As the morning sunlight filtered through the window, Blizzard and Asukazen woke up feeling oddly refreshed, the weight of their previous headaches lifted from their minds. They exchanged curious glances, both sensing a strange feeling that they couldn't quite put into words. A faint smile unconsciously crept onto their faces, a rarity for both of them in this new reality.
Asukazen noticed the faint smile on his face, which surprised him. He quickly erased it, not wanting to show any vulnerability in front of Blizzard and the Dream Eaters. He tried to maintain his composure, though the lingering feeling of contentment remained.
Blizzard also felt a sense of calm and contentment, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why he felt that way. The two Chirithy, sitting near the window, observed them silently, their eyes fixed on Blizzard and Asukazen. They seemed to know something that the two boys didn't, but they didn't offer any explanations.
Blizzard rubbed his eyes and yawned, feeling surprisingly refreshed.
Blizzard: Did you both did something to us last night? (he asked both Chirithy sitting next to him)
The Chirithy of Blizzard, with a playful glint in its eyes, simply tilted its large rounded head in response, not saying a word.
Asukazen frowned, feeling a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
Asukazen: Why are you both staring at us like that? (He asked the Chirithys)
The Chirithy of Asukazen, spoke up first, saying in a hesitant voice.
[A] Chirithy: We're not sure. We were with you both through the night, but we did not intervene or do anything to cause this change in your demeanor.
Blizzard's Chirithy nodded in agreement.
[B] Chirithy: We simply observed and stayed by your side.
Asukazen and Blizzard exchanged another glance, the feeling of bliss and comfort still lingering within them. They could not explain why they felt this way, but they sensed that it had something to do with the Chirithy's presence.
Asukazen, still reserved, decided not to question it further for now. He didn't want to reveal too much of his emotions or thoughts to the Chirithy, so he simply nodded and said.
Asukazen: Well. If you did not do anything, then I suppose it's just a strange coincidence.
Blizzard, feeling more open to the companionship of his Chirithy, smiled faintly and said.
Blizzard: Yeah, maybe it's just one of those unexplainable things. Either way, I'm feeling better now.
As Blizzard and Asukazen were still pondering the strange change in their emotions, the two Chirithy, sitting on the window ledge, exchanged a knowing glance with each other. Their blue eyes seemed to glisten with satisfaction, their plan having worked without the two humans realizing it.
The Chirithy's then glanced at each other, It was as if they had communicated silently, sharing a connection unique to Dream Eaters. The exchange between the Chirithy's was quick, and they returned their attention to Blizzard and Asukazen, who were still trying to comprehend the unexplained feelings of gratitude that had washed over them.
Unbeknownst to the two humans, the Chirithy's had devoured their bad dreams, easing their suffering and anxiety, and in return, it seemed to have created an unspoken bond of gratitude between them. The Dream Eaters were content with their actions, knowing that they had provided comfort to Blizzard and Asukazen in a way that they could not comprehend.
Asukazen pushed aside the strange feeling he had earlier and focused on his goal to improve his new body. He suddenly got on the floor and gestured for Blizzard to join him. As the two of them assumed the push-up position, Asukazen placed his left arm behind his back, using only his right arm to do the push-ups. It was evident that he wanted to strengthen his body and improve his physical abilities in this new shell.
Blizzard followed Asukazen's lead, and the two of them began their push-up exercises.
The Dream Eaters watched as Asukazen and Blizzard began their exercise routine. They communicated silently through glances and gestures, unsure of why their humans were suddenly so focused on physical improvement. To the Chirithys, who were unaware of the truth behind Blizzard and Asukazen's origins, the behavior seemed puzzling.
[A] Chirithy tilted its large rounded head, and then looked at [B] Chirithy, as if trying to make sense of the situation.
[A] Chirithy: What do you think they are doing?
[B] Chirithy: I'm not sure. It seems like they're trying to improve their muscle or something.
[A] Chirithy: But why would they do that? Foreteller Ava told said they needed to recover, not strain themselves.
[B] Chirithy: I don't know. Maybe they're not used to their new bodies yet and are trying to get stronger.
[A] Chirithy: Hmm, maybe. But they should be careful. They're still recovering, and pushing themselves too hard might not be good for them.
They continued to watch Asukazen and Blizzard, still unsure about the reasoning behind their actions. They were dedicated to supporting their wielders, but they didn't fully understand why their wielders were choosing to engage in this particular form of training.
Meanwhile, Asukazen continued with the push-ups, his stubbornness evident in his expression. He had decided to focus on improving his magic skills to avoid using his Keyblades, and this was one step towards that goal. As he pushed himself up and down, he could feel the strain in his muscles.
Asukazen: (in his mind) No way!I won't touch those Keyblades again! They're a reminder of my past failures, and I won't be trapped by them anymore. I'll master magic, and that will be my strength. I won't let myself be consumed by darkness or my past mistakes. I'll prove to myself that I can survive without them, no matter the cost! I'll show everyone, even myself, that I can be powerful without it!
His stubbornness drove him to push harder, to master magic, and to become strong enough that he wouldn't need to rely on the Keyblade's power ever again. In his mind, the Keyblades represented weakness and defeat, and he was more than willing to break free from that cycle.
2 Minutes Later.
Asukazen's stubbornness pushed him beyond his limits, and as he continued the strenuous exercise, his body couldn't bear the strain. His bones began to ache and then finally gave way, and he cried out in pain.
Asukazen: Ahh! Dammit! (Asukazen gritted his teeth, trying to suppress the pain, but it was too much to bear.)
Blizzard's eyes widened in concern as he saw Asukazen's agony. He wanted to say something, to tell Asukazen to stop, but he knew him too well.
Finally, Asukazen's body gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, breathing heavily. Tears welled up in his eyes, not just from the physical pain, but from the emotional weight he carried within himself.
[A] Chirithy hurriedly jumped down from the window, concern evident in his voice and hesitation in his words.
[A] Chirithy: Hey! You shouldn't be that reckless, Asukazen. You and Blizzard haven't fully recovered yet!
Asukazen lay on the floor, gasping for breath, his body aching and bones feeling as if they were breaking. He was not accustomed to this new Shell, unlike Blizzard, and his overexertion had taken a toll on him. But Asukazen remained silent, not responding to Chirithy A's words.
Blizzard glanced at Asukazen with worry, but he too chose to stay quiet, understanding that Asukazen was struggling with his inner demons.
[A] Chirithy looked between Asukazen and Blizzard, still concerned, but uncertain about what to do.
[A] Chirithy: I... I (He murmured softly, feeling a sense of helplessness.)
Chirithy B, who had been watching silently from the side, finally spoke up, his voice playful but tinged with concern.
[B] Chirithy: Yeah! You two need to take it easy! You're still recovering, after all. No need to overdo it!
Chirithy A, concerned about Asukazen, glanced back at him, then at Blizzard.
[A] Chirithy: He's right. You shouldn't push yourselves too hard.
Asukazen clenched his teeth, trying to hold back his emotions. He felt a mix of frustration and embarrassment at his own recklessness, but he refused to show any vulnerability. Instead, he turned away from Chirithy A's concerned gaze, avoiding eye contact. Then, Asukazen calmly sat on the floor, his eyes closed, trying to steady his breathing and endure the pain that radiated from his bones. Despite the discomfort, he refused to show any sign of weakness. The pain was a reminder to him of his will to improve and find an alternative to using a Keyblade.
Blizzard looked at Asukazen with concern,
Blizzard: Hold on, I'll try to heal you. (Blizzard said in a calm tone.)
Asukazen nodded slightly, allowing Blizzard to cast the Healing Magic on him.
Blizzard: Heal!
The magic forcefully reformed and repositioned his bones, causing another wave of pain to surge through his body. He gritted his teeth, trying to bear it as best as he could.
After the Healing Magic was completed, Asukazen let out a sigh and said.
Asukazen: Sorry. (His apology was directed towards the two concerned Chirithy's, who were doing their best to help despite not fully understanding the situation.)
Asukazen remained silent after that, lost in his own thoughts. He knew he had to find a different approach to training that wouldn't cause him such pain and risk further injuries. He didn't want to be a burden to anyone, especially not to Blizzard or the Chirithy, who had shown such concern for him.
The two Chirithys exchanged glances, their concern for their wielders growing. They couldn't understand why 12-year-olds like Blizzard and Asukazen were carrying such heavy burdens and trauma. Nevertheless, they were here to support them as much as they could, even if they didn't fully grasp the reasons behind their actions. The Dream Eaters then stared at each other, their blue eyes meeting in a silent exchange of thoughts and ideas. They both knew that consuming the bad dreams of Blizzard and Asukazen had not been as fulfilling as they expected. While the nightmares had a familiar flavor, it felt incomplete, as if the true depths of Blizzard's and Asukazen's past were hidden deep within them, concealed like an abyss, buried deep within their subconscious minds.
[A] Chirithy tilted his large rounded head in confusion, trying to make sense of the situation. He wondered if there was a way to reach the root of Blizzard's and Asukazen's traumas, to help them find healing and peace. But he also knew that it wouldn't be an easy task, and it might take them years to uncover the true extent of their pain.
Meanwhile, [B] Chirithy had a similar thought, his blue eyes filled with curiosity and determination. He knew that consuming the bad dreams every night might be a slow process, but he couldn't help feeling that it could lead to something significant. He was willing to support Blizzard in any way he could, even if it meant delving deeper into the depths of his nightmares.
Nonetheless, they couldn't deny the satisfaction they felt from consuming the bad dreams. It wasn't just about the taste. It was the thrill of discovery and the desire to help their humans find peace and healing. So, they kept their secret intentions hidden.
Asukazen and Blizzard took some time to rest in their room, allowing their bodies to recover from the strain of the training. As they lay on their beds, they couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Asukazen was frustrated with his own limitations and the painful experience he had just gone through. Meanwhile, Blizzard was more contemplative, his mind still processing the revelation about William and the betrayal he had once experienced.
[A] Chirithy and [B] Chirithy, sat nearby, observing. They knew that Asukazen and Blizzard were still recovering, and they didn't want them to push themselves too hard. But they also understood the importance of their daily mission to collect Lux, so they waited patiently.
Asukazen sat in his room, true to his reserved nature, avoided making direct eye contact with [A] Chirithy. The Dream Eater was puzzled by this behavior, not fully understanding why Asukazen seemed distant and guarded. Maybe, he thought to himself. He would have the chance to learn more about Asukazen during their next mission.
In the meantime [B] Chirithy watched over Blizzard with a sense of concern and curiosity. He wondered about Blizzard's dreams and fears, eager to help him confront and overcome any inner struggles he might be facing.
Blizzard, on the other hand, remained silent, lost in his own thoughts. He was more open to the idea of going on the mission, curious about what new experiences awaited them in this unfamiliar world.
As Blizzard and Asukazen stepped out of the resting building, they were greeted by the warm sunlight and the bustling activity of the town. They walked side by side, their companions following close behind. The town was filled with other children who were also Keyblade Wielders, some practicing their skills and others engaging in friendly conversations.
As they made their way towards the outskirts of the town, the number of wielders decreased, and the surroundings became quieter. The peaceful atmosphere allowed Blizzard and Asukazen to take a moment to collect their thoughts.
Asukazen, on the other hand, remained reserved, deep in his own thoughts and trying to maintain a sense of detachment. The memories of his past and the burden he carried were still fresh, and he needed time to come to terms with his new reality.
As they reached the outskirts of the town, they saw a few other children practicing their Keyblade skills. Echo was waiting for them, her eyes still closed as usual. Asukazen couldn't help but be curious about Echo's unique ability to 'see' without opening her eyes, but he refrained from asking, keeping his distance and maintaining his demeanor.
Echo greeted them with a smile, her voice calm and reassuring.
Echo: Good morning, Blizzard, Asukazen. I trust you both had a restful night.
Then, her eyes fell upon the Chirithys behind Blizzard and Asukazen, and she asked if they had figured out the voices in their heads.
Blizzard responded.
Blizzard: Yes, Foreteller Ava introduced them to us. They are our new companions.
Echo nodded in understanding,
Echo: I see. They must be a great help on your journey then. Remember, you can rely on them for support and guidance.
With that, they set off on their mission to collect Lux once more, Echo leading the way. Both Chirithy stayed close to Blizzard and Asukazen, watching over them with curiosity.
As they entered the strange forest, Echo, Blizzard, and Asukazen prepared for their mission to defeat Heartless and collect Lux. Asukazen checked his hands, and closed his eyes, concentrating on channeling his energy. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions and clear his mind. Slowly, a faint glow of energy appeared on his palms, indicating the presence of magic.
He attempted to summon a fireball, but the effort was still a struggle. The fireball that materialized in his hand was small and weak. Asukazen frowned, frustrated with his progress, but he knew that this was only the beginning.
Asukazen: It's not as strong as I'd like, but it's a start. (Asukazen said, trying to hide his frustration at the weakness of his magic.)
Echo, standing a little distance away, watched over them, her eyes still closed but aware of their actions. She knew that this was a crucial part of their training and recovery, and she would let them face it on their own, intervening only if they were in real danger.
As the group ventured further into the forest, they could feel the presence of Heartless nearby. Asukazen took a deep breath, preparing himself to face the enemies.
The Heartless emerged from the shadows, their glowing yellow eyes locking onto the group. There were ten of them, weaker ones, but still a challenge for Blizzard and Asukazen.
Asukazen took a deep breath, focusing his energy to cast his fire spell. He managed to launch a small fireball at one of the Heartless, weakening it. But he quickly felt the strain on his body from using magic, and he knew he couldn't keep this up for long.
Blizzard swung his heavy Keyblade at another Heartless, but the weight of the weapon made it difficult to aim accurately. He managed to hit one, but it didn't go down. He grunted in frustration, feeling the weight of the Keyblade taking a toll on his body.
Asukazen and Blizzard continued to fight, pushing themselves to their limits. It was a tough battle, but they managed to defeat the remaining Heartless eventually. However, they were both exhausted, their bodies aching from the effort.
As they caught their breath, Echo finally approached them, her eyes still closed.
Echo: Well done. You handled that better than I expected for your first time. It's true that it was just ten Heartless, but you managed to defeat them without passing out from exhaustion. That's a good sign of progress.
Asukazen was gasping for breath, having used multiple fire spells to help in the battle. He tried to nod in acknowledgment, but the strain on his body was evident. Echo still believed in his condition, thinking that some underlying disease or condition prevented him from summoning his Keyblade.
[A] Chirithy, looked at Asukazen with doubt, sensing no sickness or any physical condition that would explain his supposed inability to summon the Keyblade.
[A] Chirithy: Why would he lie about something like this? I don't understand. Asukazen seems physically fine. There's no indication of any condition preventing him from using his Keyblade.
[B] Chirithy looked at Asukazen with a hint of embarrassment, recalling the events from the previous week.
[B] Chirithy: I remember! ( he said in hushed tone.) He was really upset about his Keyblade. I felt kind of embarrassed for him. I mean, Blizzard, can use his Keyblade just fine, and Asukazen...
[A] Chirithy: I can't believe I had to hear him lamenting about not using a Keyblade ever again. It's so embarrassing!
[B] Chirithy nodded in agreement.
[B] Chirithy: Yeah, Blizzard, seems to have no trouble. He's embracing his role as a Keyblade Wielder wholeheartedly.
[A] Chirithy sighed in agreement.
[A] Chirithy: I know, right? My wielder does look cool, but he's dealing with so much self-guilt and hesitation. He's supposed to be stronger than that, according to our creator.
Blizzard, too, was catching his breath, though he managed to hide his exhaustion better than Asukazen. He glanced over at his Chirithy, who gave him a worried look. Blizzard tried to reassure his companion with a small smile, not wanting him to be concerned.
Echo then continued.
Echo: You both still have a lot to learn and improve, but I believe in your potential. With time and practice, you'll be able to summon your Keyblades effortlessly, Asukazen. And Blizzard, you'll grow stronger and more skilled with that heavy Keyblade of yours.
Asukazen finally looked up at Echo, nodding silently in response. He knew he couldn't keep up the lies forever, but for now, he had to focus on improving himself and proving his worth as a Keyblade Wielder. And if he could do that without using his Keyblade, he was willing to try.
Echo continued.
Echo: Master Ava is the Leader of the Vulpes Union, and she's an incredibly skilled and wise Keyblade Master. Under her guidance, the Vulpes Union has achieved great success in the past, and she'll be a valuable mentor to both of you.
Asukazen's face grew serious as he asked his question.
Asukazen: What if Blizzard and I decide to join different Unions?
Echo took a moment to consider the question before responding.
Echo: If you both choose to join different Unions, you would be assigned to different districts within the town. Each district is like a separate community, with its own unique atmosphere and culture. It's a way to organize the Keyblade Wielders and ensure they work cohesively.
Asukazen nodded, processing the information.
Asukazen: So, we might be separated in different parts of the town. But can we still meet each other off-work?
Echo smiled reassuringly.
Echo: Of course! While the town is vast, there are still opportunities to meet outside of your duties. The Unions encourages camaraderie and friendship between its members. You might need to make a bit of an effort to find each other, but it's definitely possible.
Asukazen listened carefully, but he couldn't help feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size of the town. Eva chimed in, elaborating on the reasoning behind the districts.
Echo: The districts allow the Unions to efficiently manage their members and resources. It also helps in fostering a sense of unity and friendly competition between the districts. Each district has its own unique challenges and missions, which can be quite exciting.
Asukazen's mind drifted back to that fateful day when they were trapped in the Crystalbound state, their bodies wracked with pain. Through the haze of agony, he recalled seeing a figure in a blue cloak wearing an unmistakable unicorn mask. The man exuded an aura of strength and power, and Asukazen couldn't help but be drawn to that presence.
His mind raced with conflicting thoughts. He knew he wanted to become stronger as quickly as possible, but he couldn't help feeling torn about the idea of joining a Union just based on the strength of its leader.
In the end, Asukazen knew he had to prioritize his own growth and survival. He couldn't let sentimentality get in the way of becoming stronger. With a resolute expression, he decided that he would join the Union with the strongest-looking leader, regardless of whether Blizzard was there or not.
Blizzard, on the other hand, seemed more interested in joining the Vulpes Union out of gratitude for Master Ava's watchful eye during their recovery.
He then noticed the serious expression on Asukazen's face and nudged him gently, bringing him back to the present.
Blizzard: What's on your mind? (Blizzard asked.)
Asukazen hesitated for a moment before answering.
Asukazen: I was just thinking about that man in the unicorn mask we saw when we were trapped in our Crystalbound state. He seemed incredibly strong, and I can't help but wonder if joining the Unicornis Union might give me the chance to learn from someone like him.
Blizzard: I'm not surprised by your typical choice. (Blizzard remarked, knowing Asukazen well enough to predict his decision.)
Asukazen shrugged, trying to hide the small hint of embarrassment creeping up on him.
Asukazen: We don't have a choice but to join the Unions, we might as well make the choice that seems best for us.
Asukazen's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions as he considered his decision. Without much thought, he suddenly slammed his closed hand onto his open palm, his eyes widening with what seemed like excitement. His sudden excitement was palpable, and both Echo and the Chirithy's were taken aback by his uncharacteristic burst of energy.
Asukazen: It's definitely the way! (Asukazen exclaimed, his voice unusually assertive.) I'll join the Union with the strongest-looking leader. It's the best decision!