#can you tell I like keyblades

[serenedash]

happy @khoc-week!!! kicking it off with my khux oc Monty!!! they're in unicornis and originally from Twilight Town!

they're a laid back wielder who goes with the flow and can have trouble connecting with people due to not being very expressive but is always down for a good time :) their keyblade is called Red Chiv and is long and weighty, meant for physical attacks! It's heavy on both ends hence the big angled hand guard, my idea was that you could hold it from either end so spinning the keyblade would also be ideal for attacks. also the hand guard it backwards the angled end is supposed face inwards oops

[DO NOT REPOST/REMOVE COMMENT]

[whyarewecalledtheshipname]

Just learned the dream drop distance ost is on spotify and im nearly crying ONCE AGAIN bc soriku waltz 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 GAHHHHH TEARS 😭😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹🥺🥺🥺🥺

im FUKCIN DYINH

[storm-driver]

gonna become a square enix executive so i can get exclusive access to kh4 stuff, and when the marketing team starts splicing together the worst trailer in the world to show you guys, ill whisper "psst don't watch that it'll be full of so many spoilers" and ill make my own trailer of all the shit i got to see instead without revealing the most important and plot-heavy stuff

[queenjunothegreat]

I told you all that Star Trek was my most self-indulgent fic concept, but that's not true. I can ALWAYS bust out my Kingdom Hearts AUs

[yuri-is-online]

A really stupid idea I had and I can't even decide where I want it to go 😩

Anyone of the first years heard from a guy in their club that their boyfriends bestfriends roommates cousins friend has a thing for Yuu and a bad reputation for using love potions, suddenly first year of your choice is taking his bodyguard duties for Yuu even more seriously than ever and watching them like a Hawk until one day Yuu seemingly receives a nice gift package from an "secret admirer" and the boys panic, snatching the treat from Yuu's hand and chowing down themselves because they're dumb and impulsive and in love.

What follows is either;

A. The "secret admirer" was actually Grim who wanted to do something nice for his Henchhuman by making them tuna filled muffins as thanks for their service and now not only did they inhale the worst cake ever, got a tantrum throwing Grim to appease.

B. There was a love potion in those cookies, but whoever laced them is actually kinda bad at potionology and they're "Puppy love" potions, cue our freshman acting like The Prince from Mirror Mirror (2012) when he had a puppy love potion. His reputation at school will never recover from this but its worth it because Yuu now looks at him like he's the sunrise itself for taking that bullet for him.

C. There was no love potion. No shady business. Just normal brownies and now a very upset Yuu. Even if they understood his concerns, do you think between their allowance and Grim's appetite they want to hear excuses for them stealing food from Yuu!? He promises he'll make it up to them just stop hitting him! 💦💦

D. There was no love potion.2 but man. These pretzels...really suck. The freshman almost feels bad for whoever sent them because if this was their pickup attempt then they lost before they even began. Wait, what? Yuu made these to send as a secret admirer to their crush!? Now he's got even more complicated feelings about this whole ordeal while Yuu sulks about how the guy they wanted to give these to just said they suck to their face.

E. There was no love potion.3 but Yuu doesn't have to know that. Now the Freshman is free to "pretend" all his flirting and affection is thanks to those croissants AND play the hero. Its full proof! Until Ortho runs a diagnostic to find a cure for him and reveals that there was no potion that is. Hey, he can always try and claim a placebo effect, right?💦

F. The love potion was actually an aphrodisiac and now Yuu has t[I AM BEATEN TO DEATH BY KING MICKEYS KEYBLADE]

So the problem with this ask is that I really love all of these options and they could all work for a small fic for each of the options. That being said, there are specific ones that suit certain first years more than others.

A. The Great Grim's Perfect Surprise- Ace

Floyd is the one who gives Ace the heads up that someone with a bad reputation was interested in Yuu. And hey that was technically true! It's just that Floyd also over heard Grim bragging about the cupcakes he made and had a brilliant idea.

It's the worst possible case scenario for Ace, the cake tasted horrible, Grim is throwing a tantrum, Floyd is there and he brought Jamil to laugh at him too. This fucking sucks he hates his life man. Well until you shoo everyone out and shush Grim with some praise before turning your focus to him.

You're so concerned about him it makes his heart hurt. You get him something to drink and fuss over him for the rest of the day in a way that makes him fall in love with you all over again. Those half hearted scolds about there being better ways to get rid of poison don't land at all, doesn't matter how he does it he'll keep you safe and that's a promise.

B. Puppy Love Potion- Jack

The captain of the track team tells Jack and Deuce together, he knows the two of them are your friends and that they'll make sure you stay safe. Unfortunately he's not fully aware of how... delusional Jack is about how not into you he is.

The puppy love potion has him acting like even more of a puppy than usual. His tail won't stop wagging and he is actually smiling at you, thank the seven he's so willing to listen to what you have to say so you can keep him in Ramshackle until the potion wears off. He manages to reclaim his reputation just fine, Jack's a scary fucking guy when he tries to be and you'd have to be really stupid to mess with him when he's in a mood.

... not that you can really tell the difference between puppy love Jack and normal Jack when the Ramshackle Prefect insists on looking at him like that. He must really hate his tail.

C. How Dare You Eat my Food- Deuce

Same as before: captain gives the heads up, Jack and Deuce are really concerned, and Deuce decides to do something about it because he's in love and doesn't want to see you get hurt.

He doesn't realize there was nothing wrong with them until you point it out and he's beyond heartbroken. Please you have to understand he didn't mean it! Sure those brownies were really good and yeah maybe he should have realized that they were normal about half way through the pan but- he's so sorry! He's not above getting on his knees to beg for forgiveness and especially not from you.

There is a rule in Heartslabyul about returning things after you take them, so as soon as Deuce learns he took your food he's already planning on replacing it. Maybe you would let him borrow your kitchen? He won't let you help since he's fixing his own mistake but he doesn't see why you can't hang out. You'll get fresh brownies out of it and he gets to look cool Task failed successfully?

D. This is... Adequate I Suppose- Sebek

Only someone with an actual death wish would come up with this sort of plan in Riddle's presence. He's screaming, the paddock is on fire, and no one is really stopping him because hey idiot deserves it and also has anyone seen where Sebek went? Would have thought he'd have something to say too given that whole "crush he has on the prefect thing"

Well that's because he's too busy eating your pretzels with a trademark look of disgust as he tells you about what happened at Equestrian club today. These suck, he has such high standards for what you are worthy of and if it weren't for the potential danger posed to you he never would have-

Your wry disappointment silences him immediately, his look of concern and shock is really cute so it sort of makes up for how much his words hurt. He's aghast, you have someone you... admire? Someone you are too shy to confess to? And you made them something with your own two hands, he actually wants to cry he's so embarrassed, jealous, and in love all at the same time.

"You shouldn't have to do this. You- You are the one who deserves to be pursed. But if it is something you wish to do-" He draws himself up into a proper knight's stance, stiff as board and deeply determined to be seen as reliable. Safe. A... friend if you will allow it and something more if he could be so blessed. "-then we shall begin training immediately! Back to the kitchen, human!"

E. Placebo Effect- Epel

Only someone with an actual death wish would come up with this plan pt. 2 except Leona is a lot more reasonable than Riddle with how he handles it. He tells Epel to go check on Yuu while he goes to dump the guy on Crewel. That way he doesn't have to be the one to fill out all of the annoying disciplinary paperwork.

So he knows by the time he shows up at Ramshackle that there really is no threat to your safety but still... this sort of opportunity is just too good to pass up. And he's such a good actor too, if this wouldn't get him in trouble with Vil he'd rub it in his dorm leader's face.

See Vil! He doesn't need no fancy manners or etiquette, Yuu's flushed and charmed by his old fashioned gentlemanly behavior. He's holding doors, pulling out your chair, giving you all of the compliments he thinks about but never says for fear of looking uncool. He even gets to bake apple pie with you until Ortho calls his bluff. Sure, he should have some shame, but this is Epel we're talking about. He claims the placebo effect and pretends to be super embarrassed while gauging your reaction for any trace of disappointment.

If he's satisfied with how sad you are he just might make it up to you with a real date~

Like I was saying all of these prompts could really work for any of them and- huh could have sworn there was a sixth one. Weird anyway thanks for the ask!

...

....

..... ok so now that the coast is clear:

First thing's first, they're all mad as hell that someone tried to drug you with an aphrodisiac. That's so beyond disgusting, who does this guy think he is?

Ace's focus is entirely on you. He doesn't outright admit what's wrong, he actively teases you for being into him when you express concern as if it doesn't send a painful pang of arousal through him when you don't deny it. You have to make a move, he'll ask for it half serious half joke, but he wants you to do this because you want him and not as some sort of favor please don't say it like that- He starts taking shots at the other guy when he regains enough of his ego to flip you on your back and start taking the lead. Really, how stupid was that guy to think he had a chance when you only have eyes for him, prefect? Now don't you dare try to hide your cute expressions from him, he's been looking forward to this.

Jack is convinced he can just lock himself in his room and endure. He tries thinking of it as a training exercise, sure he might have had some... similar feelings before. Similar thoughts, painful dreams that felt real until he woke up alone, drenched in sweat, painfully unfulfilled and deeply embarrassed. But nothing can compare to the real you, he's almost angry that he ever thought that at all now that you're underneath him. He's so lucky that you're his mate, that he can bite into your neck and thrust into your body and have you accept him even as he locks you together in a sticky mess of sweat and slick. He's beyond embarrassed when he wakes up still balls deep with your fingers running through his matted hair. This would be the worst if he didn't have a cute, very human, bite of his own on his neck.

Deuce's anger is made so much worse by him being horny. The other guy is terrified, everyone around him is terrified Deuce is aware he's gone full delinquent and he can't seem to stop. By the time you find him his knuckles are bruised, he's sweaty, with rumpled clothes, and taking great heaving breaths unable to deny the effects he's feeling and asking you to forgive him. Deuce has an idea of what he wanted your first time to be like. He wanted to take you out on a real date, he wanted to be honorable with you. He didn't expect you to be the one to push him back against the shower stall and take him just as quick and dirty as he feels. You're so beautiful, he's so powerless in the face of your naked desire and very eager to please. Just tell him what you want him to do; he's all yours.

Sebek can't lie about how he feels to save his life. All of NRC knows he's horny because he's screaming about how not horny he is right now and how much he doesn't think your flesh looks super supple, bitable even seven he just wants to- Lilia doesn't let him ignore those feelings after confirming you aren't the slightest bit uncomfortable being the center of Sebek's attention. He's shy, in denial. He is proud of his honorable intent and self control. But he is in love with you and with that love comes a deep, fathomless desire edged with obsessive devotion that all fae pride themselves in. He needs your guidance, he's unused to this. That obsessive attention hangs on your every gasp and moan, when he finds a noise he likes he hammers at the source again and again until you reward him with the most wonderful noise of all. When the potion has worked its way through his system the hunger still remains; his appetite is voracious. A potion is nothing compared to his own desires, hopefully this little accident left you prepared.

Epel's anger is also made so much worse by being horny. But Leona already dealt with the scumbag so it's not like he can work out his aggression on the creep... so won't you let him take it out on you? He's completely serious, the drug has gone straight to his dick and he's not interested in pretending like he doesn't want you prefect. No taking care of it himself won't work, no don't be shy it really can't be anyone else. You want a real man? Well he's right here and he wants you something fierce. Epel wouldn't be this confident if he didn't have so much adrenaline running through him, but he can't bring himself to be embarrassed when he comes to his senses and sees you bent over your desk and much more out of breath than him. He's going to be riding this high for the rest of the year, and he's going to make sure you feel it for just as long too.

[goldensunset]

i’m like. so obviously i’m excited for missing link to shed more light on ephemer’s fate and character (and i like it when fans explore it for themselves). but at the same time i kind of hope it barely does? he’s a good example of a writing principle i believe in where sometimes less is more. sometimes having a character quietly fade away, whether through death or disappearance, and leaving it as a mystery hits so much harder than answering our questions. sometimes it’s about the resonance….

this character lost everything and was left alone in his grief. flash forward a couple hundred years and we see he’s long gone yet clearly lived a successful life and gave so much as a gift to the world. we don’t know what happened in between. he ceased to be a person, a character, and has now become a myth.

that statue tells you everything you need to know- he’s a legendary hero. why look beyond the surface? that’s who he was- or rather who he had to become. who was underneath? no one will ever know anymore. historical records can make a person live forever and yet they can never truly capture that person’s life but that’s the best thing you’ve got so what are you gonna do about it? it’s a pretty statue. it’s a nice town. why question it? he’s an inspiration and that’s all he needs to be, right?

he had to bury whoever he was. he had to become the hero, the fountain, the nexus from which all worlds spring… it’s about the silent tragedy. it’s about the quiet sacrifice. it’s about having nothing and giving everything- completely emptying yourself out to the point of fading away…

he doesn’t even haunt the narrative so much as he has melted into the narrative- he is scala ad caelum. he is the keyblade legacy. he embodies these concepts more than anything- that’s his role in the story. not even to be his own person so much as to set things up for others…

it’s messed up! and i kind of like that. it makes me feel things. so like come what may with ml but i’m going to savor this lack of information while we have it because it’s such a beautiful type of tragedy. you take a person and you turn him into stone- lasting forever, remaining beautiful and glorious, yet so impersonal

[lightandfellowship]

When the Master of Masters told Xehanort that “Human emotions are complex. For example, what you feel toward someone you love isn’t always good or well-meaning. It can be a false kind of light. Which begs the question: are these messy feelings that emerge from love still light? Or are they darkness?”, and then Xehanort responds with “Whoa, where did that come from?” I think the MoM was perhaps talking about Eraqus here in an effort to manipulate Xehanort. (Perhaps an obvious observation to make, but I have stuff to say about it.)

The MoM almost NEVER volunteers information about himself (unless he's talking to Luxu), and he’s way too much of a smooth talker to ever do it on accident either, so I don’t think he was referring to some event of his past or speaking from personal experience here. And since the MoM is a master manipulator who effortlessly turns people’s confidence and comraderie into insecurity and distrust, this means that the “example” he provided here was likely very specific, very targeted, and very intentional.

Think about the scene where Eraqus tells Xehanort that his dream is to be a beacon of light that can lead people out of the darkness, and then proceeds to use Xehanort as an example of someone who might need saving one day. Think about how Xehanort responds positively to this, saying it’s the perfect dream for Eraqus and then thanking Eraqus for always being there for him. For someone who’s supposed to one day dive into the darkness on purpose, he seems perfectly content with the idea of his friend coming to his rescue and pulling him out of it. So what happened? What changed Xehanort’s mind?

(Keep in mind that this scene takes place in Xehanort and Eraqus' classroom where No Name is hanging on the wall. The Gazing Eye would have witnessed this conversation, and thus the MoM likely knows how much of a threat Eraqus is.)

If the MoM’s goal is to ensure that Xehanort sticks to his “dark road” no matter what, then extinguishing the light that threatens to guide Xehanort off of that path would be essential to his plan. And his first step in doing that would be to sow seeds of doubt in Xehanort’s heart about Eraqus’ true intentions by subtly manipulating Xehanort’s worldview, using what Xehanort witnessed between Hoder and Baldr as the soil. Small, little doubts that would lie dormant in Xehanort’s heart until nourished by some major event.

Doubts like: maybe your friend’s love for you isn’t pure. Maybe it’s tainted by some dark emotion. Maybe you can’t trust him. Maybe he’ll never understand you. Maybe he’s destined to stand in your way. Maybe he never wanted what was best for you. Maybe he has some ulterior motive for being your friend. Maybe he’s deluded himself into thinking he’s a good person. Maybe he would grow to hate you if he knew of the darkness in your heart. Maybe he’s only holding you back. Maybe you should leave him behind. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if you took his life one day.

Think about the conclusion Xehanort arrived at after his "world tour". "[People] believe themselves to be moral and virtuous, but it's all an act. Darkness lurks in the pit of everyone's heart. Their light is a total farce."

Seven years after the events of the game and five years after Eraqus and Xehanort’s discussion about their dreams, the two turn their Keyblades on each other for the first time, and Xehanort asks “Do you stand in my way as a true Keyblade Master?” to which Eraqus corrects him “No. As a true friend.” Despite Eraqus doing exactly what he said he was going to do all those years ago (become a beacon to lead Xehanort out of the darkness), Xehanort fails to recognize Eraqus’ opposition as an act of love, almost as if he no longer believes that Eraqus is truly doing this for his sake—no, Eraqus is merely performing his duty as a Keyblade Master.

I imagine this clash is the moment when all of those doubts that the MoM planted in Xehanort’s heart begin to sprout, and over time will grow, and grow, and grow, until Eraqus’ light can no longer reach Xehanort’s heart through all the thorns.

“Are these messy feelings that emerge from love still light? Or are they darkness?” And if you think about it, Eraqus’ general mentality of “I’m the righteous one and I know what’s best for you and you shall conform to my beliefs or suffer the consequences” is a sort of twisted, not-pure-darkness-not-pure-light kind of love, isn’t it? A “false light”, like the MoM says. Someone so blinded by the light that he can’t see the shadows falling on his own heart.

One last thing, as well. Recall that Baldr tells Xehanort that when their lights (Hoder and Eraqus respectively) disappear, they lose their purpose and are swallowed by the void. So the game draws a direct correlation between Xehanort losing Eraqus and Xehanort falling to darkness. And sure, perhaps Eraqus never straight up dies like Hoder does, but Xehanort still lost Eraqus in a way, didn’t he?

(To clarify, this isn’t to say that Xehanort and Eraqus WOULDN’T have naturally drifted apart on their own if it weren’t for the MoM’s meddling, I’m just saying that if there WAS a chance that Eraqus could have prevented Xehanort’s fall to darkness, then the MoM made sure to stamp out that possibility ASAP before it had the opportunity to derail his plans.)

[razorblade180]

Terra:Alright Kairi, Aqua is feeling under the weather so I will be handling your training today.

Kairi:Okay. I look forward to your instructions, Master Terra.

Terra:Heh, no need to be so formal. We’re all friends here and you’re already quite capable.

Kairi:*smiles* (It’s a little hard to believe someone this kind is connected to my more…unwelcome memories. I have to do my best to see him as he really is!) So what’s today lesson?

Terra:Surpassing your limits. You never really know what you can do until you’re in a situation where it’s all you really can do; if that makes any sense.

Kairi:More or less. It would be nice to go all out for once. I can tell Aqua is being careful with me when teaching new spells.

Terra:Well she has a bunch of spells that tend to…explode. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s sick from stressing about keeping our world in one piece.

Kairi:*red* There’s definitely been a few scares. So, are we going off to fight heartless? Maybe a bit of strength training to find my limit.

Terra:Nope. We can stay right here. *dawns armor*

Kairi:….Terra I’m not quite sure about this lesson anymore.

Terra:Relax, Kairi. *summons keyblade* I won’t use the canon.

Kairi:*summons keyblade* That doesn’t make me feel any better if I’m being honest!

xxxxxx

Aqua:*in bed* Ven, I promise you I’m fine. cough It’s just a cough sore throat.

Ventus:*feeding her soup* But when I get a slight fever you act like I’m dying.

Aqua:You look like it too.

Ventus:Oh ha ha. If you’re such a comedian then humor me.

Aqua:I already am. It’s embarrassing being fed. I hope Kairi isn’t having too hard of time.

Ventus:They should be visible from here, right?

He gently puts the bowl down and walks toward the bedroom window to see if he catch a glimpse of training. All Ventus sees is Kairi flying away incredibly fast as Terra rides is bike, hot on her heels. Ventus calmly walks back to Aqua’s bedside and feeds her another spoonful.

Aqua:How are they?

Ventus:Really giving it there all.

Aqua:That’s good. I’m glad…

Ventus:Just focus on getting better.

[gulava]

Kairi is Xehanort's 14th Darkness

Now before I go into this, I must deeply express I will not put up with any Kairi negativity in the tags. This is not meant to demonize her or put anyone else on a pedestal in her place. Literally everyone in this series has been manipulated by Xehanort to some extent and Kairi is not exempt from that. We need to get past all these preconceived notions of who Kairi is supposed to be and see her for the complex character that she truly is. And this is a part of that.

Now let's get started.

Xehanort's intentions from day one were to reenact the Keyblade War. In Dark Road, it's revealed that he's interested in the Darkness that survived by disguising itself as an ally of light. It's possible that he thinks Vanitas is this since he hid himself inside of Ventus but that's all...in the eyes of the beholder. It could be anyone. But Xehanort would take this information either way and use it in his reenactment.

But you may ask: Why would he have a fourteenth? Didn't he intend to use thirteen? That was very clear throughout the series. Well, you'll need to watch Dark Road if you still think this. He left out a little something in the other games when describing his plan.

He wanted ANOTHER vessel to experience the world afterwards. Yes, he's incredibly extra as always. We are used to this by now, I hope..

But why is that vessel Kairi?

(dude's literally telling her what role she's to play even if it probably wouldn't make any sense to someone her age lmao)

As far back as the first game, something never truly added up. Kairi isn't given the role to hold back the darkness with the other princesses. She's paralleled to Wendy who is very explicitly stated to NOT be one of the princesses. Her "power" is never utilized a single time after KH1 either...nor is it brought up until briefly in KH3.

And you know...remember that little thing about how the X tells Xehanort where you are at all times? X marks the spot, they say!

And Xehanort REALLY loved making the X wearers into his vessels, didn't he? Kairi had been wearing it as early as BBS.

Kairi was the one who finished this drawing.

Red flags...red flags, everywhere!

By the way, wasn't Kairi's meeting with Aqua a little...TOO perfect?

Why...it's almost like...it was staged!

Kairi already had the flowers she supposedly picked for her. But why would Xehanort want Kairi to meet Aqua and have her be fond of Kairi?

Two reasons as far as I can see.

1.) Aqua is well attuned to the fine art of spells.

Sound familiar?

2.) Receiving a Keyblade

When Kairi runs to Aqua, she touches her Keyblade. This has been compared to the passing of power like Terra with Riku. Personally, I have no idea if it's as simple as this without the whole ceremony but I don't think this would be shown without reason.

And with this, her role truly started. Kairi was to become the new darkness disguised as a guardian of light. She would befriend and become close with a Keyblade wielder and they would strive to keep her safe so she would survive for the world after.

But *record scratch* how is she a darkness already by the time of BBS and how is she able to hide? Before that, let's discuss the princess she took the place of in KH1. You know, the elephant in the room.

Ariel.

Part Two

[mdhwrites]

THE. HERTA.

The writers from the Intelligentsia Guild wanted to give me an extra title. Something like "Herta Prime" to separate me from my puppets. How banal. Are the puppets not "me" as well? So, I gave them a suggestion — if they dared to write that, then I would call myself THE Herta. It's short, simple, straight to the point, and elegant.

Esteemed member #83 of the Genius Society, human, female, young, beautiful, attractive. It's said that she lives in the far edge of the Cosmos, almost never leaving. Sounds like her appearance this time... must be to deal with an issue that has to be handled herself, right?

Image and above text taken from Hoyo's English account on Twitter.

OH MY GOD I'M HYPED! And just this alone already feels right. I'll admit when I first saw her I went "Teen Lisa" at the design... But it's a teenager which is kind of major to me. Framing her that young fits exceptionally well with who she has been throughout the entire game. Hear me out:

When we first meet her, she's a petulant, uncaring brat who just wants to play with her toys and hardly cares for people who don't make her life more fun. A bad ending to Star Rail's beginning is sticking around and Herta losing interest in you because of the lack of change. All she cares about is her simulated universe.

By the time Ruan Mei is there though, she's spent a lot more time at the Space Station than she ever has before. She now has a group of peers she has been working with for a long while, something implied she hasn't done really, much like Ruan Mei. But instead of just taking charge and telling the others what geniuses they'll recruit, she's asking for input, wanting their thoughts, stuff like that. She is learning her game is more fun with more players.

A sidequest in Penacony pushes her the next step where she is given a heavy weight. A weapon used to destroy entire star systems. She doesn't mock the scientist, the gift or the weapon like she might have at the start. She treats the Stellaron in us as just a weapon to be played with after all. No, she solemnly tucks it away for later, respectful of the wish that someone who can maybe use it for good have it. It's a responsibility that she must accept, properly, with no one like Asta to shirk it off to. Instead of trying to ignore it though, she treats it with respect.

Finally, we have the Unknown Domain which has a LOT to it about Herta potentially opening up due to it being about something so critical to who she is... But the one I want to zoom in on is the ending. For someone who saw themselves as so high and mighty, who theoretically treats the universe as a curiosity to be replicated, who can only be interested in the strange and unknowable, the curiosities of existence... She gives a mundanite comfort. Thanks someone who could never approach her understanding for giving her the first step into being who she is. She knows it's a simulation but she feels that weight enough to feel the need to thank the simulation regardless.

And now she deems something so important that she comes herself? What could that possibly mean? She needs to kiss Ruan Mei? I can't even begin to properly guess but I am excited to put it mildly because we have gotten to see this teenager, some loli bait doll, become a young woman and now we'll get a physical manifestation of it and I LOVE IT.

Also, just a shout out to the description perfectly explaining why she's Ice Erudition again. "The puppets are me." So why would she be anything other than just a refined, perfected version of the puppets? Also she uses a keyblade/staff which makes the Kingdom Hearts fan in me happy and I'm just SO curious what we're going to see with her. A Herta who summons other Hertas? Does she spin with the key? Is the portal cat an actual thing to her? GIVE ME MORE INFORMATION STAR RAIL!

But for now, I am just excited to let my mind expand thanks to this first turn of her key to let us see who she will be. I just hope it's as exciting when she opens the door properly. See you next tale.

======+++++======

A reminder my asks are open and I'd love questions about Star Rail or even story ideas! I struggle more with concepts to write about for Star Rail far more than I wish I did and I'd love to hear your all's thoughts for a font of inspiration.

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

A Twitter you can follow too

And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.

[andrewwtca]

Something really sad, and also INCREDIBELY telling, I found in the Ultimanias is how the Destiny Trio's bonds are described. like, Sora and Riku are kind of consistently described as best friends, but when Kairi gets involved, the bond just becomes childhood friends.

Sora: "Though he lived on Destiny Island with his childhood friends, Kairi and Riku..."

Riku: "A young man who cares deeply for his friends and is Sora's best friend and good rival."

Kairi: "A lively girl who possesses a pure heart of light and grew up on the same Destiny Island as Sora and Riku."

I found a translation, as well, of a character correlation diagram and they're the only trio that isn't described as best friends.

I understand that as a whole, their trio is supposed to represent growing up and how your bonds to one another can change - whether that means growing stronger and coming even closer or weakening and becoming distant - but you'll still care about each other. But it still is incredibly heartbreaking to see the main trio's friendship summed up as "they grew up together."

The only place I've so far seen to say different is the Story Before KHIII.

Sora:

Riku (ignore these god-awful screenshots I was literally watching a youtube review to try and read it because I couldn't find it anywhere else. Just trust me, it says 'Sora and Kairi's best friend since childhood'):

Kairi:

Now, I get it that maybe they don't want to use the same language, but it makes the most sense to me to say on Sora's bio to describe them as best friends, especially considering we see HIS bond with Riku and Kairi, but on Riku's? And the fact that Sora is always the 'friendship guy'? (This is just an outlier I wanted to bring up that calls Riku and Kairi best friends, and that's only if you take these translations as 100% faithful, which we have seen time and time again, that they often aren't.)

It almost feels like their friendship is at an all-time low. And don't forget this is the guidebook that leads up to KHIII, which should hypothetically be the peak of their bond, because they're all on the same level (not in terms of Mastery as Riku is the only Master, but in terms of all being Keyblade Wielders), they're all safe, they all have opportunities to tell each other their feelings. This book is a chance to be a celebration of their friendship, of how they overcome and yet?

'Childhood friends.'

I remember, maybe a few weeks ago, there was a question going around on Twitter asking 'if you have to get rid of one trio, which one would it be?' and most people said Destiny Trio and yeah, it's for a very obvious reason! A lot of these same people say that the games just don't do a good job of showcasing their relationship and they're all really good friends with each other, and everyday, it just more and more obvious it's just wistful thinking. This is as close as we can get as a 'word from god.'

And when you look at the game, it's obvious that they're drifting. The last meaningful conversation we had in this group was Sora and Riku in KH2. KH2!!! That was literally 18 years ago (like a few months for them, but that's not the point I'm making)!!! Meanwhile, we got meaningful interactions in both the other trios in KH3 - which, I'll concede, it was because they were separated for long periods of time that they were so meaningful, but if the game wanted to show us Destiny Trio having deep interactions, it could've! Literally, Sora and Kairi sharing a paopu fruit didn't even have a conversation! it was just Kairi inadvertently voicing her (VERY WELL JUSTIFIED) fears that they'll drift away from each other!

The reason Destiny Trio doesn't feel like a trio is because they aren't one! There's Sora and Riku who are homoerotically close, there's Sora and Kairi who have are growing distant, and there's Riku and Kairi who's only meaningful interactions were founded on guilt or Sora.

TL;DR: "Destiny Trio" is slowly turning into "Sora and Riku dating with Kairi constantly left out of the picture"

They really are Destiny Trio because destiny brought them together and that's about it. Destiny can't give them the same drive to save each other as it gave Seasalt and Wayfinders. I mean yeah, they'll physically save each other, but they're so out of touch emotionally with each other. Like Kairi still refuses to process Sora growing up. Riku has never told Kairi about the things he did to try and save her. He's never even told Sora about his jealousy of Sora and Kairi. And god forbid Sora ever tell them about his insecurities!

The apathy towards destiny in Chikai's opening feels like the perfect way to describe what's going on with them. Destiny is there. Destiny brought them together. And that's it. What else is there to care for?

It's also, once again, very telling that this same song then proceeds with very romantic lyrics about making an oath with someONE. Hm. It's almost like even outside the games, on written supplements, we're constantly being told the path the Destiny Trio is on, and we're constantly being shown that every step they're taking is leading them further down it.

Just. OUGH, these kids!!! I need them to stop sacrificing themselves for each other and making these oaths that are all too big for them, and sit down and just TALK. (And please please please let Kairi interact with someone other than these two. Please, it hurts to see her fall away with nowhere to land!!!)

[serenedash]

Let's talk khux gameplay and plot,

imo I think part of khux's story telling and the impact of the story gets lost now that the game is defunct. I always thought people didn't appreciate how the gameplay and the mechanics actually had an impact on the story and while that impact become virtually nonexistent later on, I always thought it made the story far more engaging when the game was just chi/unchained chi and also the English translation didn't do it too well ngl

Anyway what I'm specifically talking about is the medal system. Also I feel like the whole bangle thing wasn't explained well in game but really it just comes down to leveling up medals specifically. If you never played khux, you equip medals to your keyblades and they doa specific attack and to level them up you combine multiple of the same medal and you could see how leveled up a medal is by the amount of yellow dots next to it and, in JP at least, this was called "guilt" and like wow that name fucking slaps. And when nightmare chirithy reveals the player has been collecting darkness this whole time thru the medal system, you have literal guilt on your conscious. You are guilty of collecting darkness and negative emotions like guilt to use for your own power. And in Back Cover when the foretellers are made aware of this, there's no stopping it and ofc the player can't stop either, they HAVE to get stronger, you literally have to keep playing the game,

Another part of the game that I appreciated is the way the name changes factored into the game; chi was the original "world line" that the dandelions existed in and at first unchained chi had come off as just a remake but really what we're playing is the continuation, where the player and the dandelions are now in this unchained state/new world line and they're reliving their time as wielders but now without the war/"dark" memories and finally when they relive everything and get back to the "present," they continue on after into "union cross" which I feel like. wasn't explained well in game that much tbh but if you didn't understand what that meant in game, it was just to say that unions didn't matter anymore and they were all dandelions so the unions. when the unions are crossed.

and tbh the experience of playing this game in real time also added to the experience a lot and the impact of the story especially with a player insert character. I think the most effective use of this game being played in real time was Strelitzia. Now in the english version, everything with Strelitzia was all one update and the english ver was behind so honestly they had to do catch up they couldn't really afford to lag behind. But in JP, which most khux fans kept up with using fan translations, Strelitzia's introduction and her death happened about a month apart so it gave the players time to actualyl grow attached to her and THEN we get crushed. You can easily pin point the exact time certain khux fan art was drawn bc in a group drawing of the dandelions Strelitzia is there instead of Lauriam since he was only introduced after her death

and another thing! It only became apparent by the end of the game but khux actually takes place over the course of about 4 years. which is fucking insane. because the dandelions were stuck in the data for 4 years and didn't know it until the glitches started. and the game ran for roughly the same amount of time and we weren't even aware of that either until the glitches! ("why 4 years" there are cutscenes that literally say "4 years ago" so yeah girl what the fuck haha)

Anyway yeah this was just me rambling I think about this so much all the time can you tell. I hope missing link does something like this too tbh it makes it more fun and makes it feel that your actions as the player actually have impact on the story

[animesmolbean]

Guardian of Light

(Female)

Story inspiration here

Hope you enjoy the chapter! ♥️

〰️

Chapter 6: Visions and Promises

〰️

Paul walked out of the Ornithopter at a fast pace once they landed back home, holding (Your Name) up and helping her walk.

The Duke jumped out of the thropter pilot seat, eyes widening slightly seeing (Your Name) looking exhausted and about to collapse. “What happened? Is she alright?” He asked, worried about the girl.

Paul looked at his father, unshed tears in his eyes, then looked down to the (Hair Color) haired girl, “I hope so…” He muttered in a hoarse voice.

(Your Name) groaned softly and moved her head off of Paul's shoulder. “I'm… I'm alright.” She muttered.

The Duke sighed heavily, “You cannot take such risks, Paul.”

“Yes, sir.” Paul responded, head casted downwards as he looked over at his childhood best friend who was slowly trying to regain her strength.

“You both have responsibilities.” Duke gestured to the pair.

“I… I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again.” Paul rambled.

“Go now. Get yourself checked out. I have to talk to (Your Name).”

Paul was hesitant to leave his best friend but listened to his father's words and jogged off.

Now, it was just (Your Name) standing before the Duke. As she regained herself, she realized her mistake and she looked down.

“I'm so sorry, Sir. I failed to keep Paul safe and it could've cost his life. I'm sorry, I- I'm so sorry-” She rambled.

The Duke cut her off. “Hey, calm down. Things have smoothed themselves out.” His voice was gentle as he comforted the panicked girl. He placed his hands on her shoulders.

“You managed to get to him in time, along with Gurney. You did good.” He praised.

(Your Name) sniffled, nodding her head.

“But I need to know. What happened out there?”

The girl sighed. “I honestly don't know. One moment Paul and I were together then a sandstorm struck and we were separated. Then, the area turned dark… this orb appeared in the sky and…. those shadow demons appeared.”

The Duke's eyes widened at the news. “You saw the shadow demons?” The girl nodded. “What did they look like? Did they hurt you?”

(Your Name) described the demons, telling him they are called Heartless and she was able to fight them. When the Duke asked how, she told him everything.

“Then… the voice said… Haris Aldaw’. That I'm a new… keyblade wielder.”

Leto couldn't believe this. This girl was the Haris Aldaw’. Guardian of Light. A keyblade wielder.

The girl looked down, seemingly still upset about what happened. The Duke looked at her, an empathic look on his face.

“Everything will be alright. I can promise you that. But I need you to be strong. Protect my son from danger. I can't lose him…” He paused and gave her a gentle smile. “Or my future daughter-in-law.”

(Your Name) gasped softly. She smiled widely at the Duke, and wrapped her arms around the man.

The Duke chuckled softly and hugged her back, patting her back.

“Now, go on and get checked out.”

The girl nodded and jogged off to where Paul last went. Duke Leto watched, a gentle smile on his face.

〰️

(Your Name) looked around, trying to find her childhood best friend. She looked in every possible room.

She eventually got to her and Paul's shared room and she entered slowly. There she saw Paul, with Lady Jessica and Dr. Yueh. Everyone looked at her. The girl looked at Paul in worry.

“Is he alright?” She asked.

“He's fine, Lady (Your Name). Just an allergic reaction to the spice.” Dr. Yueh told the girl.

She sighed in relief. “Thank goodness.” She muttered to herself. “Thank you.” She added in a louder voice, addressing the doctor.

Dr. Yueh left the room. Once he was gone, (Your Name) went over to Paul, and kneeled in front of him, taking his hands in hers.

Paul’s hands gave hers a squeeze, seeing the panic and worry in her eyes. He disliked that look on her. Lady Jessica came over to the pair, kneeling next to (Your Name).

“That wasn't an allergic reaction. I had a vision. My eyes were wide open.” Paul spoke in a low voice, looking down, avoiding eye contact with Jessica and (Your Name), his brows furrowed.

"What did you see?” Jessica asked.

Paul slowly looked up at the two, his hazel green eyes instantly meeting (Your Name)’s concerned deep blue eyes. His heart was thumping hard in his chest, remembering the vision.

Inside the vision, (Your Name) was leading Paul down into a mountain, both of them wearing stillsuits.

They pause in a small, clear area surrounded by the rocky walls. The two faced each other. With a gentle smile on her face, (Your Name) got closer to his face and reached up to place a gloved hand on his cheek, caressing it gently.

She rubbed her thumb over the area, the pair getting even closer to each other. They were so close that they could feel each other's breaths against their faces. (Your Name) placed her other hand on Paul's cheek, now cupping his face. Meanwhile, Paul moved his hands to his friend's waist. Their eyes met, their foreheads touched, and they mirrored each other's expression. An expression full of love and admiration.

Paul nudged his nose against hers making the girl giggle softly. He tilted his head a little to get a better angle and started to close the gap between them. His lips parted a little and his lips caressed (Your Name)’s.

Though, before the childhood pair could actually kiss, someone came up behind Paul and stabbed him. It was the same girl he saw in his dream with (Your Name).

Paul fell against (Your Name) lifting his hand up seeing blood on it. His blood. (Your Name) watching Paul bleed, no emotion present on her face.

“It's confusing. I thought I saw my death, only it wasn't. I know a knife is important, somehow. Someone will hand me a blade, but I don't know who, or when, or where. Some things, though, are crystal clear. I can feel it.” Paul explained to the two, then glanced at his mother. “I know you're pregnant.” The male smiled softly at his mother.

(Your Name) looked at Lady Jessica with surprise but it melted into a soft smile, mirroring Paul's.

“You can't know that. I barely know that. It's only been a few weeks.” Jessica breathed out in surprise, staring at her son like she saw a ghost.

〰️

Jessica left the room, leaving (Your Name) and Paul alone, an uncomfortable silence was now between the two best friends.

(Your Name) sighed to herself, giving Paul's hands a squeeze, like he did for her earlier. “There's something you're not telling me. What is it?” She whispered.

Paul's hazel green eyes looked at the girl. “In my vision…” He took a deep breath and released it shakily, his voice shaky like he was on the verge of crying, “When I got stabbed…. you didn't say anything… didn't react… you just stared… blank faced. I'm not sure why.” He sniffled, trying to keep himself from crying.

The girl frowned softly, squeezing his hands again then stood up and sat on his lap, her legs straddling his thighs. In response, Paul's warm hands gently held her hips, rubbing her hip bones with his thumbs. (Your Name) suppressed a shiver as she looked Paul in his eyes.

“That was just a vision Paul,” She spoke softly seeing his lips quiver, “You know how much I care about you. Whatever you saw in the vision, won't happen. I would never, ever, ever, hurt you.” She brushed some of his curly locks out of his face before she continued, “I won't let anything happen to you. Even in your dreams. I'll protect you. I'll be what the nightmares fear.”

When she mentioned dreams, she swore she felt a slight pain in her back. Like something was branding her back. But she ignored the pain, thinking it was nothing and wanting to focus more on comforting Paul.

Paul chuckled wetly at her proclamation before his body shuddered as he suppressed a small sob. His hands gripped her hips tighter. “I almost lost you today…” His voice was hoarse, then in a desperate whisper. “I can't lose you (Your Name)... I can't. I don't know what I'll do if you die. I don't know what I'll do.”

She shook her head, frowning a little. “Shhhh.. I'm alright… I'm right here…” She cooed. She used her left hand to move Paul's right hand off her hip and placed it on her chest, where her heart is. “See? Can you feel it? My heart beat. I'm right here.”

Paul sniffled a bit, feeling his nerves settle at the feeling of his friend's heartbeat.

The blue-eyed girl moved her right hand to Paul's cheek, cupping it in her palm and caressing it with her thumb. She watched Paul lean into the touch.

“We'll face whatever obstacles are thrown our way. We'll overcome the odds. I know we can.” She proclaimed, but she wasn't finished, “I won't let anything happen to you. And I won't let them take me away from you. I promise.” (Your Name) declared, sealing the promise with a kiss on Paul's forehead.

Paul closed his eyes, humming at the feeling of her lips on his forehead. He turned his head, pressing a kiss onto her palm. “I promise to protect you too. No one will have us… as long as we're together.” He whispered into her hand. He then gestured to (Your Name) with his head to come closer. She does and he places a kiss onto her forehead; just like she did for him.

(Your Name) hummed, pressing her forehead to Paul's once he pulled his lips away, making Paul tremble a little.

Paul's lidded eyes stared at (Your Name) with their forehead still together. The blue-eyed girl could feel his breath against her cheeks when she stared back into his beautiful hazel green eyes. He gave her a half smile, one that was enough to make her heart beat faster.

Paul felt it, making his heart swell up with pride and love.

〰️

Jessica left the room and was now walking down the hallway, whimpering as she played with her hands. She paused as she started to cry softly.

She didn't know what to do.

Eventually, she made it back to her quarters, where she saw Leto, his back turned to her. She cautiously approached him.

“There's something you need to know about Paul and (Your Name).”

“No.” Leto spoke immediately as he put on a jacket. “Don't think I want to know. Ever since you brought them before your Reverend Mother, they have changed. Paul isn't the same. He's distracted. As for (Your Name)....” He let out a sigh as he looked at Jessica. “I know about her. You have told me yourself. Ever since she came to us. Now… she has told me herself.”

Jessica wasn't surprised by his reaction. But the thing that did surprise her a bit was the fact that (Your Name) told Leto herself of who she was.

Leto spoke again, “Jessica, you gave me a son. From the moment he was born, I never questioned you. And when you brought (Your Name) to me, and suggested we keep her, I agreed. Like with Paul, I never questioned you. I trusted you completely. Even when you walked in shadows.” The woman just stood there, blank faced as Leto spoke. “Now I'm asking you this one thing. If anything happens… will you protect our son? Will you protect our future daughter?”

“With my life.” Jessica replied, like it was obvious.

Her husband shook his head. “I'm not asking their mother. I'm asking the Bene Gesserit.”

With those words, Jessica didn't reply. She looked down. Leto stepped closer to her. “Will you protect Paul and (Your Name)?”

Jessica stepped closer to Leto and placed a hand on his chest. She sensed there was something wrong with him. “Why are you having these thoughts?” She whispered.

Leto didn't reply. He looked down, blinking nervously and shook his head. Jessica looked at him. “Leto, this is not you.”

The pair pressed their foreheads together for a few moments. Leto pulled away eventually.

“I thought we'd have more time.” Leto confessed in a whisper, a subtle, somber look on his face.

〰️

It was now nighttime and (Your Name) was in Paul's room with him, after she asked to stay with him. Paul immediately agreed. She saw him leant on a little table in his room, in deep thought. The girl decided not to disturb, especially after what had happened and what he told her.

The door to his room suddenly opened; it was Dr. Yueh. He walked in with a tint tray and placed it on a table; it contained medicine and water. “Have a good night Master Paul, Lady (Your Name).” He told the two.

“Good night, Dr. Yueh.” The pair spoke softly and in sync as the doctor left the room.

(Your Name) laid down on the bed, looking at her hand from the side. She wondered if she could summon the keyblade any time like the others before her could.

She sighed and turned onto her side, ready to just fall asleep. It had been a long day.

After a few moments, she heard rustling and assumed that Paul was just getting ready for bed. She closed her eyes and started to drift off. Then, she felt the bed dip behind her and a pair of arms wrapped around her waist.

The blue-eyed girl gasped softly at the touch. It was nothing new; Paul always did this but it still gives her butterflies every time he does so.

Then, she felt his face nuzzle into the crook of her neck, placing soft kisses on her skin. The action made her gasp softly again and shiver at the new feeling.

The boy hummed against (Your Name)’s neck as he kept going, his hands moving to her stomach, rubbing the area over her shirt.

“Paul… what are you doing?” She whispered, squirming a bit in his hold.

Paul mumbled something against her skin, but (Your Name) didn't hear it. She felt Paul turn her around so now they were facing each other. Before she could ask again, Paul continued his ministrations but his hands now rubbed her back.

The blue eyed girl let out a soft whine at the feeling of Paul's lips caressing her neck. She gripped the boy's shirt instinctively. The kisses got softer and the (Hair Color) haired girl sighed, enjoying the moment while it lasted.

The kisses on her neck soon stopped, making the girl look down to see that Paul was asleep now, his head moved down to her chest and he was now laying on it, where her heart was.

She smiled softly at this, leaning down and pressing a kiss onto his forehead, making the boy hum in his sleep.

She continued staring at Paul's beautiful sleeping form, her heart fluttering. She never felt this type of love before. She may need to learn more about love, but she knew how to share her heart with others. But this felt so different. This felt more powerful, more powerful than she felt with her mentors, her surrogate parents and sibling love. This one felt like… a love that she would share with only one person. It was a feeling she only felt around Paul.

After a little while of stroking Paul's curly hair, his arms wrapped around her waist, (Your Name) wrapped her arms around him. Their bodies were now tangled with each other's. The girl hummed softly before she fell into a peaceful sleep with Paul.

But unbeknownst to them, and almost everyone here, trouble was arriving on Arrakis; and would change their lives forever.

Taglist

@skeletonixsstuff

@babyqueen17

@bay7let

@bookloverfilmoholic

[6rookie-writer0110]

Unknown Dream

Descendants Mal X Male Reader.

Request -Hi, can you write Descendants Mal X Male Reader. The reader is the son of Sora. The reader lands on Auradon, after facing several Heartless, meets the VKs, and Reader and Mal fall in love.

You don't recognize anyone or anything on the island of Auradon. You are just walking around until you figure something out. But you start to hear loud noises and you start to follow it. You see several heartless attacking a group of people but they do fight back, but they are outnumbered. You take out your key blade and you start to fight the heartless.

“Who is that guy?” Carlos asked.

“I don't know, I've never seen him before,” Evie said.

You keep fighting them and they are being defeated. But they start to help you fight and the heartless are all gone.

“Who are you?” Mal asked.

“My name is Y/n and I'm from Destiny Island,” You said.

“We never heard of that island. Exactly where it is?” Ben asked.

“It's an island next to Ocean Road. Where am I?” You said.

“Again, we never heard of these places. My name is Mal and you are on an island named Auradon” Mal said.

She starts to introduce you to her friends.

“What kind of weapon is that?” Ben asked.

“It's called a key blade, it's like a sword but different,” You said.

“Thanks for helping us defeat them,” Evie said.

You start to explain what is a heartless creature. Then they start to show you around the island and you get to know each other by their names.

✬ ✯ ✬ ✫

Jay and Carlos let you stay with them until they figure out how to get you back home. They went out but Mal went over to see how you were doing.

“Jay and Carlos aren't here,” You said.

“I came to see you, to see how you are doing,” Mal said.

“I’m doing fine. I'm starting to like Auradon but I still miss home” You said.

Mal takes you to the lake, thinking it could cheer you up. You and Mal sit next to each other and you show her a picture of your father, Goofy, and Donald Duck.

“That can't be his name Goofy” Mal giggled.

“I’m serious that's his name” You giggled.

“No” Mal laughed.

You laughed and she couldn't stop smiling at you. You take out a picture of you with your family and you tell her who is who. She opened up to you about her mother Maleficent and you told her about your father Sora. You and Mal are alone and she is happy about that because she is starting to like spending time with you.

———

You and Mal have spent more time together alone. She started to develop a crush on you and she starts to wonder if you feel the same way. Today, you are showing her how to use the keyblade.

“Wow, it's heavy,” Mal said.

“It takes a while to get used to the weight. But try to swing it like a sword” You said.

You are in the backyard of the castle. She did try to swing the key blade like a sword but couldn't. She did try again but couldn't, then you showed her how you hold it.

Later, she takes you into the village and you try new food. You didn't like every food, but you were happy to spend time alone with her. You and Mal are starting to open up to each other.

On the island, some people started to light fireworks. Everyone is starting to watch it and have a good time. You and Mal go to the boardwalk and sit down next to each other. Her hand is next to your hand and she puts her pinky on your finger. You start to smile and you keep watching the fireworks.

“I had fun with you today, Y/n” Mal smiled.

“Me too. Tonight is really beautiful” You smiled.

You turn to her then she looks at you. You slowly lean in and you kiss her then she kisses you back. The firework continued and she didn't stop kissing you.

“I really like you, Y/n” Mal said.

“I feel the same way and I like kissing you,” You said.

“Kiss me again, Y/n,” Mal said.

You kiss her again and she starts to smile.

[mimiplaysgames]

The Bed Story, ch. 1 (Light in the Dark)

For Terraqua Week 2024, Day 1

Terra/Aqua | Terra/Anti-Aqua Rating: M Word count: 1,777 @terraquaweek

AO3 Link

Summary: Terra meets Anti-Aqua, and he's sorry for all the things they did and didn't do.

A/N: Hiiiiiiii everyone ahhh???? It's so good to be back, writing for my favorite ship ever. I've missed you all. I took the opportunity with Terraqua Week to write something new, but I've been meaning to finish my open fics for them. There are still so many scenes in my head that I want to put on the page. It's just been hard to find the time to write them as I work on my first novel. But I'm here!!! and I miss!!! all of you!!!! I hope you enjoy this one. I wrote it all in a month so there is going to be quality control issues, lmao but it is ANGSTY lmao.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Terra is watching. Terra is no longer watching. Terra is asleep, Terra is—

Awake. Coming to, he inhales dust and dirt so sharply that his throat stings, and he drops hard on his knees, face slamming against cobblestone. He can’t feel his legs, and his hips won’t buck over when he commands them to.

“Aqua,” he mumbles, his tongue thick. He struggles to buoy himself up by the elbows. Where is he?

“Terra? Thank the stars.” Aqua kneels by him and guides his head to her lap. Storm clouds prey over the city of Radian Garden, snuffing out the sun overhead (Why is he here?). “Where do you hurt?” Aqua’s hair is too short to stay behind her ears, draping over while her frightened eyes inspect him for injuries. Frizzy. He could reach up and smooth it back down, but he’s dizzy. If this is the last time he will touch her… She brushes the tips of her fingers over his cheek, cleaning it of dirt and—

Smoke? Magic residue.

“Terra, stay with me.” 

Yes, he wants to. He’s slipping, he’s—

—Sleep.

Stars, he yearns to. He snatches her hand and weaves their fingers together. He can’t think like that. He can never let go again. Everything, everything, everything is going wrong but he’ll make it right. 

Xehanort. That’s the reason for the thunder ramming beyond the horizon.

No, the real reason is Terra being stupid.

“Can you stand up?”

Rainfell is left neglected on the ground next to her. They’ve been fighting each other with their Keyblades. That’s what she’s not telling him. 

“I can’t.”

Aqua blinks away her worry, but Terra sees past the armor. “That’s okay. You’re doing good. You’re beating him.”

Bile clogs his esophagus. He needs to roll over and let it all out but he swallows it back. Swallows again and swallows hard to keep it in and not let Xehanort go—

—Sleep.

“Aqua,” he says, his voice frail, “I’m sorry.” 

Aqua smiles morosely. She’s never been the type to rub it in. 

There’s a lot to be sorry for. One: The Master is dead. 

—Sleep.

Two: They fought. In front of Ven.

—Sleep.

Three: He left her behind. 

Four, just to decapitate the dead horse: He never congratulated her on achieving her Master status.

—Sleep.

And five: for that night before the Mark of Mastery. Terra had hoped there would be less stress the night after.

This can’t be the last time he touches her.

“I know,” she says. 

What was once a headache that jerked his forehead is now a quiet null, and he’s losing feeling in his fingers, the feeling of her skin.

His eyelids are heavy, and he sighs.

Aqua holds his chin and makes him stare into her eyes. “Listen to me. You’re strong. You can defeat him.”

Terra stretches the fingers in his free hand and tries to ball them into a fist.

“I can’t find Earthshaker.”

“What?”

He tries again—that small shred of Light he is supposedly connected to, the warmth of a friend who will always listen, the certainty of having someone there to help, is gone. Earthshaker won’t come. 

This is what it’s like to have regret. Tell me, how does that honor our Master’s memory, Terra?

“I know Earthshaker. It will always be there for you,” Aqua says, so confident and so wrong, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to get him to stand. 

Terra flinches—a profound image of choking her invades his senses, bleached knuckles that won’t respond to him, rigid around the same neck he’s buried his nose in before. 

He leans over on his side, too weak to push her off. “Aqua, just let me go.”

“Never,” she snaps. “How can you ask that?”

“He’s coming back.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We can fight him off together.” 

How does that honor our Master’s memory?

—Sleep.

In a page tucked away on some textbook Terra has always hated reading for its archaic nonsense, was a line: F’r our lighteth in the dark hast us by the heart, at each moment. 

Too heavy for her, Aqua brings Terra back to rest on her lap. When they’re weak, they’re supposed to be each other’s Light to guide them back home. That’s what the Master said. One star to find another lost in space. 

(And when stars flicker out, they explode in a supernova, then disintegrate into a black hole. That is something the Master refused to discuss. Their job was not to let that happen, period.)

“Terra, stay with me?”

For a moment, the lights go out. For the next, they come back on. Terra looks up at her blue eyes. She knows what’s happening to him, from the way she quiets down and rubs her thumb on his jaw. 

“You just have to find your Light again,” Aqua says. She’s talking about Earthshaker. She’s talking about Ven. She’s talking about going home together. “And this will be over. Then we can find our own little hiding place.” She soothes, stroking his cheek. “Like we promised.”

But—

But, just in case, Terra squeezes her hand one more time. He’s going to have to let go.

Terra lifts his head and points with his nose to beckon her to go lower, to get closer to him, as if he’s telling her a secret. Closer, enough for him to lean up with what’s left of his strength, to press his mouth on hers, and open his lips, and ask for more. She trembles against him, and he kisses her again, and inhales her smokey sweat and lavender shampoo with all that he wants to say but has lost the voice for.

That’s his last memory before sinking into the black hole. Someone far away says, “I’m with you,” planting one little star into his hand that he can caress to his chest while he slips into something like sleeping. Then he tears apart.

~*~

Awake. Awake? 

Terra sits up. He rolls to his hands and knees, and coughs—there’s sand crumbling under his tongue, and he spits out the remains. 

After he nearly gags from what doesn’t come up, he realizes. Sand crumpled underneath his fist, as if he was in the middle of choking someone. More sand caked into his nails. A musty odor—he needs deodorant. That numbing feeling on his wrists that means he needs to shake them off. Wake them up. Awake. He’s breathing, and it’s hot, and he’s sweaty, and he’s hungry. 

“Terra!”

It happens so quickly, the way Ven rushes to Terra’s side, and checks his eyes to see if they’re blue. Terra doesn’t register a single word out of Ven’s mouth but he registers the feeling of Ven’s chest crushed against his, muscle trapping boy in a hug. Cheek to cheek, the sound of tears and tears.

“You’re crushing me.” 

Terra lets go, but not the shoulders. It’s too early to allow the feeling of someone slipping away. 

Ven is the same as he's always been. All bones. “You’re still chubby in the cheeks,” Terra says, smushing them between his giant hands.

“Fuck you.”

“What is that language?” But Terra is crying, messing with Ven’s well-kept hair.

“Ugh, why.” The disturbed styling cream flattens the cowlick Ven likes so much and his attempt to make it right dwindles. But he’s smiling. Crying, too. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me, too.” More tears.

Ven stops his fussing and lowers his hands. His voice breaks. “I thought I’d never see you again.” 

To make up for it, Terra tries fixing Ven’s hair for him. Thankfully, considering the result, there’s no mirror nearby to upset Ven. “Hey. It’s over. We’re safe. We’re back together and—”

Terra looks around. They’re in the Keyblade Graveyard, somewhere within starched erected stone walls that are falling apart. But Terra doesn’t understand why they’re here. He tastes smoke. Magic residue. 

They fought Xehanort-as-Terra here, and Terra doesn’t remember much except reaching for a night sky. She was here, he was certain. A star gauzed behind clouds and he reached, and reached and caught Xehanort by the throat. 

“Where’s Aqua?”

Ven doesn’t respond. 

Terra’s heart pounds, assuming the worst. Did he hurt—

“Um.” Ven wipes his hands on his pants and stands. “She’s different.”

Terra gets off his knees. He’s unbalanced, swaying with his heavy legs, and Ven holds him up by the arm. “What does that mean?”

Ven grunts his disappointment. He points behind Terra, to a wall that bends open to the rest of the labyrinth. “She’s behind there. She fought with me” —against Terra— “then left.”

Terra trips on his feet as he limps. How different? Hurt-different? Tired-different? Furious-different? Furious with him? Won’t want to ever talk to him again-different, and there’s no turning back-different? 

He catches himself at the side of the wall. “Aqua?”

Rustling and steps respond, in the slice of shadow around the corner. Terra looks over.

Two little orbs, lights in the shadow that remind him of monsters, stare back at him, waiting before the onslaught. Terra’s instinct is to call Earthshaker, but it still won’t come. Left defenseless, how fast will the monster get to him if Terra yells? How fast will Ven come to the rescue?

But a second passes by before he realizes what he’s looking at. Golden eyes in fury, white hair, pulling her ripped sleeves, inked in black, to hide her red claws. 

She looks like a creature. 

When Terra was six, the Master would tell him stories of valiant heroes defeating monsters with eyes like lanterns, which seduced victims into thinking they’re safe, and made them follow false lights until they were isolated in the dark. 

Aqua shivers. “You,” she says. Her voice is steady and solid, but he hears all its cadences. Rage, sadness, something like relief but too numb to feel it.

Terra steps toward his monster but he lowers his gaze from her glare. If he doesn’t see, then it’s not as bad as he thinks.

This is what it’s like to have regret. Tell me, how does this honor our Master’s memory, Terra?

He coaxes her into his arms, and rests his mouth onto her forehead, letting her heave dry sobs into his shoulder while his hot tears trickle down to her hair. She smells like ash. She’s freezing.

He doesn’t have the courage this time to apologize. He almost asks if she’s okay. Stupid question. “Let’s go home.” 

Aqua says nothing. She doesn’t hug him back. All she does is bore her wild eyes into him, long enough for Terra to break his avoidance. He sees not his reflection in that golden color but a silhouette of the moon.

[bayothemayo]

hihi, sorry if you have a lot of requests rn but can i request a (PLATONIC!!!!) sora + child!reader? i think it would be interesting to see your take on it, given that you havent posted any sora yet :)

If Child! Reader was a Keyblade Wielder

For starters, he would most likely take a big brother role

He would definitely take on the more tougher and bigger bosses.

Even so Sora will let you fight still, so you would get stronger alongside the rest.

If you were in any danger, then he would quickly go help you.

Any free time on the ship you two usually hang out.

If you had family and/or a younger/older sibling you talk about them to Sora

You also tell him about your hobbies or whatever you like. And if you two happen to have the same interests, then you guys will talk for whatever long till you two have to sleep or reach the destination.

Basically a big brother figure.

If Child! Reader was a Nobody

First off, it would be difficult to fight you. A literal child

For some reason deep down he cares about you, even though he just met you.

When you do eventually fight he does his best to try to not hurt you too much and just tire you out.

It always hurt him having to even think about hurting you.

It was hard for him having to defeat you at The World That Never Was (or in the Keyblade Graveyard) and seeing you fade away but if it helps you go back to your body then so be it

If you two end up meeting again then he would apologized for beating you up.

If Child!Reader was in of the Wayfinder Group (Birth By Sleep)

Hearing that you may be lost or trap somewhere, and that you are a child, he HAVE to rescue you.

Sora knows that Aqua, Terra, and Ventus would prefer that you would be helped first.

He would try his hardest to defeat what ever Heartless or Nobody that gets in his way.

When he does rescue you, he would keep an eye on you to make sure you are okay if he wasn't busy,

He would rather have you stay at the Yen Sid's Tower, but with your insistence he lets you come with them.

Whit it comes to battling, he let's you fight since you have a experience, albeit maybe rusty. But he would keep an eye out for you.

If Child!Reader was Norted

He would be devastated

It would hurt him deeply knowing that he would eventually have to hurt you.

He would try to find a way to un-nort you in a non-confrontational way.

If you two do end up confronting each other, he would try to talk you down hoping that you would break free from Xehanort's control. Though that most likely didn't work that much so he would have to fight you.

Once you get out of Xehanort's control he would absolutely keep checking if you are okay, mentally and physically.

He would definitely baby you for a little bit and hang out with you a lot more than you two used to do.