Mira spent the next couple days at the cottage researching anything she could find on diving to the heart. It was so easy to fall back into the routine of studying alone in her master's home; she could pretend it was like all the times she'd waited for him to return from his business. Unfortunately, his return was not guaranteed if she failed to find the knowledge she sought.
When she'd retired to her room the first night, Mira nearly wept. Sheets covered her furniture, protecting it from dust, and atop her bed sat a box wrapped in brown paper and twine with her master's favored nickname for her on the tag. Little Star. Whether a Christmas gift or a welcome home one, Mira hadn't the courage to open it. Instead, she carefully placed it on her desk, and crawled into her bed, falling into a deep sleep. Home at last and exhausted beyond measure, she forgot her hi-ether.
The next day, in her master's extensive library, Mira found something promising at last. The power of waking. The technique was geared towards restoring worlds that had fallen to darkness or waking a sleeping heart, but some element of it involved diving into a heart. Could she apply such a thing to bring him back? Master Xehanort wasn't in control, but that didn't necessarily mean his heart was asleep. Much of what was written was theoretical and there was very little instruction for how to use it, but twice as much written cautioning users of this power. If she messed up, there was a high probability of her losing her own heart in the process. But Mira couldn't afford to think that way. She had to act.
Despite combing through the tomes for a scrap of knowledge about using the power of waking, Mira found nothing more. Defeated and exhausted, it was time to return to Radiant Garden. She gathered some of her warmer clothes and the gift, stuffing them in a bag. It wouldn't do not to have appropriate clothing in a world where it snowed. There was no telling how long she'd be there. Popping a couple hi-ethers in her mouth to make up for the missed days, Mira shuddered and opened a lane.
Stepping out onto the icy cobbles in Radiant Garden, Mira readjusted the bag on her arm and made her way through the town. The snow crunched beneath her feet in a steady rhythm; it was deeper than it'd been when she left, and Mira was grateful for her heavier coat. Very few people were out and about; it was just after sunset, already too dark to see where she was going without the aid of streetlights, but early enough that most places should still be open. The warm light of the inn was inviting as she passed, but Mira pressed on toward the castle. She could visit Gast and Aerith later; so much had happened that it felt like a lifetime ago since she'd seen them. How much time had progressed while she was away?
Walking through the castle's front doors, she was greeted by opulent garlands, greenery, fairy lights, and all manner of Christmas decorations, though the room lacked the liveliness expected for the holiday. With a sigh, Mira trudged up the stairs to the living quarters, thawing a little more with every step. She must've been too late after all...
The common room was as deserted as the entrance hall and every hallway in between; where was everyone? Mira dropped her things in her room, setting the gift carefully on her desk and changing into a warm sweater. She took a fortifying breath. If she missed Christmas, then that was that. There was no sense in fretting about it; she'd done her best to return on time. Gathering information for the safe return of her master took priority over festivities and frivolity. It had to.
Mira stifled a yawn, eyes drooping. The journey back had taken more out of her than she'd thought. Popping another hi-ether into her mouth, she laid down on her bed, drifting off to sleep within moments.
Steady thumping jolted Mira from her slumber and she scrambled out of bed, half delirious, summoning her keyblade in a flash. Darting out of her room and rushing down the hall toward the source of the ruckus, she stopped short, grip slacking as she struggled to process what she was seeing. Even stood at the front of the common room, clutching a microphone as he screeched the lyrics to some upbeat song. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes glassy.
"When you walk away, you don't hear me say pleeeeaaaaase!~ Oh baby, don't go!~" His voice broke, and a few tears streamed down his cheeks. Mira took a step back, averting her eyes from the humiliating spectacle.
Dilan, Aeleus, Braig, and Xehanort were all squished together on the couch nursing cups of dubious contents. Braig and Dilan's arms hung over Xehanort's shoulders, keeping him in place, as they cheered at the blond scientist. With lips pressed into a thin line and brown eyes narrowed to slits, Xehanort was the picture of irritation. Their gazes met and Mira raised a brow, glancing at Even, then back to him. Xehanort scowled and shrugged, drawing the attention of his captors.
Braig's face split into a wide grin and he hopped up from the couch, bumping Xehanort's drink and spilling it all over the front of his pristine white lab coat. He either didn't see or was ignoring the amnesiac's irritated scowl. "Mira! You made it!" He crossed the room in a few strides, gathering her into his arms. A couple of whistles sounded from the direction of the couch, but she ignored them, breathing in Braig's clean scent.
"I'm starting to regret that," she mumbled into his shoulder, but there was little bite to her words. "What's with this music? I thought this was a Christmas party..."
His chuckle was warm, reverberating through his chest. "It's tradition. Even's a lightweight and always ends up singing something sappy. If we're lucky, we get to hear him butcher some carols too."
"Fantastic." It would be lucky if Mira could forget the horrendous screeching coming from the scientist's windpipe any time soon.
"By the way," he murmured, tickling her ear with his breath, "I got your note. I have to say, I was surprised. I didn't think you'd want them to know about us, much less humor their bet."
She pulled back to scowl at him. "Why? Do you think I'm ashamed or something?"
"Not at all." He laughed, kissing the top of her head. "I just didn't expect it, is all. You're a reserved person, so I figured there's got to be another reason you wanted me to confirm the winner."
"And if there is?"
"I want in on the secret, obviously."
She winced when Even reached the chorus again. "Maybe I'll tell you later. This is a little..."
Braig opened his mouth to argue, but Dilan cut him off, "Hey now, lovebirds! Come watch the show or one of you is up next!"
Mira rolled her eyes; there was no way she was going to try squeezing onto that couch. Instead, she perched in the window seat, tuning Even out and turning her gaze upon the snow-covered grounds, marveling at the frozen beauty and festive lights. Braig squeezed beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist and she rested against his shoulder. Mira ought to savor this small moment of peace; it might be the last she'd have for a while. If everything went well with the experiment, she could be reunited with her master by the new year. That was good news... and yet, her mouth pulled down at the corners, unbidden.
So much could go wrong. So much could go right. It all depended on her. And either way, she stood to lose something. If failed, that could prove disastrous for both her and her master. If she succeeded, there was a strong possibility of her returning home permanently – a dream of many years fulfilled. Back at her master's side where she belonged. But where did that leave her and Braig?
The man in question pressed a kiss to her temple. "You look troubled. Something on your mind?"
Shrugging, Mira pulled from his embrace to face him. "Just... thinking," she whispered. Her eyes trailed over his lips, his scar, up to his golden eyes. Braig was involved with her master's plans; it was possible they'd see each other on occasion even if she had to leave. But her master was unlikely to approve of such a distraction – for either of them. Were their days numbered, even though they'd only just begun?
He hummed. "Have you been taking your hi-ethers?"
"Mhm." Would it be better to quit while she was ahead? Save herself the heartache?
"How did your research go?"
"Fine." But it wouldn't save her pain, not really. She would still be sad to lose him. After everything they'd been through so far, and how much she'd grown to like him, it would hurt her to cast him aside...
"Do you want to have sex?"
"Huh?" Mira gaped at him in horror, heat creeping up the back of her neck. "Why would... you pervert!"
"Pervert? As if," he huffed, shaking his head. "I was only trying to get your attention - you seem kind of out of it. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'll be fine. I think I'm just tired..." It wasn't exactly a lie; she was mentally tired, but this was neither the time nor place to confide in him. She wasn't about to be the one to ruin the festive mood. Even's song ended, and reluctant applause filled the silence. Finally. But their suffering wouldn't end anytime soon; he was poking through the karaoke machine, looking for a new tune to torture them with. Her brows pinched together.
Braig rubbed his chin. "That'd be the magical exhaustion. Travelling between worlds probably didn't help-"
"Hey, you two – we're about to have some Santa Panties, you game?" Dilan called from the drink table, clutching several shot glasses. Aeleus hovered nearby, a faint buzzed flush decorating his cheeks.
Mira cringed. "Do I even want to know what that is?"
"Probably not." His lips twisted into a wry smirk. "I'll have one but she's good!" he called back. Dilan rolled his eyes and set to preparing the drinks. Movement from the couch pulled her attention away from Dilan's expert bartending prowess. Xehanort was looking around surreptitiously before making his escape from the common room, down the hallway he shared with Even. Braig followed her gaze, scoffing at the amnesiac's hasty retreat. "He would be a party pooper."
Mira raised a brow. "Considering he's had to sit through Even's singing for who-knows-how-long and you spilled his drink on him, are you really surprised?"
"True, and I guess it's getting late," he conceded, entirely unapologetic for his role in the other man's retreat. "Even though he looks young on the outside, we can't forget that he's got the heart of a hundred-something year old man inside him." He smirked, though the look in his eye was distant, as if enjoying a private joke.
Mira scowled. It wasn't that funny. Braig was probably more inebriated than he let on. "I think your drink is ready," she muttered, gesturing toward Dilan who was putting the finishing touches on the 'Santa Panties.'
"Hm? Ah, yes. Dilan's probably gonna want to make a game out of it. Cheer me on, won't you?"
She sniffed. "I'll do no such thing."
Braig sighed dramatically, clutching the fabric over his heart. "So cold! I'll be back in a bit, Princess."
"Mhm," she mumbled, already glancing down the hall where Xehanort had gone. It wasn't fun being the only sober person in the room. But she didn't want to participate in the intoxication either. It wasn't her idea of relaxing; and how could she with the experiment looming over her? Mira rubbed her temples. What she wouldn't give to ask her master for advice...
Double-checking that Braig was distracted at Dilan's makeshift bar, Mira retreated from the common room, retracing Xehanort's steps until she reached his room, knocking twice before she could rethink the wisdom of her decision.
The door swung open, revealing an irritable Xehanort, though that annoyance quickly morphed into surprise and curiosity. With Terra's face, it was so much easier to read him. "...Yes?"
Mira gulped. "Um, hi. I was wondering if I could... chat for a moment," she said in a small voice, heart thumping erratically.
Silver brows knitted together, but he nodded nonetheless, permitting her entrance. His quarters were much the same as hers, and just as sparsely decorated. Xehanort directed her to an open chair at the table in his kitchenette, and he stood by the counter, regarding her carefully. She studied his features, finding small traces of her master despite him wearing Terra's face. The way his eyes narrowed in thought and how he clasped his arms behind his back had her aching for his guiding presence more than ever.
"Was there something specific you wished to discuss?" he asked after a lengthy silence when she failed to initiate conversation.
She blinked. "Ah, right. Um, I know it's Christmas Eve, but with the experiment coming up soon, I wanted to talk to you beforehand."
His brows rose. "I have no objections. You said you'd gone home to do some research, right?" Mira nodded. "Did you discover something useful?"
"I think so, but it's risky and invasive." That was putting it lightly.
"Explain."
A wave of nostalgia washed over her at the familiar mannerism. "I came across a method that may allow me to restore your memories from within... but it involves interacting with your heart directly."
An intrigued gleam entered his eyes. "I see. What does this entail?"
"I would essentially dive into the inner sanctum of your heart to try unlocking the memories within... if there are any." She ran a hand through her hair. "But I don't know if it'll produce any results, and it's dangerous for the both of us-"
"When you say dangerous, how so?"
"It's kind of self-explanatory... hearts can be fragile and there's a risk-"
"They are more resilient than you'd think."
She furrowed her brow. "Be that as it may, any outside interference presents a risk, and I couldn't find anything else remotely helpful... Plus," she added, a hint of bitterness creeping into her tone, "I didn't want to attempt anything without your consent, not only because of the risk, but because it's so personal..." Even a master oughtn't to meddle with someone's heart without consent and hers was guilty of that on three counts. But there would be time to address that later.
"Do what you must." His tone gave nothing away.
"Are you sure?" she asked softly. "Even if I'm successful, you may not like what we find..." A wave of doubt crashed over her. Terra was in there too, and he'd been furious the last time they met. This was just as unsafe for her as it was for Xehanort; she needed to find another way-
Xehanort inclined his head. "The alternative is to remain in ignorance, and that I cannot abide. Every step must be one that moves us forward, even if the road is filled with danger."
Mira wrung her hands in her lap; that was exactly the type of thing her master would say. "As you wish," she murmured. She had to try. She owed it not only to herself and her master, but her friends too. Maybe she could free Terra. Even if he hated her in the end, it was the right thing to do... "It's late, I should get back to my room-"
"Actually," he interrupted, eyes flashing gold for an instant before returning to deep brown, "would you humor me for a moment?"
Had she imagined that? It could be the exhaustion making her see things. "Um... It depends, I guess..." He rummaged through a cabinet in the living space, pulling out a familiar game. "Chess?" she breathed, lips parting.
Xehanort dipped his chin. "I was hoping to play a game with you; something tells me I'd enjoy playing against you more than Even."
"I-um, I appreciate the offer, but I only just got back today and-and I'm really tired." Mira knocked the chair back as she stood, all-but darting to the door. "Maybe another time," she whispered, before escaping into the hall.
Mira rubbed her eyes, letting out a shuddering breath. She needed to get ahold of herself; there was no sense in getting overly emotional. A breakdown could come after she successfully brought her master back, not a moment sooner. With that in mind, she pushed her frazzled emotions aside and schooled her face into polite neutrality before stepping into the common room.
Only for that careful expression to shatter at the scene before her. Her eye twitched. Dilan was out cold, sprawled on the couch, neck tilted in a way that would surely hurt in the morning, while Even slumped over the small table, also unconscious. Aeleus and Braig were nowhere to be found. Had she been talking with Xehanort for so long? Or had the others overdone it in that short amount of time? For their sakes, Mira hoped they had one hell of a hangover cure, otherwise Christmas morning was not going to be fun for them.
Tiptoeing as quietly as she could muster so as not to disturb the others, Mira crept into her hallway, intent on burying herself under mountains of blankets, but it was not to be so. Braig's door opened, revealing the sharpshooter clad in his sleeping pants and a t-shirt, holding a neatly wrapped package under his arm.
"You're still up?"
He smiled softly, sending her heart aflutter. "I was waiting for you."
Her mouth popped open. "Oh, I see. Did you need something?"
"I wanted to give you this in private," he murmured, holding the present out to her.
Mira's face warmed as she accepted the gift. "Thank-" She stumbled when he let it go, eyes widening at the weight; it was heavier than it looked. "Did you put a brick in here?"
Braig chuckled. "Something like that."
"C'mon, then. I'll open the brick in my room." They shared a grin and he followed her into her quarters, shutting the door behind them. Mira flicked the light switch, bathing the room in warm dim light. Her extra clothes were still in a pile at the foot of her bed where she'd left them.
He peered at the gift on her desk. "Who's 'Little Star?'"
Her cheeks warmed. "It's something my master calls me from time to time. Not sure why, but..." She shrugged, setting the other gift beside it.
His brows rose. "It's cute. Hard to imagine him saying it though," he chuckled. Mira ran her thumb over the familiar scrawl then sighed and let it go. "You're not gonna open it?"
"I don't know... I'm not sure when-or if he intended to give it to me..." she trailed off. "I just found it sitting on my bed at home, no note or anything." Mira rubbed her temples. "I should've left it where I found it-"
Braig wrapped his arms around her, silencing her anxious rambling, and kissed her hair. Her shoulders dropped and she leaned into him, savoring the affection. "Whether you do or not is up to you, Mira." He pressed a chaste kiss to her neck. "But you should open the one I got you."
She bit her lip. "I didn't get you anything though..."
Braig shrugged. "I don't mind. If anything, holding you this way is gift enough."
"You're drunk," she muttered, neck and cheeks uncomfortably hot. There was no other explanation for him being that cheesy.
"Maybe a little," he chuckled, "Go on, open it!"
Rolling her eyes, Mira stepped out of his embrace and ripped the paper from the present. It was almost a shame, given how neat and meticulously he'd wrapped it. She lifted the lid from the box, and pulled the heavy tissue-wrapped object out, placing it on the desk. She made short work of the tissue, eyebrow twitching as the gift was revealed. Standing on her desk was a solid gold sculpture... of herself. The figure was about a foot tall, had little diamonds for eyes, and was even holding a miniature version of her keyblade.
"I'm not even gonna ask how you got this," she laughed, as disbelief gave way to amusement, turning toward the sharpshooter with tears streaming down her face.
He was grinning, mirth shining in his eye. "I saw an artisan making it in El Dorado and may have implied that I wanted to present it to the 'goddess.'" Braig winked. "Do you like it?"
"It's very... unique." Mira placed the statue on her bedside table. "I will treasure it forever," she said with all the solemnity and reverence she could muster. "After all, tribute from my mortal servant is very special."
"I aim to please," he purred.
Mira rolled her eyes, and kissed his cheek, right over his scar. "Thank you, Braig."
Faint pink colored his ears, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ahem. Anyway..." he glanced at the pile of clothes on the floor. "Did some shopping?"
Her lips quirked. "No, just grabbed some warmer things from home. I didn't expect it to be so cold here."
"Not a lot of color in here," he murmured, poking through the pile.
"I don't want to hear that from a guy who wears a uniform every day," came her dry retort. "I like my clothes just fine."
He held up his hands in mock surrender. "No judgement, it was just an observation."
There was no lie in his expression, only amusement. Mira gathered the clothes and hung them in the closet. As she grabbed the lightweight coat she normally wore, something tumbled out of the pocket.
Braig plucked the small charm from the floor and turned it over in his hands, looking through the purple glass. "What's this?"
"A wayfinder." She explained the tradition of making them and their resemblance to the paopu fruits. "I actually made this one before I came here."
"I think that girl – Aqua, was it? She had one of these too, back at the graveyard, but hers was blue."
Mira averted her eyes. "We all have one. I made mine and Ven's, and she made Terra's and her own. It was... supposed to be a token to remember each other by." But more than the friendship and good times they'd shared, what stuck out in the forefront of her mind was how they'd parted ways. Terra's hatred. Aqua's judgement. And Ven lost in sleep. "Even if it's just a silly superstition," her voice warbled, "I'd always liked the idea that someone could find their way home to the ones who love them." Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision.
"So sentimental," Braig murmured, pulling her into his arms.
She bit her lip. "I'm sorry-"
"Don't be. I know I'd have liked something to remember my friends by back when..." he trailed off. His chest rose and fell with a sigh. "It's tough when all you have are your memories, because even those start to fade."
Mira peered up at him; his gaze was faraway, wistful. There was nothing she could say to comfort him; words fell utterly short in the face of such losses.
"Here." He handed the charm back to her, but she shook her head.
"You can keep it, if you want."
"Hm?" Braig looked down at her, brows drawn together. "But it's yours-"
"And I want you to have it, if you want it. After my master returns, I might not see you as much..." She offered a sad smile. "If nothing else, it's something to remember me by, just in case."
"It's a little early to say goodbye, Mira." Though he pocketed the wayfinder anyway.
"I'd rather say it early than miss my chance," she whispered.
Braig cupped her cheeks and closed the distance with a searing kiss. Her fingers tangled in his hair, and he gripped her waist, pulling her tightly against him. "And I'd rather not have to say it to you at all," he said against her lips, resting his forehead against hers. "I've said enough goodbyes to last more than a lifetime."
If only she could promise him that they never would. But even she knew, if her master ordered her home, she'd go, no matter how much it would hurt her.