Signs and portents
A portal opened, Lauriam and Elrena stepping through. As the portal closed behind them they lowered their hoods in unison. Before them stood the tower of Yen Sid.
"So… here we are." Elrena said yes locked on the structure before her. And odd looking building to be sure. But nothing more unusual than what a world traveler might run into. No doubt what appeared normal to her would seem utterly bizarre to someone else amongst the worlds.
"Why do I feel like a misbehaving student that has been summoned to the headmaster's office?" She wondered.
"Perhaps we are." Lauriam replied.
"Yeah, maybe so, in a sense. Though in our case we've done a little bit more than just fooling around in class."
She sighed. "Well, at least our story should become common knowledge after this. Being made to tell it over and over was starting to get a little bit annoying."
"And at least we have done a few recent good deeds now. I would have hated to have this talk first thing."
"True and true. But I think we might be in for a bit of trouble because the whole operation of fixing Ven's memory. He didn't know about it, let alone give us the permission to do it. And given that it sounds like he makes most of the decisions for the guardians, I don't think he will exactly appreciate us pulling such a stunt without his say so."
"Yeah…" Lauriam said.
"Still worried about Ven I take it?" She guessed.
"We had to leave before he had regained consciousness. Of course I'm still worried about him." He replied.
"Naminé seems to think the most dangerous phase has passed though." She pointed out.
"Well, yes. But there have already been surprises we completely failed to anticipate. There could well be more. I want to stop worrying, but… until he is awake again I'm not sure I can. Especially given that I know that the Darkness still lurks within him. Still… I don't mean to whine…" He said.
"You've never been much of a whiner in my experience. You're more of the silently brooding variety. When you don't work yourself into a good rage that is. And I think I sort of get where you're coming from. He is your friend after all. I just don't think you should be winding yourself up like a cheap watch over it. Especially when it might turn out there is nothing to worry about. I don't think it's good for you." She said.
"You're right of course. It probably isn't. I wish worrying was something I could just decide not to do. Like you do." He said.
"Well… there are advantages in not giving a damn about most things." Elrena said.
"That is how most probably believe you do it. That is the face you project to the world. And no doubt that is true of several things. You are rather selective, and not very open about how you feel. About anything. But I know there is more to it than that." He replied.
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Huh?"
"Not too long ago you told me you had been around me long enough to accurately read my moods. Perhaps you did not realize it but that goes both ways. Now that you have a heart again, I know that you care more than you let on." He said, smiling at her.
"Pfft. Nonsense." She said, shrugging dismissively.
"Really? Then how come you've taken such an interest in Aqua's wellbeing? Or *Blue* as you have so affectionately taken to calling her?" He replied, his smile growing a bit wider.
"Well…I… s-she is a fellow wielder after all." She stuttered. "And we are going to be needing her help in our own efforts. She won't be of use to us if she falls apart because of her darkness. And if something happens to her it would distress Terra and Ven to no good end. That would already be three wielders out of the game. Which happen to be the only three we have managed to build some kind of rapport with. Without them we will have to start all over again."
"Uh-huh." Lauriam hummed in a tone that made it clear he did not at all believe her pragmatic explanation. "And the nickname?" He then asked.
"Come on. It's pretty obvious what that refers to." She said.
"True. But since when are nicknames something you do? I certainly don't remember you doing that before." He pointed out.
"I…" She huffed, then pursed her lips and looked away sullenly, crossing her arms.
He sighed, but continued to smile. "I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable. If this is a side of yourself you'd rather keep to yourself then that is fine by me. I won't tell anyone else if you don't want me to. I just felt like letting you know that I know. And that it's alright to care…"
Elrena closed her eyes to a moment. How to make him understand? Her indifference (and the appearance of it) was her armor. When no one could figure out what she cared about, there was no chance anyone could choose to target those things in an attempt to hurt her. By guarding her secrets like a dragon guarded its hoard she kept herself safe and in control. Perhaps it was silly to be so secretive, but over many years of life she had grown so fond of that feeling of security now it might be hard for her to lower her guard even if she wanted to. And she didn't particularly want to.
But the thing about that… was that her chosen method of defense had not been working quite as well as she thought it should. First it had been Naminé who had sneaked into her head by accident and uncovered a secret she had not intended to reveal. Not then, perhaps not ever. And certainly not to Naminé. If anyone other than her was to know it, it was Lauriam. And even with him she was undecided if she wanted to let him know. First she wanted to know for sure how he would receive that. And here he was, casually puncturing her armor, probably not realizing the significance of the act.
Then again, was it really so bad? Who could she trust if not him? He would never turn that knowledge against her, or betray her confidence by telling others without her approval. Perhaps she was not ready to tell him all her secrets just yet. But was it really that terrible a thing that he knew there were things she cared about? And that one day there might be more?
"I'm… not angry at you." She finally said.
Overhead a portal opened. Terra emerged through it, encased in his armor and riding his glider. He touched down, armor and glider both disappearing in a flash of light.
"Ah. There you are. Good. Let's go see your boss." Elrena said.
"Before we go in I thought it might be best to discuss what we are going to say to him? Are we going to mention the Darkness in Ven's heart for instance?" Lauriam asked.
"I don't think we can afford to keep silent with that." Terra said. "We are going to need the help of the other guardians to solve this. Perhaps others too. And I think they absolutely must know that the darkness is alive and here in this time, in case… things go awry."
"I'm willing to start the search for a solution, but I want Ven's opinion before I agree to commit to any plan." He added.
"Then we think alike. Good." Lauriam said.
"And… what about the troubles Blue has been having? Will we be telling him of them? There might be something Yen Sid and the others could do to help with that too." Elrena asked in turn.
Terra sighed, bowing his head. "Aqua… has asked for that issue not to be spread around."
Elrena frowned. "You do understand that there's no way you'll be able to keep it from them indefinitely. She's a keyblade master, one of the handful you have. She's expected to serve on the front lines. So her heart's condition is going to come out sooner or later."
"I get that. We both do, believe me. But even so she has asked that others not be told for now. I won't go back on my word with her. Not a word of that to Yen Sid, understood?" He said.
Elrena bit her lip, then shrugged. "Ugh, fine. If you insist. But keeping silent might be a mistake in the long run."
"Maybe, maybe not. But like Ven she has a right to choose. When she's ready to tell others about this matter she will. And she will get there. She just needs a little bit of time. But until then I won't go behind her back." He replied.
"Right…" Elrena said. She hoped Aqua would have the time she needed. With everything going on lately that might not be possible to guarantee.
"But you can tell him how you helped us in the Realm of Darkness. No doubt he'll appreciate that effort just like we do." He added.
"Thanks. We'll certainly be needing proof of our good intentions when we talk with him. Let's go." Lauriam said.
They entered the tower and followed Terra up a flight of stairs. At the top they entered through a second door into an office. Within, seated behind a table, was Master Yen Sid. Elrena for one had been a little uncertain of what to expect. "An elderly man in blue robes, with a conical hat adorned with images of moons and stars… pretty much the most cliché image of a wizard imaginable." Was her conclusion.
Elrena and Lauriam had heard mention of him from time to time during their time in the Organization. They had heard that he had briefly taken part in the keyblade war, helping to overcome a horde of Heartless that had been summoned to the battle, though he had then been unable to offer further assistance against the Organization. Such had not been his destiny.
But more than that he had served as Xehanort's counterpart, as a planner and crafter of strategies. The guardians would likely have not fared half as well without his guidance. He had a kind of authority about him. But it was kinder and gentler than the rather intimidating presence of Xehanort. A guide, not a commander.
His eyes were sharp though… outright piercing.
"Ah, Terra. You have arrived. Very good." Yen Sid said. Then he frowned in puzzlement. "Where is Master Aqua? I asked for her presence as well."
"She did mention our efforts with Ven, right? Since he hasn't woken up yet we thought it best that someone remained to look after him, just in case. She agreed to stay behind." Terra explained.
"I see… pity. There was something important that I had wished to inform her of personally. But no matter. You can inform her upon your return." Yen Sid said, stroking his beard.
"As for Ventus… she indeed informed me of your project regarding him. I have to say, that was something I would have objected to had I known of it. I would have judged the risks involved too great." He added sternly. "But seeing as that has been done, I am nevertheless relieved to have also learned that for the moment he is unharmed."
"As were we, sir. And hopefully that will continue to be the case. The last thing we would wish for is for him to come to harm." Lauriam spoke up.
"Ah, yes. You were Lauriam and Elrena, correct? The somebodies of the Organization members we knew as Marluxia and Larxene? Aqua did mention that you were Ventus's friends from sometime earlier." Yen Sid said.
Elrena smirked. "Earlier… heh. Yeah, you could say that."
"Such a claim is rather difficult to believe offhand, given what we know of your history. But Aqua also tells me that you have a story of a rather… unusual nature to tell. Perhaps it is best that you start at the beginning then." He continued.
"Right…" Lauriam said, nodding.
For the third time in a short while they recounted their story. Terra briefly joined in when the story turned to how they had met him and his friends. Respecting Terra's and Aqua's wishes, they glossed over the specifics of their battle in the Realm of Darkness, only recounting how they had intervened during a dangerous moment to protect them, which Terra graciously confirmed.
Elrena would have expected denial from Yen Sid. Perhaps even ridicule. It was what she might have done if former enemies had come to her with such an outlandish tale. And she remembered full well how Terra had reacted when they had told him of this. But he just sat there and listened, eyes closed as he took in their story. At least she thought he was taking in their story. Could it be he had just fallen asleep? Please don't let him be asleep. She didn't want them to go through all this explaining only to realize at the end he had heard none of it.
Fortunately when they were finished his eyes opened once more. He remained silent for a time, looking down at the table, a frown on his face.
"…That is indeed a most unusual story. More so than any other story I remember having heard. And a very disturbing tale as well." He finally said.
"The spirit that is with Ventus… they can confirm that this story is true?" He asked of Terra.
"Yes, Master. And Naminé can do so as well. When she was helping Ven remember his past, she drew a large number of pictures based on his memories. Those pictures show the same events as Elrena and Lauriam have been describing. We brought you some of them, so you could see for yourself." Then handed him the images they had with them. Those they had selected with care, choosing the depictions of the most pivotal events, in the hopes of better impressing the truth and importance of their case.
Yen Sid examined the presented pictures intently, his expression as serious as it could possibly be.
"To say that the story you have shared with us is earthshattering in nature would be woefully inadequate. In one swift stroke you have redefined what we thought we knew of the worlds. Of the great struggle between light and darkness. You have offered answers to mysteries some have spent their lives trying to unravel. And for each question answered, an alarming truth is brought to light. In the wake of each truth, three new questions now require answering." He told them.
"In many ways you confirm the stories we of this age tell of the Age of Fairytales. Of a world long ago that world fell to the darkness, and was then restored to the one we inhabit now. And yet… it seems many details have been lost to time, or otherwise have been warped well beyond the original truths. For the longest time I have believed it was the greed and selfishness of those who desired to conquer the light that led to the world's collapse." He continued.
"Only at the end, sir." Lauriam said. "In the beginning we sought to defend the light, same as the wielders of today. But somewhere along the line we lost our way. Each Union began to view themselves as the sole protectors of the light, while the others were thought to be secretly collaborating with the darkness. In the end the wielders turned on each other, bringing about the very end we had worked to avoid."
"Yes. Save for the Dandelions, who were selected to bring about the next world." Yen Sid.
"Well that's what they said our job was. But it may well have been just another lie. The darkness ended up destroying the data world too. We may have been nothing more than bait." Elrena said.
"That may indeed be true, based on what you have said. Yet all the same some of you managed to escape and make it into our time, using means conveniently left there for you. One has to wonder if that is merely a coincidence, or if this too was somehow intentional." Yen Sid pondered.
"Nevertheless, through events unknown to us, the world was restored, the darkness pushed back. And now, after a thousand years, you claim your masters of old have returned, or are on their way back. And even more alarmingly, you have now discovered an entity of pure darkness hidden within Ventus's heart. A being our current learning does not even mention having ever existed." He summarized.
"It does not seem like it could be merely chance… especially given the other developments that have occurred recently." He then mused.
"Other developments, Master?" Terra asked.
"Ah, indeed. You are currently unaware, but Kairi has recently awakened from her efforts to search through her heart. Thanks to her efforts and those of others, we have uncovered a crucial clue to Sora's whereabouts. There is a world unlike any we have previously discovered. Riku has departed to investigate this new world, and to hopefully find Sora somewhere within. Mickey meanwhile is in Scala ad Caelum in search of additional information." Yen Sid explained.
"Riku is gone? And you know where Sora might be found?" Terra asked.
"Yes. I had in fact dispatched Donald and Goofy to tell you to suspend your own search efforts, only for Aqua to then contact me about your guests."
"And this relates to what we told you how?" Elrena asked.
"It is something that we came across in the discussion after Riku's departure. In my time as a wielder there were occasional mentions of the Lost Masters, who are said to have travelled to a world entirely outside our experience. More than likely the very same world we have discovered now." He explained.
"Xehanort has always displayed a curiosity about them and the age of Fairytales, so before the Second War I began to investigate them on my own, hoping to learn more of his motives. They are said to have started the Keyblade War, so based on your descriptions of their appearance and their deeds I am now convinced that they and the Foretellers you spoke of are one and the same. Though I certainly did not look to see these legends of old walking among us." He added.
"If these Masters of old are truly in this age, and planning something, then we must discover their intentions." He concluded.
"Lauriam and Elrena, I thank you for bringing us this information. I have no doubt that it is of vital importance. And thank you also for helping to preserve the lives of Terra, Aqua and Ventus. Your history with us has indeed been a difficult one. But I hope that your recent contributions are but the first examples of something better. For now I shall make certain all on our side know of you, so there will be no misunderstandings." Yen Sid told them.
"Now then, I understand it is your intention to seek Strelitzia, whom you believe is somewhere in this age?" He asked.
"As well as the Foreltellers themselves. One among them, Luxu, may know where she is." Lauriam said. "Though… even were we to find them we would be wary of confronting them on our own."
"Nor should you seek to do so until we have learned more of their intentions." Yen Sid said. "But as for your search… I believe that can be allowed. As thanks for your assistance so far I shall endeavor to aid your search for her with my magic. At the very least I can point out possible worlds for you to search. Before you set out however, I'm afraid there are some conditions I must impose. I mean no disrespect, but we require more time so that we can be entirely sure of you."
Lauriam nodded. "I understand. What conditions did you have in mind?"
"First, while conducting your search I would ask you to steer clear of the worlds where we know Princesses of Heart to reside. Furthermore, should you find yourself in a world where one of the remaining ones is to be found, I ask that you depart immediately. For the time being I do not think it would be prudent for you to come into contact with any of them other than Kairi." Yen Sid detailed.
"And what if Lauriam's sister is in one of those worlds?" Elrena asked.
"I intend to ask Roxas and Xion to watch over those worlds for the time being. Should Strelitzia be in one of them, she will be found, given time. Lea meanwhile will be sent out as well, to locate the whereabouts of the Foretellers and uncover their plans. Consider his coming efforts one more form of assistance in your search." He replied.
"Furthermore I would ask you to wait a while longer before beginning your mission. We make use of devices known as gummiphones to communicate with each other across worlds. I shall request that both of you be provided one as well. Wait for them to be delivered. And each time you leave for a new world, report as much to Master Aqua. That way we may know where you are at all times." He continued.
"…Very well. We shall do as you ask." Lauriam said. Yen Sid nodded, giving an approving hum.
"Terra, this dark creature within Ventus troubles me greatly. When he is once more awake and fit for travel, I would ask that he be brought to the researchers at Radiant Garden, so that we may learn more of it, and better decide what steps must be taken." Yen Sid then said to Terra.
"We will. Provided Ven agrees to that. But I don't think he will refuse." Terra said.
"Good. In the meantime, as you can see, there are many tasks ongoing at the same time. And much potential for quick developments. I believe for now it would be best for you and Aqua to keep yourselves ready to come to the aid of whoever might need you. Your assistance may be required swiftly, so be ready to leave at a moment's notice. If we can be sure it is safe to do so, Ventus may of course join you." Yen id said.
"I see. Of course. We'll be ready." Terra said.
"Master, you mentioned that there was something else you wished of Aqua as well?" Terra asked then.
"Ah, yes. You see, now that she is awake again, Kairi has decided to resume her studies. And she has requested to train under Master Aqua. I have approved of that request for my part." Yen Sid explained.
"You wish for Aqua to train her?" Terra asked.
"With the final goal of making her a Keyblade Master as well, time permitting." Yen Sid said with a nod. "It is the duty of every master to seek out those with potential and raise them up, first as keyblade wielders, then as masters in their own right, so that there are always those willing and able to stand against the darkness. Seeing as she is once again amongst us I believe the time has come for her to begin attending to that duty. And the need to do so may be more pressing than I had envisioned. If new threats loom in our future, then by necessity we must strengthen our hand by whatever means are open to us."
Terra nodded.
"Naturally that does not mean that she has no say in the matter. She gets to choose if she wants to take Kairi on as her pupil. I had hoped for her to be here so I could inform her of this in person. But circumstances have regrettably made this impossible. You can bring her the news yourself. I shall send Kairi to you soon, provided Master Aqua does not raise objections."Yen Sid continued.
"I believe our meeting is concluded. You may go now." He said in conclusion.
Once the others had left his office, Yen Sid stood up and went to the window. For a time he simply stood there, looking at the stars.
"Such curious tidings indeed. We are surrounded by signs and portents. But to what end I wonder?" He then said to himself.
"Xehanort… I once believed you were the most accomplished player of these kinds of games. But now I have to wonder… is there possibly another player even greater than you? One that has waited for a thousand years to make a move? But why is this the moment chosen? What is so special about this age?" He continued.
He looked upwards through his window, at the stars shimmering in the night. "Stars… we may be in need of your counsel once again. Perhaps more so than we have ever needed before. And may our hearts be our guiding key."
"Hmm… Ephemer… Ephemer… that is certainly a name that is familiar. I wonder if it could truly be the same Ephemer?" He then mused.
"I think that went rather well, considering." Elrena said in the meantime as the three of them were descending the stairs.
"He did seem reasonably open to the idea of us cooperating with each other. And he was a lot less angry about that business with Ven than I expected. Maybe the other stuff we had to share just caught his attention." Lauriam agreed. "Though obviously we are still being kept on a short leash for the time being. It seems there is more for us to do before we can be trusted fully. Not unexpected."
"As long as you keep on track you'll get there. Just like others have." Terra said.
"Yeah, Ven did mention how many of the former Organization Members are working for you now. It sounds like most everyone ended up switching sides. Maybe we can get there too." Elrena said.
"Hopefully so. In the meantime it seems we may have to wait a while longer before we can begin our search for Strelitzia." Lauriam said.
"Well, you have been staying with us for now. I don't see a reason for that to change in the near future. And odds are you'll need a place to be even after you begin your search. Not likely there would be many other places where you would be welcome yet. Plus I think Ven would approve if you stayed." Terra said.
"Hold on. You're actually… offering to let us stay? Voluntarily? Have you grown fond of us? Eh?" Elrena teased.
"Don't push it." Terra warned, though his tone remained light.
"It's a generous offer. And I think one we will accept, at least until we find some other residence for ourselves. It has been a long while we have had anything like a home. Our time in the Organization doesn't really count."Lauriam said.
"Perhaps Ven will be awake by the time we have to leave on our search." He added.
"We can hope. In the meantime I have quite a piece of news to deliver to Aqua." Terra said.
"I wonder how she'll react? I hope she feels ready." He pondered.
"I actually think this might be good for her." Elrena opinioned. "Kairi is a Princess of Heart, isn't she? Aqua being close to one such would probably be helpful in nursing her heart back to health. Can't hurt. Plus overseeing that training will give her something productive to do that doesn't involve fighting the darkness head on. Maybe we can keep her from trying to intrude into the Realm of Darkness again."
"I'm… quite sure Aqua has learned her lesson about that. Even more so now that we know Sora won't be there." Terra said.
"Could be. You can probably tell better than I can. But then again she already talked you into letting her go there once before. Can't take anything for granted." Elrena said.
Terra gave a dry chuckle. "I'm frankly surprised that care about this so much."
"You know… so am I." Elrena mused, reminded of an earlier conversation.
