A/N: The worst part is now over, I wish I could say the same thing for my character self. We now move on to fifteen years later. I know. What happened in Birth By Sleep was ten years ago, but keep in mind this is an Alternative Universe. Everything here is different from the game, but also close to the original.

World: Traverse Town

Ever since I have lost Aqua, I have been drowning in despair. Merlin found me and I grow up with him in Radiant Garden. I was able to make friends with the other people around town: Yuffie Kisaragi, Aerith Gainsborough, Cloud Strife, Tifa lockheart, Serah Farron (She'll be who she is in Final Fatnasy XIII, not the XIII-2) Noel Kreiss, Squall Leonheart, or "Leon" as he refers to be called, Cid Highwind and Rinoa Heartilly. I have also met Kairi when she was a little girl four years later.

Fifteen years have passed since Aqua was taken away, and I've also lost Terra and Ventus. When Radiant Garden fell to darkness and became Hollow Bastion, I was able to wield a Keyblade: The Black Angel. A long one-handed Keyblade. It's a black blade. White feathered black wings for the hilt guards, blue crown in between the blade and the hilt. A white feathered black wing on the tip and an angel with black wings on the keychain.

After Radiant Garden's fall, I trained with Yen Sid and King Mickey in the ways of being a Keyblader. I became a warrior with light and dark powers. The strength of the light with the powers of the darkness. A wielder of Twilight. I also have powerful Command Styles. Normally, Ven, Aqua and Terra have the first stage sytles of Fire, Ice and Lightning plus their own unique styles, but I have Their unique styles: Aqua's Spell Weaver, Terra's Critical Impact and Ven's Fever Pitch, plus my own Style: Star Surge.

I passed the Mark of Mastery at the age of sixteen, and afterwards, I begun my journey to find Aqua. Overtime, I start to lose faith and started to believe she's really dead. Once I do, I now try to find a way to bring her to life. I hardly bother to help Mickey and his friends with the true threats, like the heartless or Organization XIII. All though there was a time when I helped Sora conquer Hollow Bastion. It was a shame he lost his Keyblade to Riku, and then his friends, but everything went well in the end.

Hollow Bastion returned into Radiant Garden, but my journey is far from over.

It's Christmas night in Traverse Town. A light snow, a large tree in the center of the Fountain Plaza. Everyone is gathering around at the christmas tree while I'm just sitting on a bench from distance, away from everyone.

My outfit is a black trench-coat, that goes down to my upper legs, with dark purple lining going down the sleeves. Dark purple t-shirt underneath the trench coat, black pants, black boots, black fingerless gloves. My Wayfinder wrapped around my neck, fashioned as a necklace.

I am now twenty-one years old. This marks the fifteen year anniversary since I've lost my family. There are times when I still wonder who I really am. I know Aqua isn't my real mother, though she still does feel like one to me since she took care of me in my time of need. I'm still lost cause I have no memory of my life in the first five years. My real home world and my real family. But I don't let that bother me. I still focus on my objective: Bring Aqua back.

Tonight on Christmas, everyone from the major worlds: Disney Castle, Radiant Garden, Sora, Riku and Kairi from Destiny Islands, have come to Traverse Town to celebrate Christmas together.

Serah, Shiki, Kairi and Mickey are right now passing out the presents to everyone, as part of the gift exchange. Everyone is so excited about the gifts. I however am not. I lack the Christmas spirit cause of me drowning in despair.

Rhyme stands behind the bench I sit on, facing her back against me. "What did you find out?" I asked.

"I don't see why you're into these rumors." Rhyme says.

"Tell me." Is all I say for an answer.

Rhyme looks up at the sky. "Well...there's this one rumor. I'm not even sure if it really is true. They say that a powerful Heartless appears under the Savior Tree in the woods, later tonight on Christmas." I say nothing else, but I stand up. Rhyme turns to look at me, she knows what I'm thinking. "Wait...you're not going after it are you?"

"Maybe I am." I say, walking off.

Rhyme and I don't say anything to each other. I make my way through Traverse Town until I take the exit in First Distract.

There are rumors of a monstrous Heartless that appears every night on Christmas. I believe it was called the "Father Scrooge". Most people believed that it's Santa Claus as a Heartless, but I don't believe it, even since Sora told me that he meet Santa in Christmas Town of the world: Halloween Town. Some people say that the monster drops a rare item that'll revive a dead person. Nobody's actually ever seen this item ever drop. Father Scrooge hasn't been killed over thirty years.

If I can get this item, I will use it to bring Aqua's soul back, and then maybe I'll be able to hear those last words she said before the darkness swallowed her. Her final words have been hunting me. What did she say? Something that'll save her? Someone from my forgotten past? A final favor? A curse? I don't care what it is. I have to know...

I'm already in the middle of the Forest of Wandering. Since it's cold out here, I have my trench coat zipped up and I'm wearing a black fedora and a fur cape wrapped around my body. The front is usually open whenever I make action with my arms, like fighting.

"Hey!" I stop to look at the person who called out. It's Sora with his friends Donald and Goofy. I have met Sora shortly after he lost his world two years ago. When I first met him, there's something very familiar about him. I feel like I've met him before...somewhere...somehow. I never had the time to wonder how or why.

"What are you doing all the way out here?" Sora asked.

"I could ask you the same thing." I say.

"Well, we're just on our way to Traverse Town." Goofy says with a 'hi-yuk'

"Well, then get moving." I look ahead, continuing down my path. "I have some business to take care of."

Sora watches me moving on, but I shortly stop after hearing him talk. "Wait...at Savior's Tree...you're not going after Father Scrooge are you?" I say nothing, but Sora can tell that means that I mean. "You're going to solo it? Dude, that thing will kill you."

"I don't care." I say. "I'll do anything to bring her back."

"Her? ...You mean your friend." Sora says. "I get it that you miss your friend...but there's nothing you can do about it. She's gone for go-"

"Shut up!" I say, clinching my fists. I refuse to accept it.

Donald seems to be on his attitude. "Now listen you!" Just then, Nobodies, the Dusks, appears out of nowhere, surrounding us. Sora, Donald and Goofy becomes startled. Sora summons his Keyblade and Donald and Goofy take out their weapons. "Nobodies? Where did they come from?" Donald asks.

"Let's just take them on." Sora turns to me. "Patrick..." Sora is surprised to see me gone. "Patrick? ..."

Goofy takes notice. "He's gone."

While Sora, Donald and Goofy fight the Nobodies, I arrive at Savior's Tree. The tree is about thirty feet high, filled with Christmas lights and ornaments. You could say it's the World's biggest Christmas Tree. It's certainly the brightest as it glows in holy light.

I hear jingle bells happening. I look up to see large red sleigh with no reindeer. A large red creature jumps out of the sleigh and lands right by the tree. The creature is a large ugly zombie version of Santa Claus with crazy eyes, a large fat ugly nose, sharp crooked teeth, long finger nails that looks like that haven't been trimmed in thirty years, the Heartless symbol on the buckle of its belt and a large sack hanging over the back of his shoulder.

Father Scrooge.

I fists shakes with rage. "Shut up..." Father Scrooge roars. I summon my Keyblade, charging at the monster as I shout.

I make the first strike on Father Scoorge, then second and third. Father Scoorge dodges my third strike. He takes out a large present from it's sack. Father Scrooge throws it at me. I dodge roll out of the way and the present explodes from impact.

I cast a Fire spell at Father Scrooge, then I charge and attack it. Father Scrooge blocks my finishing combo attack with a wreath. The block caused me to stagger, then Father Scrooge strikes me with his sack, knocking me back. I crash in the snow and slight back a few feet.

I slowly get back on my feet, watching the ugly creature laughing at me. I growl, charging at Father Scrooge with high speed. "SHUT UP!" Then I leap towards it and deliver a powerful slash.

Sora, Donald and Goofy have just defeated the Nobodies. They all sit down, panting in exhaustion. Taking the moment to recover their strength. As they do, Sora looks up. He sees me coming at them from a distance.

Sora stands up. "Patrick." As I get closer, he noticed the sorrow disappointment on my face. "Wh...what happened?"

I say nothing. Instant, I toss an item at Sora. He catches it clumsy at first, then gets a hold of it. "That's the revival item."

Sora looks at it surprised. "So it is real..." Sora looks at the instructions about the item. "Let's see here...'Bring a dead person back to life...'" What was written next surprised Sora even more. "'Within fifteen seconds?'"

"Do me a favor, Sora..." Sora looks up at me. "and use it on the next person who dies before your eyes."

There was a moment of silence, then I walk away without saying a word. As I walk, Sora rushes up to me, grips me back the cape, causing me to stop. "Patrick!" I say nothing, I turn my head over my shoulder, barely looking at Sora. "You're going to be okay...come on, man. You've got to live. Aqua would want you too!"

That doesn't make me feel any better. I look forward, pull my cape out of Soras grip. "See you..." Then continue moving on, leaving Sora and his friends behind.

For the rest of the night, I just returned to my temporary home in Traverse Town. I remove the cape and hat and sit on a chair in front of a mirror, arms crossed laying on the desk, my head rested on the arms.

I'm overwhelmed in despair and doubt. That revival item was my last chance of bringing Aqua back, and now it's gone. I don't know what else to do. I roll my eyes up on the mirror, and sit up as something caught my attention.

In the mirror, there's a spotlight on the table, revealing a present. I turn to see the present there, then I got up and slowly walk to it. A present? Who would give me a present?

The present is a little old and partly torn. Almost like it's been around for years. There's a small note on the present and I read it:

'I found this present under the tree with your name on it. It seemed pretty old, but there was no other gift for you. I'm sorry, but it's the thought that counts you know. Merry Christmas. Heart Serah.'

I set the note aside, just looking at the present. I did notice that on the present, it says: 'Do not open until Christmas' then I slowly unwrap it. I open the box to find a Rhombus Crystal. I'm aware of these things, it was used to make a recorded message.

I push the small button on the top tip of the message. It glows and floats.

"You have one message: October 15th, 1999"

To my surprise, that's the night before Aqua had to leave on her journey. That's when the message begins.

"Merry Christmas, Patrick!"

I'm even more surprised, that's Aqua's voice. "Aqua." I whispered breathlessly.

"If you're listening to this, then that means I'm gone. I'm sure you are now sad that I'm no longer around, so that's why I have decided to record you this message. There's something I've been meaning to tell you. You may not know this, but I'm not really your mother. I actually found you hurt in the woods. I took you in, cared and nurtured you. When you woken, you hugged me and called me your mother. I was surprised, but at the same time, I was happy. You actually felt like a son to me and I'm glad to have you in my live.

Anyways, Patrick, I have a favor to ask you. That day when I give you the power of the Keyblade, there's a reason why I did. I have discovered something about you, who you really are."

Hearing that last part put me to a story. Aqua knew something about my forgotten past, probably the first five years I can't remember anything.

"You are destined to wield such great power. The power to protect others. Where you are from and who your family are, I don't really know. The favor I ask you to do is find out how you ended up in that river in the first place. How we ended up together. That is what I wish. I'm glad we got to meet, Patrick. I couldn't have anyone better...to have for a son. Also, I want you to know, just because I'm gone doesn't mean I'm no longer with you. No matter what happens, our connection is unbreakable. That Wayfinder I've made you is the living proof of it.

Oh, one other thing. If you ever become a Keyblade wielder, I want you to become a master and protect Terra and Ven for me. I want you to become my living legacy. Stay strong and protect the light. Oh, there's plenty of time left in this message. So I guess I'll sing for you."

Aqua begins singing the song she use to sing to me, whenever I was scared or sad.

[ENGLISH "Yume Sekai" Sword Art Online (AmaLee) by LeeandLie in Youtube]

I wonder if this light inside my heart has been right here all along
And I've never noticed it at all
'Cause every time I stumble down
Or have to take the long way around
It shines on me forever more

Listening to Aqua sing brings back memories of our time together. It starts that one time when she comforted me during that thunderstorm, when she first sang that song to me.

The distant singing of the bells
If you listen close it tells
A lonely story

Once more, I'll push my fears away
All that I endure today will make me stronger

I now think back to the time Aqua helped me fight, whenever I was sparring with her or Ventus. I always lose, but Aqua kept my spirits up to never give up. Whenever I fall down, I get back up and try again.

The mere repeating of reality alone
Aligns the stars and all the wishes they take on
At last I've found something to chase with all my might
I cannot fight or go against these feelings

I now think about that one day when we all went for a picnic in the town park. Me, Aqua, Ventus and Terra. We all had lunch, I use to play with Ventus or Aqua. Aqua's favorite moment was when I fell asleep on her lap. Watching Terra and Ven having fun while an adorable child is sleep beside her.

No matter if one day I wake and blink away this world around me
And I'm lost in thoughts of what could be
I know that I will find my way
'Cause now I have this light within me
It shines on me forever more

At night when we were walking down to town. We use to stop by a nearby bench and watch the stars in the nighttime sky. It was beautiful night it was.

Every night following that dream
Where I threw away that old and silly ribbon
Lights have adorned the city streets
And I've been without one fret or worry within

One day when we went to the beach at Destiny Islands. I use to have a lot of fun with Aqua there. Playing in the water, making sand castles. I once found a unique shell and gave it to Aqua. She loved it and we both used it to hear the ocean, mostly outside of Destiny Islands since we can literally hear the ocean.

I need a sanctuary that will keep me safe
As if protected like an angel in heaven
If I cannot have wings I'd like someone to trust
I know it must be wonderful like magic

Then came the night of the fireworks, when Aqua kindly let me sit on her shoulders to allow me to watch the fireworks. That night I can never forget, seeing all kinds of colors filling up the sky.

If I could choose I'd stay like this forever while this world around me
Fills with colors I have never seen
I know I wouldn't hesitate
'Cause now the colors of each moment
Will change and change forever more

Now I think about that one day on Destiny Island, when we watched the sunset. It was my 'Birthday' (A/N: October 9th really is my Birthday but my character doesn't realize it due to memory loss) That night was special to me cause that was when Aqua gave me the power to wield a Keyblade.

Answers we cannot find
No matter if they're not kind
We'll find it even blind
That is true in my mind

I'm believing till the end
That we are similar, my friend
One day I'll shine like this Dream World

I just sit on my desk, lost in thought. As Aqua sings, I slowly start to sob. Tears roll out of my eyes and they slowly drip onto the disk. Hearing Aqua sing use to cheer me up, but right now, it just makes me sad. Aqua is now gone and hearing her voice after fifteen long years just...makes it seem far away.

If you just take a moment to blink all those tears away from your eyes
And you manage to conceal your cries
You'll never fear again because
The future you yearned for in heartache
Will shine on you forevermore

As I drown in sorrow, I now think of that one day when Aqua had to leave. She handed me my Wayfinder, hugged me, made a promise that she'll come back and we'll spend time together.

Without a limit
No matter if one day I wake and blink away this world around me
And I'm lost in thoughts of what could be
I know that I will find my way
'Cause now I have this light within me
It shines on me forevermore
And shines and shines forevermore
For you and me, eternally

Aqua's singing comes to an end. I try to pull myself together and listen to what she has to say next.

"Thank you, Patrick. I'm glad I got to meet you. Stay strong and take care."

I think back to that moment when Aqua was drowning in the darkness. Her final words. They speak in the message as I watch Aqua say them in my thought.

"I love you. Good bye."

The message ends. The glow from the record fades and then it lays dead on the desk.