Asukazen's heart was heavy with the burden of guilt and the weight of the lives lost. He couldn't see past the pain and remorse, and it was clouding his judgment. No amount of convincing from Blizzard could sway his decision.
As Blizzard sat in silence, he could hear the voices whispering in his mind.
Voice 1: (whispering) The black-haired human giving up on his Keyblade?! He's a Keyblade Wielder, and yet he's ready to abandon his weapon of light. It's rather ...embarrassing, don't you think?
Voice 2: (responds) Yes, but at least the human i got tasked with, he seems more willing. The blue-haired one.
Voice 1: (chuckle softly) But you know we were both created to be guides, right? Assigned to these humans, whoever they are, as guardians or allies.
Voice 2: (curious) I wonder why the black-haired human is behaving like this. It's not like him to give up so easily.
Voice 1: (whispering) It's quite puzzling. We can't comprehend why he would give up on using his Keyblade, especially when his power could be of great use.
Voice 2: (whispers) We don't know much about them or their past, but we must watch over them. It's our purpose.
Blizzard felt a mix of confusion and frustration. He didn't understand what these voices were or where they were coming from. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed by Asukazen's actions. Asukazen had always been the strong one. To see him giving up like this, it was hard for Blizzard to comprehend.
Voice 1: (whispering) I am supposed to support him, guide him, and now... he's just going to turn his back on everything? Even before I can meet him?
Voice 2: (sadly) I don't know. It's disheartening to see someone with so much potential give up like this.
Voice 1: (envious) You're lucky, you know? Your human seems to still have hope in their heart, while I'm stuck with the one that is just drowning in guilt and sorrow.
Voice 2: (sighs) It's not a competition. We were both created to support our humans, no matter what they're going through.
Voice 1: (responds) I know, I know. It's just... difficult. I want to help him, but I don't know how. I just wish I could meet him, but he's shutting himself away with these strange .
As the voices fell silent, Blizzard glanced over at Asukazen, who was deep in thought with his back turned. Blizzard knew that Asukazen was dealing with a tremendous amount of guilt and sorrow, and he didn't dare intrude on his ally's emotions. Asukazen was too prideful, and Blizzard understood that any attempt to console him might be met with resistance or anger.
Blizzard also knew that Asukazen might never fully come to terms with the fact that they destroyed their own reality, and that weighed heavily on his mind. He didn't know what the future held for them, but he couldn't shake the feeling of despair and helplessness that surrounded them.
With a heavy heart, Blizzard decided to leave Asukazen alone for the time being. There was nothing he could say or do to change Asukazen's mind, and he knew that pushing the issue would only cause more harm. And so, he remained silent and still, silently watching, hoping that somehow, they would find a way to overcome the darkness that had engulfed them. But for now, all Blizzard could do was wait and hope for a glimmer of light in the midst of the despair.
On Day 10, Asukazen and Blizzard continued to struggle with their weakened bodies. They regained a bit more control over their new forms, and Asukazen attempted to stand up from his bed. However, his legs gave out, causing him to stumble and fall to the floor. He felt the frustration building up inside him as he realized just how weak he had become.
Blizzard, on the other hand, also tried to move around on his own, but he was met with similar difficulties. The lack of their former power and agility was disheartening. They were back to being children, vulnerable and unable to do the incredible feats they once performed as Keyblade Wielders.
Asukazen pushed himself up from the floor, using the nearby furniture for support, and slowly made his way to stand again. It was a slow and agonizing process, but he refused to ask for assistance or show any signs of weakness.
As they struggled with their newfound limitations, memories of their powerful past selves lingered in the back of their minds. The memories of their victories against Organization 14th seemed distant and unattainable now.
In this new reality, they were stripped of their powers and faced the reality of their actions and their consequences. It was a harsh reality to face, but it was one they could not escape.
Asukazen's face contorted with a mix of frustration and sadness, his mind undoubtedly filled with thoughts of the past and regrets.
With their powers gone and their lives changed, they were both at a crossroads. Asukazen seemed determined to distance himself from his former identity as a Keyblade Wielder, while Blizzard was left grappling with the loss of his ally's former self, then, they heard footsteps approaching the door they were forbidden from opening. Both of them tensed, unsure of who it could be. The door creaked open, and to their surprise, it was Ava who entered the room.
The door opened, and there stood Ava, one of the Foretellers. Her expression was unreadable behind her mask, and she looked at them with a mix of concern and curiosity. Asukazen and Blizzard exchanged glances, uncertain of how to react to her presence.
Ava: (calmly) I see you two are finally starting to gain some control over your bodies. That's good progress.
Asukazen frowned. He knew that she was sent here to check on them by the strange black hooded figure, but he couldn't help but feel wary of her.
Blizzard kept silent, not wanting to say anything that might be interpreted as hostility. He knew that they were in no position to resist or cause trouble.
Ava: (softly) I won't harm you. My task is to watch over you both and make sure you're recovering well.
Asukazen's eyes narrowed, still not fully trusting Ava's intentions.
Ava: (continuing) You two have been through a lot, and I can't even imagine what it's been like for you. But please know that the Master of Masters saved you for a reason. He sees something in you both and he wants you to have a chance at a new life.
Asukazen: (with a slightly hoarse voice) Can I... ask a few questions?
Blizzard watched in surprise as Asukazen spoke with a touch of respect in his words. He had been so cold and distant these last few days, but now he seemed to have found his voice again.
Ava: (nods) Of course, you can ask me anything you want. I'll do my best to answer.
Asukazen: (with a slightly hoarse voice) What happened to our original bodies?
Ava: (calmly) Yes, I'm afraid so. The Master had to take drastic measures. Your original bodies were beyond recovery, and he had to... dispose of them. They were burned away, and thousands of crystals erupted from within. If it wasn't for the Master's intervention, you would both had perished.
Asukazen: (softly) And... why are we in the bodies of 11-year-old children?
Ava: The Master's capacity to save you was limited. He managed to create fresh shells for your essences, but the only suitable ones available were those of young children. These bodies are like blank slates, free of any experiences or memories.
Asukazen: (hesitant) Lastly, why are we hearing voices in our heads... Are we... losing our minds?
Ava: (chuckles) Oh, no, not at all, don't worry. You're not going insane. (laughs a bit) It's actually quite cute that you asked that. It's not a sign of madness. But don't worry, I won't leave you hanging. I'll explain more later.
Blizzard and Asukazen exchanged puzzled glances, unsure why the mention of hearing voices would be considered cute. They had many more questions, but for now, the answers they received left them with a mix of relief and confusion. The scene ended there, leaving them to ponder on their current situation and what the future held for them.
Asukazen didn't fully comprehend the answers, but he felt a mix of relief and confusion. Their original bodies were gone, and they were now trapped in the bodies of children. The mention of voices in their heads intrigued him, but he was too exhausted and overwhelmed to question further.
Asukazen: (confused and frustrated) Grunts I... I can't... my voice...
Ava: (gentle smile) Oh, don't worry too much about it for now. It's just part of the changes you're going through. The Master said you both might experience some headaches or difficulty with your thoughts for a while. It's all part of the process of adapting to your new bodies.
Asukazen tried to respond, but his vocal cords refused to cooperate, leaving him frustrated and even more confused. He exchanged a glance with Blizzard, who seemed equally lost for words.
Ava: (softly) Just rest now. Give yourselves time to recover. The Master wants you both to have a chance at a new life. You've been through a lot, and he saved you for a reason. There's a lot to process, I know, but try not to worry too much about the voices. I'll explain more later, once you're both feeling better.
With that, Ava left the room, leaving Asukazen and Blizzard to process the information they had received. Asukazen's mind was still filled with questions and confusion, but he couldn't find the strength to voice them. For now, all they could do was rest and wait for the next set of answers that would come in time.
Asukazen: (struggling to speak) Voi... voices... where? (cough) Where are they coming from?
Blizzard tried to respond, but his vocal cords were still not strong enough to form words. Instead, he gestured towards his head and then pointed at the ceiling, indicating that the voices were in their minds.
Asukazen, still feeling a mix of confusion and frustration, decided to check under the beds and in the closet, hoping to find the source of the mysterious voices. However, after searching the room, he found nothing. They were still the only ones there.
Blizzard: (speaking softly) It's like they're really in our heads.
Asukazen turned to Blizzard, his confusion mirrored in his eyes. He wanted to say something, to ask Blizzard if he had any idea what was happening, but his vocal cords still wouldn't cooperate.
Blizzard: (continuing) Ava said not to worry too much about it... Maybe it's just part of the process, like she said.
Asukazen felt a mixture of relief and frustration at Blizzard's words. Knowing that they still didn't know where the voices were coming from or why.
Asukazen: (mumbling) Frustrating... being watched...
Asukazen sighed, feeling defeated. He couldn't make sense of any of it. He and Blizzard had lost all their powers, their original bodies, and now these mysterious voices were haunting them. It was all too much to process.
Asukazen: (with a hint of frustration) Maybe it's not that important... I don't know. Let's just... try to rest. Maybe things will become clearer later.
Blizzard nodded in agreement, both of them feeling the weight of their new reality. They lay back on their beds, trying to come to terms with everything that had happened, but the feeling of being watched persisted, adding to their unease. With so many unanswered questions, they could only hope that time would provide the answers they sought.
On the eleventh day, Asukazen and Blizzard woke up feeling slightly better. The pain in their bodies had lessened, and they found it a bit easier to move. Asukazen could now sit up on his own without much struggle, and Blizzard could lift his arm with less discomfort.
As they looked around the room, they noticed that their eyesight had improved even further. The blinding white light had diminished, and they could see the room more clearly now. However, the feeling of being watched was still present, and it made them uneasy.
Asukazen: (speaking a bit more clearly) I think... we're getting better. The pain... it's not as bad now.
Asukazen slowly got up from his bed and stood in front of a nearby mirror. He looked at his reflection, seeing the face of a young 11-year-old version of himself staring back. His hair, his eyes, it was all the same as his original body, just younger.
Asukazen: (whispering) This... is really me? But younger...
Blizzard, curious about his own appearance, got up and joined Asukazen at the mirror. He saw his blue hair was back to its original color, and his eyes were pink once again, unaffected by the taint of darkness.
Blizzard: (surprised) My hair... It's back to blue. And my eyes...
Asukazen: (softly) They're pink again.
Blizzard: It's like... the stress and the darkness never affected me in this body.
They both stared at their reflections, contemplating the strange reality they now found themselves in. These bodies were perfect clones, but they were not the same as their original ones. They had been given a second chance at life, in the form of younger versions of themselves.
Asukazen gently touched his face, as if trying to reassure himself that this was real. He whispered to himself, almost in disbelief.
Asukazen: But is it this really me... or just a shell?
Blizzard, too, found himself lost in thought. They had lost so much, their powers, their original bodies, and now they were faced with these new forms. It was all so surreal.
Blizzard: I don't know, Asukazen. It may not be our original bodies, but it's still us in here, right? Our hearts and memories are still the same.
Asukazen glanced at Blizzard, finding some comfort in his words.
Asukazen: I just need some time to get used to this.
Blizzard smiled faintly. We both do.
As they continued to stare at their reflections, they couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them in these new bodies. But for now, all they could do was take it one step at a time, trying to find their place in this strange new world they had been thrust into.
Asukazen continued to stare at his reflection in the mirror, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions. He felt a mix of gratitude for being saved, but also frustration at the fact that it seemed like they had no choice in the matter.
Asukazen: I don't like this. (Asukazen muttered, his voice still weak.) Being saved by that black hooded figure, the so-called Master, it can't be for free. I feel like we're being pulled into something we have no control over.
Blizzard looked thoughtful as he watched Asukazen.
Blizzard: I don't know. (he replied honestly.) But right now, we don't have any power or means to defend ourselves. If he wanted to use us, he could have done so already. Maybe he has other plans for us.
Asukazen stopped pacing and glared at the floor.
Asukazen: I don't like being manipulated or forced into something. (he said bitterly.) We should have been left to die. I don't want to owe anything to that hooded figure.
Blizzard nodded in understanding.
Blizzard: I get it, Asukazen. But for now, we need to focus on recovering. Once we regain our strength, maybe we can find a way to break free from whatever hold he might have on us.
Asukazen clenched his fists, feeling powerless and trapped.
Asukazen: That's what I hate the most. We're at the mercy of someone we don't even know. I never wanted to be indebted to anyone.
Blizzard sighed, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Blizzard: What's done is done. We're alive, and that's what matters.
Asukazen turned to Blizzard, his eyes filled with anger.
Asukazen: I never asked to be saved! I wanted to die! I wished for it!
Blizzard was taken aback by Asukazen's words, not fully understanding the depths of his emotions.
Blizzard: I... I didn't know you felt that way. But now that we're here, we have to figure out what comes next. We can't just give up!
Asukazen gritted his teeth, feeling trapped in this situation.
Asukazen: You don't get it, Blizzard. We've lost everything. Our powers, our original bodies... It's like starting over from scratch. And now we're stuck here, with no control over our own lives. I hate it!
Blizzard: I'm sorry, I don't know what to say. But we're not alone in this. We have each other, and maybe... just maybe, we can find a way to make sense of all of this.
Asukazen's frustration grew, and he shot back.
Asukazen: Don't give me that nonsense. I don't need your pity or your understanding, you imbecile! This situation is messed up, and I hate that we're caught in the middle of it!
Blizzard frowned, hurt by Asukazen's response.
Asukazen then turned away, seething with anger and frustration. He didn't want to face this new reality, but he knew he had no other choice. They were stuck together in these new bodies, with no powers and no way to escape. Asukazen hated feeling helpless, but he had to come to terms with the fact that he was no longer the powerful Keyblade wielder he once was. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but he had to find a way to move forward.
On Day 12, Asukazen and Blizzard woke up, feeling a little less pain and more control over their new bodies. Asukazen's anger from the previous day had subsided a bit, but he still remained reserved, his mind weighed down by the recent traumatic events he had endured with Blizzard.
As they looked around the room, Asukazen couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and helplessness. He wanted answers. He wanted to know why they were saved, and what the black hooded figure, the so-called Master of Masters, wanted from them. But he also felt a sense of resignation, knowing that they were now at the mercy of someone more powerful than them.
Blizzard, on the other hand, was trying to come to terms with their new reality. He had always been the more optimistic of the two, but even he couldn't deny the gravity of their situation. They had lost their powers. Their memories were hazy, and they were now in bodies that were not their own.
Asukazen sat up on the bed, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He looked over at Blizzard, who was also awake. There was still a tension between them, but Asukazen had managed to calm himself down a bit. He was no longer seething with anger like the previous day. He sighed, his hands still on his head, as if trying to process everything that had happened. He couldn't believe that his reality was gone, that he and Blizzard were now trapped in these new bodies. It was a lot to take in, and he struggled to come to terms with it.
Blizzard looked back at Asukazen, noticing the change in his demeanor. He decided not to say anything, not wanting to push any buttons or upset Asukazen further. Instead, he simply nodded in acknowledgement.
Asukazen: What do we do now?
Blizzard shrugged slightly, not having any clear answers.
Blizzard: I don't know. We're in a completely unfamiliar reality now, and we've lost all our powers. I guess we just have to figure it out one step at a time.
Asukazen extended his arm forward, trying to perform the familiar palm and finger movements to summon his Keyblade, but nothing happened. He let out a sigh, accepting that he had lost his powers. It was for the best, he told himself, as he knew that both 'Ignisflare' and 'Tempestshade' had brought more destruction than good in his life.
Blizzard glanced around, his pink eyes scanning the room. He had noticed the strange presence of the voices in their heads, but they had fallen silent for the past few days. It left him feeling unsettled, wondering why they had stopped communicating.
Asukazen also sensed the absence of the voices. He couldn't see where they were coming from or why they had suddenly stopped speaking. It was puzzling and added to the growing sense of mystery surrounding their situation.
Blizzard decided to break the silence between them, wanting to address the issue.
Blizzard: Asukazen, have you noticed the voices in our heads have been quiet lately? (He asked, his voice still a bit weak but getting stronger.)
Asukazen nodded in response.
Asukazen: I noticed that too. It's strange. I wonder why they suddenly stopped. (He replied, curiosity evident in his voice.)
Neither of them had any answers, and the uncertainty weighed on their minds. The absence of the voices added to the sense of isolation they felt in these unfamiliar bodies and the strange place they found themselves in.
Blizzard sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to process everything that had happened.
Blizzard: I guess we just have to wait and see if they come back. (he said, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation.)
Asukazen agreed, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to the voices. He wondered if they held the key to understanding their current situation or if they were merely a symptom of the changes they had undergone.
As the two of them continued to ponder the mysteries surrounding them, the room remained quiet, save for the sound of their breathing and the occasional creaking of the floorboards underfoot. The voices may have fallen silent, but the unknown still loomed large and they could only hope that time would eventually provide them with the answers they sought.
On Day 13, both Asukazen and Blizzard woke up feeling a slight improvement in their bodies. They were able to move without stumbling and falling on the wooden floor of their room. It was a relief to feel a sense of control returning to their limbs, even if it was still far from their previous abilities.
Asukazen slowly sat up on the bed, his movements more fluid than before. He glanced over at Blizzard, who was also sitting up, looking more steady on his feet. Asukazen let out a small sigh of relief.
Asukazen: Looks like we're finally getting the hang of this. (he muttered, a hint of pride in his voice.)
Blizzard nodded, a small smile forming on his face.
Blizzard: Yeah, it's getting better. At least we can move around without falling all the time. (he replied.)
Asukazen swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, testing his balance. "Let's see if we can walk without tripping over ourselves," he said, taking a cautious step forward.
Blizzard followed suit, standing up and taking a step as well. They both found that their movements were less shaky and more controlled. Asukazen took a few more steps, feeling a growing sense of accomplishment.
As they were testing their newly regained mobility, the door to their room opened, and Ava stepped in. She looked at them with a small smile, pleased to see their progress.
Ava: I see you two are getting the hang of things. (Ava said, her tone encouraging.) That's good progress. You're recovering well.
Blizzard nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude towards Ava. He was grateful for her presence and guidance during his recovery, and Asukazen nodded, his expression still reserved. He knew that their recovery came with a cost - the mysterious figure in the black hood had saved them for a reason, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Ava continued.
Ava: Now that you're able to move around more comfortably, I believe it's time for us to discuss the next steps. And I understand your hesitation. But I assure you, the next step in your recovery won't be dangerous. She said, trying to allay their concerns.
Asukazen's eyebrows furrowed slightly, his guard still up.
Asukazen: You mean, a mission? (He asked cautiously.)
Ava chuckled playfully.
Ava: I can't tell you all the details just yet. You'll find out tomorrow. But for now, rest up and be ready. We'll meet again to discuss the mission soon. (she said before turning to leave.)
As the door closed behind her, Blizzard and Asukazen exchanged glances. Asukazen's reservations still lingered, but he knew they had little choice in the matter. They were in a strange world with no way to return to their own reality.
Blizzard, on the other hand, was eager for the opportunity to do something, to have a purpose once again. However, he could sense Asukazen's apprehension, so he decided not to push the issue.
The day went by as they continued to adapt to their new bodies, their minds preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming mission. They had no idea what awaited them in the locked world, but they knew they had to face it together, whether they liked it or not.
On Day 14, Blizzard and Asukazen woke up feeling more at ease with their new bodies. They moved around the room freely, no longer hindered by the agonizing pain that had plagued them before. As they got ready for the day, they could sense that their physical strength and coordination had improved significantly.
As they were getting ready, they heard a knock on the door. Ava stepped in, her expression welcoming.
Ava: Good morning. I hope you both slept well. Are you ready to continue with your recovery? (she asked.)
Blizzard and Asukazen nodded in response, and Ava smiled.
Ava: Great! Follow me then. We'll be leaving this room for now. (she said.)
They followed Ava downstairs, and as they stepped outside, they were met with a blinding light that made them shield their eyes for a moment. As the light subsided, they found themselves in a vast town filled with children wielding Keyblades. The sight left both Blizzard and Asukazen stunned.
Ava noticed their bewildered expressions and approached them.
Ava: Is something wrong? (she asked, concerned.)
Asukazen was the first to speak, still trying to process the sight before him.
Asukazen: This... this is incredible. So many Keyblade Wielders and they're all children. (he said in amazement.)
Blizzard, too, was taken aback by the scene.
Blizzard: I've never seen anything like this. (he admitted, his eyes scanning the town.)
Ava noticed their curiosity and smiled.
Ava: They are all part of the Unions. You may not know what that is yet, but don't worry, you both may not be from this reality, but that doesn't mean you won't find your place here. The Master believes there's something special about you two, and I can see why. (she said, her eyes flickering with a mysterious glint.)
Blizzard and Asukazen exchanged glances once more. They were unsure of what to make of Ava's words, but they had come this far and were willing to see where this path would lead them.
Blizzard was intrigued, but Asukazen remained cautious.
Blizzard: So, what do we do now? (he inquired, wanting some clarity on their role in this new reality.)
Ava smiled reassuringly.
Ava: For now, just follow me. I'll show you around and introduce you to the others. You'll get a chance to see how things work here. (she said, leading them away from the town and into the outskirts.)
As Blizzard and Asukazen reached the outskirts of the town, they were met with a serene and beautiful landscape. Ava turned to them and spoke.
Ava: Your new partner should arrive soon. While you may have recovered physically, your auras are still weak. You'll need the guidance of an experienced Keyblade Wielder to help you both suceed in this mission.
Blizzard and Asukazen exchanged curious glances, wondering who this new partner could be and what kind of help they would receive. They had been through so much, and the idea of having someone guide them was both reassuring and overwhelming.
Before long, they heard footsteps approaching. Turning towards the sound, they saw a blonde girl of around 12 years old dressed in pristine white clothing. Her eyes were closed, giving her an air of mystique.
?: Master Ava, I've arrived. (The girl said softly, her voice carrying a sense of serenity.)
Ava smiled warmly.
Ava: This is Echo. She's been wielding the Keyblade for the past three months and has already shown remarkable talent and potential.
Asukazen and Blizzard nodded, acknowledging Echo's presence.
Asukazen: I'm Asukazen. (Asukazen introduced himself first.)
Blizzard: And I'm Blizzard. (Blizzard followed suit.)
Echo still had her eyes closed but offered a polite greeting, her voice gentle and calm.
Echo: It's nice to meet both of you.
Ava explained.
Ava: Echo is an exceptional Keyblade wielder, and she'll be accompanying you on your mission. With her experience and your potential, I believe you can work together effectively.
Ava turned to Echo and began to explain.
Ava: I need you to assist them on their mission. We need to see if they can still fight the Heartless and collect lux in one of the Worlds. Their recovery has been remarkable, but they are still adjusting to their new bodies. You'll have to be their guiding light in this endeavor, and ensure their safety and success.
Echo finally spoke, her voice calm and reassuring.
Echo: I understand, Master. I'll do my best to guide them and support them in their mission.
Blizzard and Asukazen exchanged glances, acknowledging the truth in Ava's words. They weren't as strong as they used to be, and they needed all the help they could get. They were willing to cooperate with Echo, despite the initial reservations they had about her mysterious demeanor.
Echo then added.
Echo: I'll do my best to assist both of you.
Asukazen and Blizzard felt a strange sensation-like an overwhelming presence in their surroundings. Despite Echo's eyes being closed, her aura was powerful and intimidating. Both Asukazen and Blizzard instinctively recoiled backward, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation.
Asukazen: (in his mind) Why? Why does it feel like she... resisting the urge to kill us on the spot? i don't understand...
Echo, with her eyes still closed, tilted her head slightly in curiosity as if sensing their emotions.
Echo: There's no need to be afraid. (she reassured them with her gentle voice.) We will work together, and I will help guide you through this.
Though Echo's words were calming, both Asukazen and Blizzard couldn't help but feel a sense of unease around her. Even without using her Keyblade, her presence alone was formidable.
Asukazen clenched his fists, feeling a mix of emotions inside. He knew that he had no choice but to go on this mission and prove his worth, even if he had vowed to never use a Keyblade again. No one else seemed to know about his decision, and he intended to keep it that way.
Despite Echo's reassuring words, Asukazen's frustration and reluctance lingered, Blizzard couldn't shake off the anxiety that had settled in his heart. He knew that they had no other choice to go on a mission with Echo's guidance. The mission into the a Locked World was about to begin, and they had to find the strength to move forward, even in the face of uncertainty and fear.