Judgement and plans

Aqua, Terra, Ventus and Kairi appeared before Yen Sid's tower. Aqua looked up at the top of the tower glumly, looking every inch like a prisoner being escorted to hear her sentencing. Terra put a hand on her shoulder to reassure her. The four then turned to see Lauriam and Elrena arriving right behind them.

"You know, just out of curiosity, why did you two want to come with us?" Terra asked them.

"Same as the rest of you. We figured Blue could use all the support she can get right now. Sounds like she might be in for a rough day… again." Elrena explained. She and Aqua exchanged nods.

"And we have some errands of our own to run along the way. One of them is here. Thanks to Kairi we now know Strelitzia is in Quadratum. But we will need Yen Sid's help to get to her. So we came to ask for his assistance." Lauriam added.

"Fair enough. But let's get other stuff out of the way first, alright?" Terra said.

"Of course." Lauriam said, nodding.

"Then let's get this done." Aqua said with determination and headed inside.

To Aqua the walk up the stairs felt very long indeed. At the top she found Mickey standing right next to the door, his head bowed.

"Aqua, hi…" He greeted, sounding ashamed of himself. "I… I'm sorry, but… I had to…"

"I know. Kind of figured it was you." She said quietly.

"Mickey… it's alright. This has been a long time coming, and you did your duty. It was the right thing to do. So don't blame yourself for this." She added.

"Okay. I hope everything goes alright with him." Mickey said, looking a bit brighter.

"Yeah. We'll see." She said, and stepped past him.

She walked through the door and into Yen Sid's office. He was already there waiting, sitting behind his desk as usual. She went to stand before him, the others filing in after her, gathering around her.

"Master Aqua, here you are." He greeted. "And I see you brought Kairi. Good. This does concern her as well."

His eyes lingered on the others. "Quite a bit larger gathering than I had expected. But very well."

"If you wish to discuss this matter in private the others can wait outside." He offered.

"There's no need for that. They already know. And I'd rather they remain." Aqua replied.

"Alright then." Yen Sid said.

"So, Mickey tells me you've been having trouble with your heart? Lingering effects from your stay in the Realm of Darkness? This… Phantom that torments you?" He asked.

"I… yes. I have had such trouble." Aqua admitted. "I've been trying to get better. But so far it hasn't worked."

"I'll have you know I'm not angry at you because of this. But I am very disappointed." He said.

Aqua bowed her head. "I understand…"

"I'm afraid you do not." Yen Sid said, and her shoulders slumped further.

"I'm not disappointed because you have faltered in managing your Hearts darkness. I'm disappointed because I did not catch any of this before. I'm disappointed that before now it did not occur to me to consider the possibility of you having lingering effects from your stay in the darkness, despite the great length of time you spent there. I'm disappointed that you felt you could not come to me with this, even though we have many examples of those who've struggled with their darkness alone." He continued. As he spoke she looked on in astonishment, while the protests the others had been about to voice died in their throats.

"More than anything I'm disappointed that I failed to find you for so long after you went missing. And that I failed again to devise the means to save you sooner than I did. For that I am truly sorry." He concluded.

"T… thank you." Aqua stammered.

Yen Sid nodded. "Even so your health is a significant concern. One that could have drastic consequences beyond yourself. But I understand the situation is under control at the moment?"

"It is, largely thanks to Kairi. Her light helps. And we have been working on finding a more permanent solution to Aqua, though it has taken some time." Terra explained.

"This solution being?" Yen Sid asked.

"Naminé believes that if she can be taught to control her darkness it might solve this problem. As it has done with me and Riku." Terra said.

Yen Sid nodded to himself, stroking his beard, deep in thought. "Of all the possibilities before us that is the one that offers the most hope. It is a difficult journey though, especially in this situation."

"Aqua, do you approve of this solution? Are you committed to it?" He asked.

"I think it's my best shot. Controlling darkness… I'm not particularly fond of the idea. But I've tried every other trick I can think of. Nothing else has really worked. So I can see…" She paused, glancing at Terra. "… I can see why this needs to happen." She finished.

"…Then let's hope understanding the necessity is enough to find success." Yen Sid said, continuing to stroke his beard. "I'm certain I don't need to tell any of you that darkness in any form is no joking matter. Be on your guard."

There was a chorus of nods.

Yen Sid sighed. "While it pains me to bring the matter up, I believe there is one concern that ought to be settled here and now."

"Kairi, until Aqua has solved this particular conundrum it might be for the best to have you complete your training under another Master. Which of ours would you prefer?" He asked.

Kairi shook her head. "Just the one. Aqua is my Master. I don't need a replacement."

Yen Sid nodded, a slight smile on his lips. "I understand how you feel. And it is heartwarming to see such loyalty from a pupil to their mentor. But I firmly believe that Aqua needs to focus on her problem first. So I ask you to make a second pick, at least until this is resolved. Not just for her sake, but yours as well…"

"Master Yen Sid, with respect…" Aqua interjected. "I don't believe she is going to be needing me or any other Master besides. I believe she is ready to be to be tested for the Mark of Mastery."

There was a lengthy, surprised pause. "The Mark of Mastery? Already?" Yen Sid asked.

Aqua nodded. "We've put the time spent in Avalon to good use. She's learned well. And now I think it's time."

"And you are certain you're not… rushing this? Given your circumstances?" He asked.

"She, Terra and I put Kairi to the test just yesterday. She held out well. I think she's ready for this." Ven supplied.

"And if anything the Mark of Mastery exam will be the final proof that Kairi has what it takes. We should trust Aqua when she says Kairi should be allowed to try. She trained her after all." Terra added.

"She knows as much as I did when I first set out. And almost certainly she knows more now than Sora and Riku did when they first began their journeys. She deserves this opportunity." Aqua said, giving Kairi a reassuring look.

"What's more these are trying times. We are going to need strength on our side. And letting her earn the privilege and confidence of the rank will certainly be a step in the right direction." She continued.

"In fact, it would be so for two of us." Aqua added.

"Two?" Yen Sid asked.

Aqua nodded. "I've spoken with Terra, and he would want to retry the exam as well. In fact I had in mind a role for him in testing Kairi. Something I think he would be ideally suited for. If you have the time for it I'd like to discuss that idea with you in more detail."

Lauriam and Elrena exchanged looks.

"Before you lot get all carried away with the planning there is something we'd like to ask first. Shouldn't take long." Elrena said then.

There was a pause, after which Yen Sid nodded. "Very well. What can we help you two with?"

"We've made some progress in locating my sister. Now we would like your help in getting to her. We consulted a magical mirror in the Dwarf Woodlands, and after a chat with Kairi we now believe Strelitzia is in Quadratum. And Kairi also told us of how the Fairy Godmother helped them find a special heart in the Final World that allowed Riku to go there. We'd ask you to contact her, so we can follow in Riku's footsteps." Lauriam detailed.

"…You would wish to go Quadratum yourselves?" Yen Sid contemplated. "That request could be… problematic. We have not received word from Riku since his departure. We still have no idea what awaits us there, what sort of a world we are dealing with. Were you to go there… there is nothing I can guarantee. And the situation on our side meanwhile…"

"Trying to find her was the reason we sought you lot out in the first place. The reason we are in this age at all. So don't deny us now. This is our risk to take." Elrena countered.

"Please, sir. Finding her has been my focus for so long. Now we might finally be in a position where we can achieve it. I understand that he timing of this might not be… opportune. I'm willing to stay for a while longer, to help make sure things won't get out of control in our absence. I do intend to return with her once I've found her, so that much is in our own interests. But I would ask that you help us get things ready. And that when we choose to go you won't stop us." Lauriam said.

Yen Sid sighed, tapping his table in contemplation. "I would certainly find it regrettable if you chose to leave us. Your skills will more than likely be needed. And we may not have much warning before we do. But… I do understand your point of view."

"Very well. I will seek to contact her, to see what can be done about your request. And I merely hope that when you go you will return swiftly and safely."

"Of course. That goes without saying. But on the other hand if this works we will be returning many more keyblade wielders back into the fold. If at all possible we will be looking to find Sora and Riku as well." Lauriam said.

Kairi glanced at Lauriam, then stepped forward. "On that note… when they leave, I'd like to go with them."

"You? Go with them? Also?" Yen Sid said, sounding surprised.

Kairi nodded. "Sora and Riku are going to need me. Since they haven't come home yet… I'll have to go to them. I've kept them waiting long enough. Lauriam and Elrena have already agreed to this. And working together we'll have the best chance of finding everyone we're looking for."

Yen Sid was quiet, closing his eyes to concentrate for a moment. Then he sighed heavily. "I see. Even so… I'm afraid I have to forbid you."

"What?" Kairi asked, surprise, confusion and anger appearing on her face in quick succession.

"Why would you forbid me!? You already gave them permission to go!" She protested, nodding towards Elrena and Lauriam.

"I am aware. But I'm afraid your case is… regrettably special. You are a Princess of Heart, Kairi. Your light is central to keeping the worlds falling to darkness. As I said, Quadratum is still an unknown. We cannot know if your light would still work as needed, or even that you can return to us. We cannot chance this."

"You sent Riku there, knowing the risk! And you're going to send them!" Kairi countered, indignant.

"Yes. A risk I felt had to be taken, for the greater good. And Lauriam and Elrena do this at their own cognizance. But this is different. This is too much." He countered.

"You can't! Not after all this! Not after all my work!" Kairi exclaimed.

"Master, if this is what she wants…" Aqua tried.

"Unfortunately there are more responsibilities for all of us than merely our wants. I'm being lenient where I can. But this one thing… is not something I can do. I am truly sorry, but that has to be my final word." Yen Sid said, perhaps a bit more forcefully.

Kairi tried to continue arguing, but Aqua stopped her with a look, shaking her head. With and angry huff Kairi stepped aside.

"Perhaps we can return to other topics. Aqua, you had something you wished to discuss about the Mark of Mastery exam? We can talk about it now if you'd like." Yen Sid said.

"Of course. Kairi, would you kindly wait outside? No offense, but I think the conditions of the test ought to be kept secret from you for the time being. Better test that way." Aqua said.

"I understand." Kairi said.

"We will be going as well. We have some other tasks we want to see to." Lauriam said.

As they turned to leave Elrena briefly leaned closer to Aqua.

"Hang in there Blue. You'll get your darkness under control. You got this." She whispered, giving her a reassuring smile. Aqua returned the smile, giving an imperceptible nod.


"So I might be a master very soon." Kairi contemplated as she, Lauriam and Elrena stepped outside.

"Gongrats. Been a lot of work for you to get this far." Elrena said. "Do you feel up to it?"

"I want to be. I need to be. Because when I've reached the rank of Master my training is complete. And then I'll be able to go after Sora and Riku." Kairi replied.

"Assuming Yen Sid permits that. Maybe he'll change his mind." Lauriam said.

Kairi shook her head. "I have no intention to let him stop me from going. I don't care about his opinion. Sora and Riku are the reason I went through with this training. I made a promise to them to be right there with them when the time comes. I'm going to keep it."

Lauriam looked down at the ground, thoughtful. "…That is an impulse I can certainly understand. There is so much I've done to find Strelitzia. And there isn't much I would allow to get in the way of that. Even so… in this case… I think you should consider Yen Sid's words carefully before you take any action."

"What? You're taking his side in this?" Kairi asked, surprised and a little irritated.

"It's not about sides. It's taking a moment to consider what the best course of action is. What is the best and safest option for everyone's sake? I was willing to have you join us earlier if you remember. And I still won't oppose it if that is what you choose. But Yen Sid did have a point in that you leaving the worlds could have consequences. And as important as I think finding my sister is, it's also important that she have somewhere to come back to. And I'm sure you'd feel the same about Sora and Riku."

"So because of what I am you would have me sit and wait… again? After everything I've done to be ready to do my part? Now that I might finally have a shot at being a useful, I'm not allowed to?" She asked.

"Aqua did say these are difficult times. And she was right, more than she knows. You know as well as we do how ugly things have really gotten out there. Like it or not your light is vital to holding the line. I get you, it's not fair. Especially since no one is keeping me from going. But we each have our duty. I'm just glad mine won't keep me from searching for my sister."

"Yeah, I'm sure you're super jolly your nature is not keeping you from helping people you care about. Lucky you." Kairi said bitterly. "No, I can't accept this. I've come too far to step back now. He has no right to deny me."

"There is one other thing you need to consider first: Aqua. As things are Blue needs your light to keep her heart from falling apart on her. Don't forget, that's one reason you are here today. Are you sure you leaving won't deprive her of it? Did you think of that? Because last time I checked her being in a world without a Princess of Heart caused a right disaster." Elrena said suddenly, catching Kairi by surprise.

"I… uh… um…" Kairi fidgeted, turning her eyes aside. Of course. She should have realized. How had that managed to slip her mind? Elrena was right of course, and now she had to be reminded of it… Kairi felt so embarrassed. She had been just so eager to finally get to Sora and Riku… which she supposed was Elrena's entire point.

Elrena knelt down so her eyes were closer to Kairi's level, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Look, in the end you're going to end up doing what you think is right, what think you have to. That's how this goes. But think this through. From every angle. So when you make your choice you know it's the right one. And not just for you. And whatever you choose… don't you dare pick an option that is going to end up hurting Blue. Don't you bloody dare. She's been through enough. And you owe her far too much." She said sternly, looking into Kairi's eyes all the while.

Her expression serious but determined, Kairi nodded slowly. "I hear you. And I would never harm her."

"You made your point. I… won't be making a rash decision with this." She concluded.

"You'd better not." Elrena warned.

"If need be we will act on your behalf. We will do our very best for you, I promise you that much. And whatever you decide… we'll stand by you." Lauriam said.

"Thank you." Kairi said, trying not to sound glum.

"Elrena and I will be going to Radiant Garden. Once you get a chance could you tell them where we've gone?" Lauriam asked.

Kairi nodded and sat down on the ground, and Lauriam proceeded into a portal. Elrena was about to follow, but lingered behind, looking at Kairi.

"For what it's worth I know what it's like to be torn apart by conflicting wants. It's not easy. And sometimes it feels like you can't get out of it without letting down someone you care about. I'd tell you how to solve it, but I'm struggling with that question myself. I just hope you make a sound decision." She said.

Kairi did not reply, just looking down at the ground, her expression sour. And Elrena went after Lauriam.