Committed to a path
"So, do you think it might be done?" Aqua asked of Terra. The two of them were now in the tent they shared. Outside night had fallen on Avalon, and Aqua had been detailing her plan for Kairi's mark of mastery exam.
"I haven't ever tried, obviously. But I suppose it could be possible." Terra replied. "But Aqua, are you sure about this?"
"I think it would be an excellent test for both of you. You will get a chance to prove you truly can keep your darkness under control. And Kairi will get to face that very same darkness and show she won't falter before it." Aqua said.
"But the Guardian? By all thoughts and purposes that creature is my heartless form. The purest expression of the darkness in me. I summon it would mean a very deep draw from my heart. That could prove to be dangerous. In more ways than one." He said worriedly.
"I have every confidence you can maintain control. That's the point." She replied. "And I know I can convince Mickey and Yen Sid to allow this. Prove me right and you've shown you have what it takes to be a master. And they'll know it too."
"I'm sure Kairi will be able to handle it too. She proved that to me today. I've taught her well and I trust her to succeed." She added.
"And what about you?" He asked.
At first she didn't take his meaning. Then she turned serious, her shoulders slumping slightly. She looked down at the ground. "Don't worry about me. I'll be alright. Kairi will be there, with her light. And there will be several others who can make sure nothing bad happens. The day of the exam isn't about me. It's about her, and you. I'll take every precaution to make sure it stays that way."
He gave a contemplative hum, nodding. But his concerned expression remained as he cast his eyes down.
"You are allowed to say no you know." She said after observing him for a moment. And he looked up at her.
"If you don't think you can handle it or you think the risks to anyone involved are too great, you can tell me. Just say the word and I will think of something else. I'm sure there are other ways. I just thought this would be a good one." She added.
A lengthy pause as he considered. "It might make for a good test, yes. For both of us…" He pondered.
"Let's… let's sleep on this, ok? I'll know what to tell you in the morning." He then said.
Aqua nodded. "Okay. Alright. We'll talk about this again in the morning then."
She leaned in for a kiss. But before their lips could touch there was a sudden crackling and sputtering sound above them. Looking up they saw the air overhead was sparkling. This was followed by a puff of purple smoke and a letter slowly drifting down.
Terra caught it, examining it. "It's for you. From Master Yen Sid." He said then, handing the letter over to Aqua.
Several moments passed as Aqua read the letter. Afterwards she laid the letter down, her shoulders slumping.
"What is it?" Terra asked.
"It's finally happened. Yen Sid knows about my situation. He's asking to see me. As soon as possible." She explained.
A somber silence descended.
"You think Mickey told him?" Terra asked.
"Most likely. Though there is no shortage of people who know and could tell it onwards these days." She replied. "It doesn't really matter. What matters is that he knows now. At long last. And now I have to face the consequences."
"Are you alright?" He asked, having taken note of her expression.
"I don't know." She said, sighing and rubbing her eyes. "Damn. I thought I was ready for this. I mean… I knew this was only a matter of time at this point. I allowed it. I let Ven tell Mickey, knowing he would in turn tell Yen Sid. And I spoke with Mickey myself too. I knew this was going to happen. I made my peace with that. But now that I'm finally in the moment it's… it's…"
"It's different. More real." Terra finished for her. She nodded.
"…I suppose it's a good thing Kairi's training is nearly finished. For her sake I was prepared to pass the job to another if necessary. But I'm just as glad I didn't have to. Even if I'm not a master after this, at least I'll have that to my name. Something good I managed to do." She contemplated sadly.
"You don't seriously think he'd deprive you of the rank? Can he even?" Terra asked.
"I don't know. I have no idea what he might say or do. I don't know him well enough. But I do know there are those who would not look kindly on my situation. Master Eraqus probably would not have. And I… who I was from before my fall probably would not have." She replied.
"But he has been tolerant…" Terra tried.
"Of those that control their darkness. I have not. And I can't promise him that I will be able to. And how can I be considered a Master if I have no control? Even if he doesn't revoke the title, it has no worth if I don't prove it's equal." She countered.
Terra paused. "Then… maybe it's finally time you confronted this." He then suggested.
"Hm?" She looked at him in puzzlement.
"Like you said, you need control. And taming your darkness is the best way for you to get it. At this point it might be the only way." He explained.
"You said you needed time. And I've done what I can to give you that time. But I… I'm concerned, Aqua. I'm not certain how much time there might be if nothing changes. I think it has to be done. And I think the time has come." He added.
Aqua was silent, putting her hands on her chest, over her heart. It made sense. She listened to him and only heard reason. But when she turned to look inwards, the golden eyes of the Phantom met hers, and an all too familiar feel of cold fear washed over her. A knot in the pit of her stomach was pulled so tight she thought she might snap in two.
"It's for Kairi's sake as well. You said that what's left for her to learn is out there amongst the worlds. To find that she needs the freedom to go where she wants. You can't keep her chained to yourself forever." He continued.
"Just… promise me one thing. That once this is done and Kairi is a Master in her own right you'll make an attempt at this. No more excuses. No more running away from the inevitable. I'll be there to help as much as I'm able to. So will the others. But you must turn around and face this head on, yourself. It's killing you inch by inch not to. Will you? Please?" He implored.
"And if I fail? If I fall and become what I'm afraid of?" She asked quietly.
He paused, then raised a hand to stroke her back. "Then keep one thing in mind, no matter how dark it gets: That I love you, and I will be there to guide you back to the light. I fell once. That doesn't have to mean the end, so long as there is still a path to come back."
Aqua did not respond for a while.
"You… you have a point. As afraid as I am… waiting will just make it worse, won't it?" She finally said.
Terra nodded. "Most likely it will."
She nodded slowly, mostly to herself, trembling slightly. "Alright. You're right. I have to. I'm out of time. Once it's done with Kairi I'll… I'll face this, for better or worse."
"Thank you, Aqua. I understand how much of a leap of faith this is for you." He said.
Aqua looked down, clenching her fists, her knuckles white. "I hope I'm ready. I don't feel like it to be honest."
She turned her head to look at him. "But you'll help me?"
"In any way I can. With the Phantom. And with Yen Sid too. I'll come with you when you go see him. Just to remind him that your condition doesn't have to be then end of everything." He confirmed.
"Thank you. I mean it." She said.
"Though… with the Phantom… my heart is where I'll face her. Only so much you can do from the outside. And in the end I have to face her on my own or this won't count for anything." She added, wringing her hands.
"…At the moment I think that is something else to sleep on. Things will look brighter in the morning." Terra soothed her.
"Yeah… I suppose." She said. They both laid down, and soon enough they were both asleep.
In the Keyblade Graveyard Aced returned, followed shortly by Invi. They nodded to each other and proceeded to the cave. Ira was there, dutifully keeping watch over Gula, who looked to be still sulking.
"So, I take it there was no trouble on this end?" Aced asked.
"None to speak of, other than him continuing to be in a difficult mood." Ira confirmed. "You were right, Invi. He did not appear motivated to try anything drastic."
"All the same we should be cautious for a time longer." Aced said. "I can take over the next watch. You can go gather your share of the hearts."
"Very well." Ira replied.
"Ira, a moment before you depart?" Invi asked.
Ira nodded and the two of them left the cave. Aced watched them leave before turning his eyes to Gula.
"So… what did you wish to discuss?" Ira asked once they were outside.
"I can't stop thinking about the Black Box. And Luxu going after it." Invi explained.
"What of it? He seems to think he can get it back without much fuss. Do you believe he is mistaken about that?" He said.
She shook her head. "No. I don't doubt his talents. I think once he finds the box he will be able to retake it with great efficiency. He knows this opponent better than the rest of us. He would have asked for our help if he wasn't certain he can handle it."
"If we wait and let him do his work I have confidence the Box will be back in our care soon enough. But I am wondering if that is truly how this is meant to play out." She added.
Ira cocked his head. "What do you mean?"
"Tell me, did you ever take a moment to examine how the box is sealed? Well I have. Thirteen locks. Thirteen. What else is there that is meant to reach that number?" She asked in response.
Ira paused to consider her words. "So you believe the box is meant for the Guardians?"
"That is what I suspect. Why else would it be that number?" She said.
Ira stroked his chin. "I mean… it would make certain kind of sense. But Luxu certainly doesn't seem to think…"
"Luxu merely does what he believes is his duty. He safeguards the box because that is what the Master told him to do. And… to be frank I'm not even certain that is the entirety of his agenda. I find it rather curious that he sent members of the Organization to hunt for the box even though he clearly knew where it was all along."
"I'll admit that part never made much sense to me either. So you're suggesting he did it for… what exactly?" He wondered.
"Perhaps to spread awareness of the Box and that it's worth searching for. It's speculation of course, but it fits my theory." She said.
Ira nodded, intrigued. "And by acting as he did he would have avoided giving the impression that he wants the Guardians to find the Box. Impressively subtle if it were true."
"But even if it is true, then what? What do you want to do with this information? Obviously you're contemplating something right now." He added.
"The thing is… I'm not entirely sure the Guardians have taken the hint about this. The whole time we've been here to our knowledge they haven't made any attempts to locate the box or get it for themselves." Invi said.
"…And so?" Ira asked.
"So… maybe it would be reasonable for someone to go and clue the Guardians in. Just to reiterate the Box is important. And perhaps to let its current position slip, so they can do what they want with the information." She explained.
"You… would want to have a talk with the Guardians? Would that be wise? They have every reason to expect the worst from us. They might be rather hostile to any attempt to approach them. And for that matter would they believe any information you give them?" He said.
"It could certainly turn out ugly if I just pick a random Guardian to talk to. But I have someone I can approach safely. I'm reasonably certain Elrena won't attack me on sight. And she will listen if I tell her about the Box. Though even with her I can't be certain she'll choose to act on the information. I'll trust her judgement."
"I… had in fact been wondering if I should go talk to her in any case. There are things I need to say to her. Answers… and farewells. I owe her both. And I need to be certain she understands, so her resolve won't waver." She admitted.
"I see. Even then… are you sure this is a good idea? Does this not carry the risk of upsetting the Master's plan?" He asked.
"Which is why I wanted to talk with you about this first. I thought it best to reflect on this with someone before taking action. And to let someone know what I'm planning, to avoid any nasty surprises. I fully intend to answer for any consequences that might arise from this." She replied.
"That said… some time ago Luxu told me that I should let my heart be my guiding key. That I should act as I feel is right. There is a risk that doing this would disrupt his plans. But on the other hand the exact same thing might be true if I do nothing. And for all I know this is exactly what he wants me to do." She added.
Ira considered. "…It's true enough. Like I told Aced a while back it may be impossible to contradict the Master's plan. Because he has seen the future. He knows the variables, and has accounted for them. Therefore any action we choose to take may already be a part of his planned destiny. Perhaps you're right then. Perhaps the only thing to do is as what our hearts tell us to."
"Is this what you believe is the right thing to do?" He asked.
"I do." She said.
"Then it sounds like you've already made up your mind." He said.
"It's just talking you'll do?" He asked.
"Yeah. I don't plan on doing anything else. And if she doesn't want to listen I'll come back straight away." She confirmed.
"Go then, with my blessing. And thank you for asking for my opinion." He said.
She nodded. "If Luxu comes back and wonders where I am, you can tell him I went to see Elrena. He knows I was considering it. But I don't think he needs to know the rest of this yet."
"Understood." Ira said. "You should leave quickly then. Only so long before Luxu locates the Box and reclaims it. If he hasn't already."
"Yes. Alright, I'll get underway. Meanwhile you should continue as usual and get us more light." Invi said, and departed. Ira nodded to himself and went back to work as well.
Sitting on the ground Gula looked at Aced pacing back and forth in the cave. He seemed nervous. Gula wondered what about. Not him certainly. He noticed Aced glanced several times towards the entrance of the cave. Like he was concerned about the others coming back.
"I notice you haven't processed your captured hearts into light yet." Gula pointed out after some time watching.
Aced slowed down, no longer pacing. He took a deep breath.
"No. I have not. And in fact… I have no intention to." He said. He then reached for the collection device at his hip and opened it. The hearts he had harvested poured out and drifted up towards the ceiling, passing through the stone and out of their sight.
Gula watched the scene with quiet curiosity. "All those hearts. All the trouble you must have gone through to collect them. And now you just let them go. I thought you looked like you were up to something. And I see I was correct. So what are you up to?"
"I have done some thinking." Aced admitted. "A great many hearts are being sacrificed to preserve us. A lot of people are being sacrificed. All in an effort to sustain us. Us who are already destined for the executioner's block. Destined by a man who used us, deceived us and betrayed us."
"You have adamantly refused to take part in gathering these hearts from the beginning. I assume that means you understand that this is wrong." He added.
"…Well you're right about that." Gula admitted after a pause. "No part of me ever wanted to participate in this. It makes me sick to even think about what we're doing here."
"But on the other hand I understand the reverse. Without light we will lose ourselves. Just like I almost did. And as angry as I am at the Master and his plans… I'm not sure I'm willing to destroy everything just to spite him. I'm not certain we have any other choice. Invi has tried, but obviously she hasn't found anything, or she would have told us." He continued.
"But that is just it. I think there might be another solution. Something Invi has overlooked." Aced replied.
Gula frowned. "Speak plainly Aced. What are you planning?"
"We know that light can counteract the power of these shadows. But the hearts we use have very little. No surprise, since these are hearts that already fell to darkness once. This darkness is too potent for such small amounts of light, meaning we need ever more to replace what it consumes. And it all only slows the enemy down. But if we had a source of light that was the equal of these Darknesses, perhaps we might achieve more. A proper light might be too much for these Shadows to consume. With something like that we could contain them for good." Aced explained.
"But where do you plan to find a source of light potent enough to…" Gula started. Then he understood. "The Princesses of Heart. You're thinking of targeting the Princesses of Heart."
"And claim the light of their hearts for our use. There are seven of them, and seven of us. So enough for all of us. And with them we will have all the light we could ever need. And after that there won't be a need to sacrifice anyone, including ourselves. It calls for a, sacrifice, yes. But far fewer hearts than the multitudes we have been going through so far. Surely my way is better? The lesser of two evils." Aced detailed.
"It could end up being a lot worse. You do remember that these hearts keep these worlds from falling to darkness. If you're mistaken about these hearts being able to survive the Darknesses this plan could lead to a disaster." Gula pointed out.
"I do not believe that is how it would happen. These hearts of Dark and Light have already coexisted, and so far the Princesses of Heart have been holding the Darkness back. I don't see what difference proximity would make in that equation. Or what vessel those hearts are made to occupy. I'm willing to take a calculated risk here." Aced argued.
"Even if you are willing to, the others won't stand for it. They'd think the risks too great. They'd much rather follow the Master's plan and sacrifice themselves. Because they believe it's the safer, surer option." Gula said.
"Yes. So certain are they that they understand the Master's intentions. So sure that he is a benevolent actor in the end." He agreed. "Something I'm far less certain of these days. I can't shake the feeling he is leading us into another trap. Another grim future. And this time perhaps for good. All the more reason then to take action while we still can."
"They're to blindly loyal to choose another path. They might stick to it even after I've proven my solution works. And this is why I don't plan to leave them the option of following the Master's plan. I will start with the Princess that is with the Guardians. Her heart will be my proof of concept. And if the Guardians set themselves against me I'll wipe them out."
"That's a very drastic step. Wiping out the Guardians will deprive us of any fallback options. We'd be putting all our eggs in your basket." Gula commented.
"If they can't stop me even in such dire straits, how are they to do it when the time comes? So I'll put then to the test. If they fail again, it will show they were never meant to defeat us, and expose the Master's lies." Aced argued.
"And I suppose you'd like me to help you? Why else would you be speaking to me about this?" Gula stated.
"The Guardians have disappointed me to be sure. One more reason I don't trust the Master's plan. I don't believe they are up to the task. But they are quite numerous even so. I can be more certain of the outcome if I have an ally. And seeing as you're as unhappy as I am with what we're doing right now, I thought you were the most likely one to see reason."
"And you truly intend to rebel against the Master? Because let's not kid ourselves, that's exactly what this is." Gula asked.
"I have done so before, when I thought it necessary to take steps to protect the world. That time I was fooled, but it should tell you something about my resolve. And I recall you attempting to summon Kingdom Hearts in order to force the Master to return. One of his most important rules, and you broke it when you thought it necessary. I think we both know what it is to revolt when the situation calls for it. And I firmly believe this is one such occasion." Aced responded.
"Consider what this could mean. If we succeed in this and stabilize our condition for good, you'll have all the time you need to locate Ava. And you'll have the means to save her as well, for the price of only one heart, instead of the multitudes we have been sacrificing."
Gula hummed, considering…
"…I do understand that things have been rather difficult between us since the Keyblade War. We both said regrettable things, did things we should not have. Threw accusations at each other in our desperation. I'd like to set all that aside. Help me with this, and we'll leave that behind us for good." Aced continued.
"I do remember you saying you'd never again consider me your comrade." Gula said.
"Aye. I did say that. But now I'd ask for your forgiveness, and would stand ready to forgive you as well. Join me, and you'll stand at my side as my friend and brother. And once this is done I'll do everything in my power to help you find Ava." Aced said.
Neither of them took note of the wispy shadows lingering around them, how the cave looked considerably darker than before.
"It's true I have no particular love for the Master's plan. And you've got a point: How do we know he has not deceived us again? And finding Ava once more… that would be worth almost every price to me." Gula contemplated.
"Very well. Grant me one more thing, and you've got yourself an ally."
"Name it." Aced said.
"Among the Guardians there are two who are of interest to me. A lad with pink hair, and a lass who styles her hair with antennae. They destroyed the mirror that could have led me to Ava. And they'll pay for it, through my hand alone. Swear that you'll leave them to me." Gula said.
Aced nodded. "Then they are yours. If you wish to strike them down I won't stand in your way. I swear it."
"Good. Then we should leave at once. As soon as they notice that I've gone they'll come looking for us. And they can use our hearts to track us. Best we be done with this before they suspect anything." Gula said.
Aced briefly went to the entrance to make sure that the others had left, then came back.
"Let's go." He said.
Gula stood up and followed him outside. Right outside his light vials slipped from his hand, falling onto the sand right at the mouth of the cave. Without looking back he walked away, following Aced.