so thick Ven could practically feel it. He looked from Terra to Master Eraqus sitting on his throne, his insides wrapped up so tight he thought he was gonna explode.

"Terra," Master Eraqus finally said, and Terra straightened.

"Yes, Master?"

Another pause. Ven could have sworn the Master was doing this on purpose.

"Or should I say, Master Terra." A big smile lit up his face. "Congratulations. You have shown the Mark of Mastery, and I bestow upon you the title of Keyblade Master and all the duties and responsibilities that come with it."

Ven cheered as Aqua threw her arms around Terra, and even Vanitas cracked a half smile that made crinkles form around his red eyes. He hadn't said much this whole time, but that was okay. He'd already packed his bag and Ven had packed his. They would be leaving in the morning for their new journey.

They'd talked it over and agreed. They wanted to find out more about their past. They wanted to honor the memory of their friends. They wanted to tell other people about what had really happened during the first Keyblade War.

They'd both been there for it, after all. They were the only ones left who could do this. It was important people knew about it so history wouldn't repeat itself.

"You did it!" Aqua cried as Terra spun her around. "Our dream finally came true!"

The late afternoon light poured through the still-broken stained glass window behind them, but that was okay. They could repair the castle. It would become a home again. The new Gummi Ship port had just been finished yesterday. They were almost done with all the other necessary stuff Sora's guidelines had outlined, too, and that meant they could open up the Land of Departure to visitors from other worlds soon.

"Master, if it's alright with you, I have a proposal to make," Terra said, carefully setting Aqua back down on the ground.

"You are now my equal, Terra. Speak freely."

"We never celebrated Aqua's Mark of Mastery. I ask that we do something about that."

"Terra—" Aqua said, putting her hand on his arm.

"It's only fair," he said, glancing her way to give her one of those affectionate looks he saved for her and only her. "Our dream finally came true, and you're just as much a part of it as I am."

"I approve of this idea," the Master said, his eyes twinkling. "In fact, I made some preparations already myself."

That was everyone's cue.

"Surprise!" their friends cried, emerging from their hiding spots around the hall. Donald and Goofy's hands were filled with balloons shaped like Mickey's head, and Mickey blew into a noisemaker so loudly Donald let go of his balloons to cover his ears. They floated towards the window, and Ven laughed and tried to grab a hold of one.

Roxas and Naminé banged on a couple of pots and pans that had definitely been stolen from the castle's kitchen, and Kairi and Xion threw flowers and confetti in the air as the Riku Replica snapped a photo of Terra and Aqua's surprised reactions.

Riku grinned and tossed Terra and Aqua extra party hats. "Congratulations, you guys!" he said, and they couldn't stop smiling as they put them on, the looks on their faces priceless.

Lea was next. He burst into the room pushing a giant cake that said Congratulations Terra and Aqua! in bold red letters. Aqua's eyes about popped out of her head at the size of the thing. There was enough cake in it to feed a small army.

"Is that really for us?" she asked. She took a step towards it, only for it to rumble and shake. She yelped and jumped back into Terra's waiting arms, then they both burst out laughing as a very familiar face popped out.

"Congratulations!" Sora cried, sending chunks of cake flying everywhere. Some of it stuck to his hair and clothes as he carefully stepped over the remaining tiers. "Don't worry, there's a whole other cake on the way."

Terra and Aqua laughed again and hugged him, and soon the whole thing became another one of those group hugs everyone loved so much. As Ven got in on the action, he spotted Isa quietly wheel in the other cake out of the corner of his eye. Lea had probably convinced him to put on the party hat he was wearing now, but it was obvious he was uncomfortable about being here.

Thankfully the Master noticed. He went over to him and struck up a conversation, and Ven let himself relax. He was going to enjoy this brief reunion with his friends before they all went their separate ways.

That was the bittersweet part about happily ever after. Everyone was happy, but the ever after part was no guarantee they'd be together forever.

But that was what memories were for. That was what tonight was for.

Whatever tomorrow might bring, they still had, and always would have, today.

Kairi added more ice cream to the punch. There. That should do it. She set the ice cream scoop down and wiped her hands on a napkin.

"Kairi? Can I talk to you?" came a voice that made her tense on instinct. But Isa's eyes weren't yellow anymore and his ears weren't pointy; he was himself again, and Kairi had to admit that he had nice green eyes. They reminded her a lot of Lea's. But unlike how Lea had lost the teardrop shapes under his eyes after he'd become human again, the scar on Isa's face remained.

Well, some scars would last forever, Kairi supposed. She thought of the scar on Sora's chest and couldn't help but feel a little sad. Even simple activities like swimming or taking his shirt off on a hot summer's day would never be the same for him again. It served as a constant reminder of what had happened, both for him and for other people. His mom had nearly burst into tears when she'd first seen it. Kairi and Riku had gone over to his house for dinner after hanging out at the beach with him and had witnessed it all.

She would never forget the heaviness in his eyes as he'd comforted his mom and reassured her that he was okay. He didn't seem to mind the scar and was even proud of it, but any time it brought other people pain, he was quick to comfort them.

Including her. Her mind went back to after he'd rescued her, how he'd invited her to touch it as proof that he was okay. The soft sigh that escaped his lips as she did, like he couldn't get enough of her touch or her—

Oops. Isa was still staring at her. Her face flushed as she realized she'd never answered him. "Sure, what is it?" she asked, trying to put on a nonchalant air, but it was hard not to be nervous.

"I… I wanted to apologize for kidnapping you," he said, his eyes not quite able to meet hers.

At long last. Kairi had figured he'd wanted to, but she'd begun to wonder if he'd work up the courage to actually do it.

"What you did… really wasn't okay," she said, and he tensed. "But you get that, otherwise you wouldn't be apologizing to me." She took a deep breath. She could do this. She wanted to do this. "I forgive you, Isa. Now go and live your life in peace. Xehanort isn't here anymore to torment you, and you can make a better future for yourself."

Isa gave her a grateful look. He bowed his head and excused himself, and she glanced around to see who was nearby after helping herself to some punch. Her cheeks flushed as she spotted Sora a little ways away. He had one arm around Roxas's shoulder and the other around Naminé's, and the three of them were laughing so hard they were practically howling. But then he noticed her gaze, and he looked at her in a way that sent a jolt all the way from her head to her toes.

She sighed and wondered if now would be a good time to sneak off for a little while. Surely there was somewhere in this castle where they could take a few moments to themselves. She longed to feel his arms around her, his lips against hers, every inch of his body making it clear how much he wanted her as he shared his tender feelings directly with her heart. Just thinking about it made her insides turn to mush.

She couldn't tear her eyes away from him. He'd excused himself from his current conversation and was making his way over to her. His purposeful gait combined with the look in his eyes sent a thrill down her spine, and she set her cup of punch down on the table and tried to steady herself.

"You called, Princess?" he teased once he was close enough to be within earshot.

She giggled into her hand. "I was hoping you'd notice."

He found her hand, his grip strong and solid. "I know just the place." Then he whisked her away, and she smiled as she caught a glimpse of Terra and Aqua likewise sneaking off, hand in hand. She had a feeling she knew what was about to happen.

She hoped she was right. If anyone deserved a happily ever after, it was the two of them.

Terra led Aqua away from the castle and up the winding path. He knew just the place he wanted to take her.

"Where are we going?" Aqua asked, a little breathless. He was walking fast, but it was only because he couldn't wait any longer.

He was a Keyblade Master now, and that meant there was no reason to put this off any longer.

"It's a surprise." Saying anything more risked giving his plan away. He led her to the pool by the mountain where they'd spent so many happy summers swimming and playing together, and she stopped and released his hand.

"This is where we promised to become Keyblade Masters together," she said softly. Back before Ven had even arrived. Terra remembered it well, which was why he'd brought her back here.

"It is," he said, kneeling to grab the chipped cup of wildflowers he'd set out beforehand.

Well, they were more like weeds, but that was the whole point. His ten-year self hadn't really known the difference.

Aqua's reflection shimmered in the water of the pool as the evening breeze swept her hair across her face. The water lilies were in full bloom and the stars shone overhead, and really, things couldn't be more perfect. Good thing the weather had held out.

"This is for you," he said as he straightened and handed the wildflowers to her. "It's long overdue, but congratulations on your Mark of Mastery."

"Terra?" she asked, her hand shaking as she took them from him, but he just put his hand over hers and smiled.

"You remember, don't you?"

She studied the wildflowers for a moment, then looked up into his eyes, hers searching his. "Yes, of course. That was the first time I smiled after my parents died. Your kindness inspired me to keep on living. How could I ever forget about that?"

So she did remember. Terra was glad. He'd never forget the moment he saw her smile for the first time. It was like she was a completely different person.

"Hard to still believe we have the same cup after all this time, isn't it?" He gently took it from her and set it back on the ground. She would need her hands free for what he had planned next.

"Aqua," he said, taking both her hands in his, "ever since I met you, you've done nothing but bring me joy. All my happiest memories have been with you, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. You've been my friend, my companion, and now my lover. And as wonderful as that's been—" he paused, because the way she was blushing right now was downright adorable, "I want more."

Her eyes went wide, her lips parting as he got down on one knee. "Terra—"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the little box tucked inside. Tears filled her eyes as he showed her the ring. It was simple but elegant, a silver band with a Wayfinder made of sapphires and diamonds mounted on it. A custom design that Snow White's friends had been more than happy to make for him.

He took a deep breath, a few tears of his own forming in his eyes. But they couldn't match the smile on his face as he asked her the question he had been practicing over and over and over in his head till he'd gotten it just right.

"Aqua, will you be my wife?"

She brought her hand to her mouth, a sob escaping her throat. She was so overwhelmed it took her a few moments to compose herself. But then she smiled through her tears and said the one word he'd been longing to hear.

"Yes."

He started crying as he slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly, much to his relief. She turned it this way and that so she could catch the moon's light with it. Then she brought him into her arms and hugged him tight, and he melted in her embrace.

He thought he'd been happy the night they'd confessed their feelings to each other. He thought he'd known joy the moment they'd kissed for the first time. But nothing compared to what he was feeling right now. Especially not when she kissed him. There was something special about this kiss that left all the other ones behind.

Maybe it was the thrill from being engaged. Maybe it was the promise of things to come. Or maybe it was because their dreams were finally coming true. Whatever it was, Terra knew he would never forget this moment.

When they'd had their fill of each – well, at least for now – they decided to go back to the party. They had to tell their friends the news. They had to share their joy with them.

But as they reached the courtyard, they saw the Master of all people exiting the great doors of the castle.

"Master Eraqus?" Terra said. He had a simple carpetbag in one hand and his Keyblade in the other. "Where are you going?"

The Master set his things down and smiled. "On a new journey. I figured it was about time some new blood took charge. The townspeople never forgave me, but they have no reason to dislike you. You're the heroes who helped Sora bring peace to the worlds. If you're wanting students, something tells me they'll be pounding on the doors for the chance to be trained by two legends like yourselves."

He glanced towards the castle town spreading out beneath them, along with the brand new Gummi Ship port. "I put the finishing touches on the preparations this evening. The Land of Departure is ready to be opened to visitors."

Terra and Aqua looked at each other, not fully believing the Master's words. He stepped towards them and put his hands on their shoulders.

"Terra, Aqua, I leave my title and this castle to you. May laughter fill these halls once more, and may you know happiness."

"But where will you go, Master Eraqus?" Aqua asked, a frown knitting her face as she clasped her hands together.

"Travel the worlds," he replied, picking up his carpetbag. "This is a time like no other. I would like to be a witness to it." He paused and smiled, a knowing look on his face. "But do send word about when the wedding will be. I wouldn't dream of missing it."

The last of their friends had finally gone home after the Mark of Mastery celebration party turned engagement celebration party had ended. It was just the two of them plus Ven and Vanitas.

But that was about to change, too. Because Ven and Vanitas had a journey of their own to go on. Aqua put a few more things into Ven's backpack, some emergency snacks and a bunch of camping supplies she'd shrunk and tucked inside a tiny tent.

"Now don't forget to eat three meals a day and get enough sleep and—"

"Yes, Mom," Ven said in unison with Vanitas, both of them rolling their eyes. She just had to laugh. Some things never changed.

She turned her attention to Vanitas's pack as she double checked to make sure he had his passport inside. The former days of unlimited travel by a select few were over; now traveling permits were required for everyone wanting to land on a different world.

"Vanitas, take care of Ven for me, won't you?"

"Sure. Someone needs to keep this loser in line," Vanitas said with that half-smile of his, his red eyes betraying his amusement.

"Hey, why am I the one getting babied again?" Ven said with a pout.

"Because you're the baby of the family," Terra said, ruffling his hair.

"I'll have you know I'm older than both you and Aqua," Ven muttered, and they all laughed at that.

But then Terra's expression became serious, and he lowered his voice. "Seriously though, be careful, you two. The worlds are changing, and as much as we hope Sora's hard-won peace holds out…"

"The human heart is one corrupt mess," Vanitas said. "Trust me, I know." A small Unversed hopped off of his hand and bounded off into the distance.

"Please tell me that's not going after anyone," Aqua said with a frown. They wanted people to come back to live in the castle town, not scare them away. Visitors from other worlds were sure to start arriving soon.

"Don't worry, Sora fixed whatever was wrong with me. The Unversed are harmless now, and they don't hurt me anymore if they get destroyed, either." He gave them a grim smile. "I tested to make sure."

Aqua wondered for a moment if Sora had done the right thing in giving up his power. Terra was right to be concerned. Would this peace he'd created really hold out?

Well, even the past golden ages had come to an end. She supposed this time would come to an end eventually, too. Might as well make the most of it while it lasted.

Besides, a part of her was relieved Sora hadn't become some lonely god, watching over all of them from up high, far removed from the people he loved even as he made sure they all stayed safe.

Such an existence would be downright miserable for him. Hellish, even. If it weren't for Kairi, he might have chosen it for himself. But she had reminded him of the joys of being ordinary, human. Of all the wonderful possibilities that came from being bound to the physical world as much as the invisible one.

Aqua glanced at the ring on her finger and thought of some of those possibilities.

"Earth to Aqua," Vanitas muttered. "You're daydreaming about the wedding again."

"Oops, sorry!" Aqua looked up at him and smiled apologetically. "I have one more thing to give you."

Taking a deep breath, she found Vanitas's hand. He flinched but didn't remove his from hers. Years of abuse were hard to undo, but he was determined to work through it.

The night he'd opened up to them about it had left the three of them in tears, and the Master had likewise been choked up. Vanitas hadn't understood why they'd all been so upset, and it was then that Aqua had realized how broken he was. He was like Ven, if Ven hadn't been raised by a family who loved him. A small, lost child who put on a tough facade just to survive. After Aqua had realized that, it had been a lot easier to be nice to him. Sure, she wouldn't forget what a brat he'd been to her and to Terra and to Ven, but at least she knew why now.

"Go with my blessing," she said, placing a new Wayfinder in his palm. It was made of black glass but otherwise was a perfect match for Ven's.

She'd never seen Vanitas come anywhere close to crying, but it was clear her gift had touched him. His expressions were more subtle than Ven's, but emotion flickered through his eyes all the same.

"I thought it was about time I made you one," she said. "It symbolizes an unbreakable connection."

"Thanks, Aqua," Vanitas said, and he squeezed her hand. A first for him. But she knew better than to make a big deal about it. So she just smiled instead.

Ven, being the touchy-feely hugger that he was, threw his arms around her in a lavish display of affection after that. A classic Ven hug.

"We'll be back before you know it," he promised.

"I hope so. I'd hate for you to miss the wedding."

"We won't. It's important that people know about what happened during the First Keyblade War, but family comes first."

Terra smiled at that. "Right."

It was bittersweet as she and Terra watched the two of them don their Keyblade armor and open a portal to another world. They wouldn't be gone forever, but it still felt a little bit like loss. Letting go. Opening a new chapter in their lives, even as this one closed.

She rested her head on Terra's shoulder and sighed as they looked out over their new domain after the portal closed. The sun shone bright over it, and the once-abandoned castle town below them would, if all went well, not be abandoned any longer. They knew just what to name it, too. Junia, in honor of the woman who had done so much for this land and its people. Master Eraqus had opened up to them about her life and death at long last, and the two of them couldn't think of a better way to honor her legacy.

"Just think. We have the whole castle to ourselves," Aqua said, finding his hand and holding it tight. The ring on her finger brushed up against his skin and reminded her of the promise they'd made to one another, the promise to build a new life together.

"Not for long. Soon the halls will be filled with students again," Terra said. "Our students."

"Yes, but until then—" Aqua wiggled her eyebrows, and Terra grinned and gave her a kiss.

Until then, they had all the time in the world to themselves.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed Part 1 of 3 of the epilogue! There are still two more parts to go. Crazy that we're getting to the final chapters now, but it is happening! Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way!