I forgot to post last week...

Oops.

Well, this is the last chapter of this fanfic. I did start planning the fanfic for the Namine and Riku fic, but it may take some time as I'm working hard on the Sweet and Salty Days audiobook.

Thank you so much for your support on this fanfic!

Kingdom Hearts (c) to Disney and Square Enix!

My OCs (c) to me!

Chapter 33: Growth

One Month Later

"What are we doing today?" Kanelo gently swung his wooden practice sword around as Terra approached.

"Today, we'll be testing out different stances to find one that is comfortable for you. And after lunch, Master Aqua will give a lesson on the history of Keyblade wielders."

His sister stood up. "Ok!"

He smiled, looking down at the two wooden Keyblades the kids held. The simple nicks on the wood showing where they carved them. The first week, he helped them make their own practice swords, just like he'd done for himself.

This wasn't a tradition he'd had before, but it was one he hoped to continue doing.

And as the two children trained, happily trying out new sword stances, he could almost feel the spirit of Eraqus watching over them.

And feel the joy his old teacher felt at them continuing on with a new generation of wielders.

In another part of the castle, Ven finished up his training before going to the library.

He hoped to take his own Mark of Mastery exam in the next two months.

And then he'd go…

Go and look for those friends he'd lost.

"Hey." Chirithy looked up from the book in front of him. "I found some records of Keyblade wielders on other worlds."

"Ok, so we can add those to the list." Ven sat down, lifting Chirithy into his lap. "That's five worlds so far to check. And I still think we should try to find Scala ad Caelum and see if any records still exist there at all."

"We could start there if you want. I've found a few clues to where it might be."

Ven leaned back in the chair. "And you know, I think we'll find what we're looking for." His hand moved to his heart. "May my heart be my guiding key… right, Chirithy?"

"That's right!"

On the table before him lay a notebook.

He flipped it open, showing drawings…

Drawings of Ephemer,

Strelitizia,

A girl with black hair,

A boy with a hat,

And a boy with pink hair.

Setting down two books onto some desks, Aqua took a deep breath.

These old classrooms had seen so much more use in the last few weeks. She and Terra took turns teaching the students. On the days Terra worked with them on swordsmanship, she gave a history lecture. And on the days she worked with them on magic, he gave a lecture on the technical aspects of being a Keyblade wielder.

Ven did most of his training on his own, just checking in with them at the end of the day to detail his training.

Maybe he'd be ready to take his exam soon.

As she began to check her notes, her gummi phone rang. She answered, and nearly dropped it.

"Kairi!?"

"Hi, Master Aqua."

"You're awake! I'm so happy!"

Kairi smiled slightly. "W-we got a lead on Sora. Riku… Riku already left to chase it."

Without you?

Aqua wanted to ask, but the look in the girl's eyes told her enough not to. "Well, that's good. I'm glad."

"And I had… I had a request."

"Yes?"

"I-I want to get stronger. And I'd like you to train me, if that's no trouble."

"Of course! Actually, we just got two brand new students, and Ven is training too. We'd love to have you come and join us."

"Alright, I'll be there soon."

"We'll look forward to it." The moment the call ended, Aqua took off down the hallway, poking her head into the library first. "Ven!" The boy jumped. "Kairi's awake! They found a lead on Sora, and Kairi is coming here to train with us!"

"Really!? That's great!"

The woman hurried on, running out the front door. "Terra!" The man turned around, eyebrow raised, and their students paused.

"What's up?"

"Kairi's awake! She just called me!"

"Really!?"

"Yes! They have a lead on Sora, and Kairi is coming here to train with us!"

"That's wonderful!"

Kanelo tilted his head a little. "Who's Kairi?"

"She's a friend of ours." Aqua smiled. "She'll be coming to train too."

"So we'll get another new friend?" Tsuki grinned. "Awesome!"

"Yes you will. I need to-" Pausing, she turned to the students. "The lecture this afternoon is cancelled. I need to prepare a room for Kairi."

"Free time!"

"Hello, Master Aqua."

The young woman smiled as Kairi came into the castle. "It's so good to see you awake again."

"Thanks. And thank you for agreeing to train me, especially since you already have students."

"It's no trouble at all." Glancing up, she saw two small figures staring over the railing at the newcomer. "And I think they're excited to meet you too."

Kairi glanced up, giggling at the two faces. "Hi there."

"Hi!"

"Kairi!" Ven waved before charging toward the stairs, the two kids following behind. Terra, who was already partially down the stairs, jumped out of the way.

Kairi giggled as the three younger ones approached. Ven got to her first. "We're so happy you're awake!"

"Thank you."

"Yeah, it's good to see you." In a poof of smoke, Chirithy appeared.

"Oh, hi there, Chirithy."

Tsukiko pushed in front of Ven, staring at the girl. "Wow! You're so pretty!"

"Well, thank you. What's your name?"

"I'm Tsukiko! Terra's my half-brother!"

"He is?" She glanced up at the young man who finally joined them, and he gave a nod.

Kanelo waved. "Hi, I'm Kanelo. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too. Wow, I love your hair."

The boy blushed a little. "Thank you…"

"Now, you two have lessons to get to. You'll have plenty of time to get to know Kairi. Off you go."

"Yes, Master!" The two charged back upstairs.

Aqua shook her head before turning to Kairi. "They just started about a month ago. You won't be directly doing class with them since you have more experience."

"Actually, I don't mind joining them and learning the basics. I really just had a crash course in being a Keyblade wielder; it would be nice to start from the beginning."

"I think we can do that." Terra nodded. "Though, we'll certainly teach you some more advanced techniques. Sound good?"

"Yeah."

Aqua nodded. "Alright then, follow me. I'll show you to your room."

The two girls walked upstairs and to the dormitories. "I put your room a little ways away from the younger kids; they get a bit loud and excited sometimes. And you can decorate it however you want."

"Thanks." Opening the door, Kairi looked around the simple room. A bed and desk filled the space, and the large window looked out over the valley below. "It's lovely."

But Aqua did not see the girl's smile anymore.

"Are you ok?"

Kairi's arm's and shoulders shuddered.

Closing the door, Aqua walked over, putting a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Kairi?"

"I-I'm ok…"

"I don't think you are. What's going on?"

"Riku left… he left and I couldn't go with him. I'm not strong enough…" Her gaze turned to Aqua, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'm always left behind because I'm not strong enough. I need your help! I wasn't strong enough to protect Sora, and because of that, he's dead. I-I have to get stronger! I need to follow Riku. I need to be strong enough to stand beside them…"

Aqua knelt down slightly, looking the girl in the eyes. "Kairi, you're stronger than you think. I saw you fight. You barely had any training, you and Axel, but still you stood strong. You're strong." She smiled. "And I'll help you see this. And you will get even stronger. I promise. And I don't think you'll be standing beside Sora and Riku, I think you'll surpass them."

Kairi's eyes lit up amongst the tears. "Really?"

"Really."

…

"Thank you, Master Aqua."

"You're welcome." She stood up again. "Get settled, and we can start training when you're ready."

Kairi put down her bag. "Why wait?"

Alright then.

"Then we'll start now."

Thank you all for your support!