#he contributes by BEING HIMSELF and BEING BELOVED FOR IT. and thats ENOUGH.

[roughentumble]

jaskier isnt sidelined because he sucks at everything he's sidelined because the netflix writing staff dont know how to balance the fact that he sucks at everything with the fact that he is still loved and valued outside of material gains

[junietuesday]

you like sidon bc hes a sexy tall charming fish prince whos gay with link. i like sidon bc hes a guy whos made his whole Thing being a tall charming prince, he navigates through the world w charisma bc thats how hes expected to be as the face of the zora. his cheer and charm is him needing to be strong and perfect for his people, even tho he doesnt really have any Genuine connections w anyone enough that hes already calling link his dearest friend immediately after meeting him. bc he cant be vulnerable as a prince, he cant let people know the Real him, so he bottles up his emotions and plays up his charismatic personality so people Think hes being open when he really isnt. except he cant quite contain himself, he doesnt get social cues and hes very overenthusiastic, traits that contribute to his lack of connections w other people bc hes a little Too Much at social interaction, not to mention the status difference between him and everyone else in the domain. and all this is with the shadow of mipha looming over him, as much as he deeply loves her at the same time hes really just mipha’s replacement, shes dead so now hes forced to step up and be the heir, and she was perfect and beloved by everyone, and sidon has to live up to that Somehow so he takes on her kindness and positivity and Only lets himself be kind and positive. and also bc hes a tall cool fish prince (<- im a lesbian but sidon’s design is objectively awesome as hell). we are not the same.

[theatlasrealm]

very dearly beloved yet incredibly detested ninjago writers, since you cannot do it yourself, allow me to give you some guidance. introducing: a guide to writing kai

1: childhood. coping mechanisms, emotions, relationships, and so many other countless things are originated from our childhood experiences. show us how kai took charge, how he reacted when his parents left. did he break down crying, suck it up and get himself together for nyas sake? did his fear of being useless and his habit of undervaluing himself originate from the fact his parents had left him? I want to see kai move on as a child and yet stumble and fall at the same time. i wanna see the unresolved trauma please because we all know our boy has lots of that

2: green ninja. what’s wrong writers?? are you afraid to tell us his true motives for him wanting to be the green ninja? it’s because his constant fear of being worthless leaded to his wanting to be the green ninja? was he scared he couldn’t be able to protect those he loved? did he want to be green ninja out of fear of being undervalued and left behind by the team, like his parents left him behind? so many question so little answers

3: bravery through love. kai canonically represents bravery, but the ninjago short only presented this bravery through physical action. kai is one of the bravest in another act as well: love. kai’s continuation of love and care toward the team and kids in general has been shown time and time again in the show. physically affectionate, supportive, understanding, and caring to each ninja individually is literally kai’s thing. he readily loved his parents even though they ‘abandoned them’ long ago, when nya was not brave enough to (valid, btw). he is very vocal on how much he loves people, especially nya and lloyd. he loves kids and animals alike (making friends with dragons, naturally affectionate with kids). he wholeheartedly loves people despite the fear of not being loved back, and despite his childhood trauma, and i think thats the best and most beautiful kind of bravery. and i think if the show points this quality out for those who cannot see it, it would contribute so much to his character. kai is such a loving person he loves everyone i think i might cry

[vegalocity]

Peachtea/TripSun angst idea. Nobody knew Wukong would disappear for 500 years so they're mourning until Xiaotian starts training with him. Tang composes himself to wait a little longer but Wukong just ignores all the signs. Until he gets into an argument with Tang and Tang ends up snapping "Why did you disappear for 500 years?!"

Okay so here’s the thing, I can only get behind the whole ‘The other Pilgrims ALL thought Wukong was dead and are PISSED at him now’ stuff, only, and I mean ONLY if Wukong either thought they all didn’t want to hear from him again anyway, or if he thought they were dead too.

....I mean my only contributions to all those ‘Reunion with Baije and Wujing’ posts were both ‘Wukong thought they were dead too’ so CLEARLY thats my read on the whole thing. I sincerely can’t see him just... NOT telling people he cared that much about that he was gonna bounce for that long to be alone on FFM, so if he knew they were alive he would have told them. 

And then you know someone spotted that little shrine with the origami figures in the Special and I was there like:

 So like, lets do something we’ll both enjoy here then because all of those reunion fics are almost exclusively centered around the trio, and we oh so rarely see Sanzang (whether he is Tang or not) get involved. 

So like first off, assuming LMK is on a sci fi alternate earth instead of being in the future, there’s still a solid nine hundred or so years between the end of the Pilgrimage and the supposed time Wukong disappeared for Monkie Kid timeline (JTTW is set in like the 600s or so if i remember correctly, might be wrong about the exacts tho) so lets assume those nine hundred years were uneventful.

So yeah, idk the hows, the hows don’t matter. What DOES matter is Wukong somehow loses contact with the others and is somehow convinced they were all killed, had his last stand against DBK and then went off travelling for a century to come to terms with his brothers and his precious, darling, beloved Master all perishing due to his inability to protect them.

and meanwhile for the others he was just... GONE. Like he’d vanished off the face of the earth, And the last the three of them ever saw of him was the staff rooted into the mountain that now kept the Bull King below. Just in case maybe the tree of them would periodically head off to Flower Fruit Mountain and check in with the monkeys that could still talk, but after about a century it was clear. If he WAS still alive, he wasn’t coming back. And the idea that he’d purposefully leave all of them behind just for the hope that he WAS still alive would do his memory a disservice. 

So when Wukong returns to FFM wouldn’t it be great if he like, JUST missed that last visit? Like DAYS after Sanzang, Baije and Wujing had been there for the final time to hold an impromptu funeral for their dead friend on his homeland and finally accept that he was gone, Wukong returns to the mountain and builds his little shrine for his dead friends... the Monkeys all look at eachother awkwardly and shrug, assuming this will be settled soon enough, surely it’ll be solved before too long.

And then another 400 years of kingly depression naps and the others falling in and out of contact with eachother as they adapt to the ever changing world around them later, Xiaotian snatches the staff from the bull family.

And... Look... It’s been a ROUGH 500 years on Sanzang now called simply Tang. He’d only recently tracked down Baije-now-called-Pigsy in the past... what Ten years? and was only tangentially aware of what Wujing-now-called-Sandy was up to. And... Look... LOOK. It’s ridiculous that he’s still hung up over losing Wukong as much as he is. He’s Well FUCKING aware it’s ridiculous. He should know better, he quite LITERALLY reached immortality through enlightenment. He KNOWS he should know better. 

So why-... Why can’t he say his real name without his gut still twisting into knots? He still tells the stories because telling them behind a wall of detachment, pretending he wasn’t there on the action for most of them helps in some small way, but why does he have to always call him ‘the Monkey King’? What a question, he knows why. He gave his heart away when he was still mortal, and so mortal his heart will forever stay. Dead and returned to the stone with the impulsive monkey he’d given it to.

And then It’s not dead. Because he’s not dead. and honestly at first it’s just shock, it’s just reeling with the sheer tidal wave of feelings he had to spend hours meditating just to sort through. The three of them meet up after Xiaotian and Xiaojiao have turned in for the night to discuss what the FUCK just happened, and all three of them come away with different conclusions. 

Baije is furious and will refuse to seek out Wukong unless its to tell him off for letting the three of them belive him dead, Wujing is sad and would like to see Wukong again to simply ask why he’d decided to cut the three of them out of his life like that, but doesn’t want to do it alone. And he’s...conflicted.

He wants this to be a joyous discovery. he wants to be so relieved and euphoric at his monkey still being there, having ALWAYS been there, that he wouldn’t be able to stop smiling for days on end. But he can’t. It’s all so... messy inside and he’s going to need to keep his distance if he wants to be able to approach Wukong with a level head. This was why attachments such as these were foolish he should have known better all those years ago but it was centuries too late now, and this confliction is what he has to suffer through as the result... wanting to laugh and cry and scream all at once because Wukong is ALIVE, he’d spent SO long in mourning for him, and HOW DARE HE ignore them all and let them assume the worst?!

So he hides behind that Scholar Tang persona while he sorts through his emotions. And it works for the most part. 

And then New Years happens.

And... Look, Wukong’s been THROUGH it in the last 500 years. He’s done everything he could to just... GET OVER the loss of his love His Master and His brothers. he went through all the damn stages of grief, 

Spent that first decade in denial poking around everywhere he could to see if any of them-ANY of them were in hiding somewhere, spent another three decades wandering the world and starting fights with other cultures divine warriors (and that Aphrodite chick was DEFINITELY hitting on him the entire time, extolling about how rarely she got to use her ‘Aria form’ whatever that meant) to work through his rage without actually getting himself in trouble with his own heavenly court. Spent another twenty years or so looking through as many underworlds as he could find, no matter how many of them really wanted to test just HOW immortal he was (Answer: Too Immortal for any of them) to see if ANYONE had anything he could work with, and always coming up empty. eventually crossed the ocean to the other landmass because he was tired of looking at all of these places and seeing either memories or wasted time looking for bargaining chips, and spent a decade or so deciding he hated Mexico and went back to China. and then spent another thirty years just procrastinating returning home to his mountain.

When he returns to flower fruit mountain its as though he’d never left. His monkeys greet him with excitement but he’s standing on the shores of his home he hasn’t seen in a century and... feels nothing. Like his ability to feel anything for anything beyond the people he’s lost is gone. He makes a little shrine that spends most of its time on a shelf that's difficult to be able to look at full on without craning your neck weirdly and if any of his subjects notice that he takes a bit too much care in folding the little paper figure of the monk as he sets the four figures up along the edge of the little thing none of them judge him over it. He’s rarely got the energy for tears anymore, but when he does it’s usually when that little figure catches his eye.

By the time Xiaotian crashes into his life he’s... getting better. At least he thinks he is. having the loud excitable boy in his life is helping chase the shadows away a little bit (though when they return oh how they scream) and he hears some stories of his friends on training days and... geez sometimes he’ll tell this or that story and Wukong will be so THOUROUGHLY reminded of someone that it just... hurts.

And then New Years happens.

And he finally sees him again -- And he finally meets Xiaotian’s friends

And he still doesn’t know how to feel it’s all SO MUCH -- And they feel familiar so he gives them all a quick glance with golden eyes

And he can only do the one thing that feels safe right now -- And oh... that makes sense. How lucky they all found eachother again after reincarnating.

Sanzang hides behind the Tang persona and lies with an energy that could only be harvested from the sheer maelstrom of emotions fighting for dominance -- and Wukong leaves before he says something incriminating because now he knows and he can’t Un-know.

He should have known better but its centuries too late. And it doesn’t even matter that he doesn’t know how to feel about this whole thing he HAS to keep seeing him, he can NOT let him vanish again -- This was a mistake, this was a mistake, he cannot face them all and see lack of recognition, he cannot have his brothers treating him only as Xiaotian’s mentor he can NOT handle looking at him and seeing a stranger.

He needs to at least TALK to him -- He can’t stay away

Wukong doesn’t start out hanging out at the Noodle Shop on down time, that’d be too much too quick, especially since Baije-.. Since Pigsy is clearly still pretty steamed for the whole ‘letting Xiaotian into the world of magic and monsters’ stuff. But he’ll often shapeshift and keep an eye on things like that... No he is NOT eavesdropping on the reincarnations of those three out of the ridiculous desperate desire to feel close to them again. Because he’d rather just love him miss them from afar than be treated as a stranger.

But of course Tang notices when he does. Every time. And every time he wants to say something but his throat feels too tight. That first day he’d fallen on the persona because it was all he felt he COULD do but now the very idea that he’d have to pretend to be someone else just to be able to speak to his monkey not his not anymore Him was completely out of the question. Tang’s actually surprised with himself the first time he finds his voice. 

The conversations come quickly, neither of them quite content to ignore the other now that its become obvious. The conversations are mostly stilted, awkward. Wukong seems both unable to help himself from talking to him, but unwilling to LOOK at him. Tang’s best guess is that he somehow doesn’t recognize him, Had he really changed that much in the time they’d been apart? Had he really lost so much affection for his old master that he could no longer recognize him beneath a slight change in appearance? That might be the reason the Hurt finally starts to win in the eternal standoff between Joy and Sorrow in how this whole thing makes him feel. 

And maybe it’s something simple, maybe Wukong is just barely starting to lower his guard a bit. Maybe just sharing a space with the man who once was the love of his life his master was finally starting to chalk over the rough edges his long since broken heart would constantly stab into him with. and he just SAYS something. Something probably innocuous, something he’d said a million times on the Journey alone. And to Tang it just... feels like he’s mocking him, like he’d known this whole time and had just been playing with his emotions in a way he wouldn’t have tolerated back then- so why should he tolerate it now?

 And the first words out of his own mouth are “Bad Monkey!” and Wukong freezes as Tang begins to lecture him

How he’d spent a solid third of his time immortal in mourning over him, how he’d been the one to tell Baije and Wujing that it would be a disgrace to his memory to believe him alive and instead that he’d chosen to cut the lot of them out of his life, despite how much HE’D wanted to believe it too. How hurt he was to find out that not only he HAD been ignoring them for so long but also that he’d apparently had apparently not even recognized any of them when they HAD all seen each other again! How much he’d missed him, how happy he’d still been to see him again. 

Yes, yes, pathetic, emotional baldy always bursting into tears at the simplest of things nothing’s changed etcetera etcetera- He hadn’t been lying on new years when he said he had a million questions, but all he really wanted to know was why? Why did he cut them out of his life, why did he shut HIM out? Why did you disappear for 500 years Wukong?

And Wukong reaches out, his hand is- shaking? and removes the glasses from right off his face--normal glass obviously, Baije had insisted they completed the scholarly look and annoyed him into compliance--

“You’re-” he hesitates, looks, almost afraid? “You’re not a reincarnation..?”

Oh... 

Well now they both looked the part of fools.

Two sobbing fools clutching to eachother in the alleyway behind Pigsy’s shop, and oh MAN did they have some things to talk about, because Wukong was DEFINITELY coming back with him to his apartment for the night and then first thing in the morning he was going to visit his brothers to internalize that THEY weren’t reincarnations either and then he was going to have to explain where he’d been for that first century while they were all still looking for him to THEM too. 

And yes he should have known better than to get attached to him in this way in the first place, it was disgraceful, the sheer misery it had brought alone was proof enough of that. But Wukong was nuzzling into his shoulder, and pressing those strange feeling monkey kisses across his cheeks and jaw,  and his breath was hitching with pure relief and joy and it was for him-

And fuck it, he just didn’t care. 

[bitway-arts]

its entobi day!!!! here is my contribution to today’s ship uwu a quick gay fic for the two good boys...

Tobitaka's gaze drifts from the wooden door down to the small, box that almost fit into the palm of his hand. It was neatly wrapped with decorated paper, a ribbon going around the edges and coming into a bow to keep it all in place. Most wouldn't think this was something he had done, it didn't suit the way he presented himself. But, this was all done by him- a box perfectly wrapped for no special occasion.

Dark eyes shot back up to the door and his hand squeezed the gift. He'd never grip it too hard to actually break or dent it, just enough to have a firm hold. And he knew the actual gift was safe behind the layers of paper, cushioned by the interior of the box. It would remain in there, laying perfectly still in darkness until the right person would free it.

And yet, he feared that this gift wasn't perfect for this right person- Endou. The moment his eyes had rested upon it, he truly believed that boy would like it. Seeing it had instantly reminded him of it. It suited that soccer loving dork. But after buying it, taking it home, and looking over it again…he began to have second thoughts. Endou wouldn't hate the gift, he's sure of that, but what if he disliked it?

Upon habit, he clicked his tongue. He was doing his best to try and not think of any ill outcomes and it seemed as if they had just returned. It was a nice gift, he thought. He had even consulted his friend, who agreed all the same.

"Suzume."

"Hm?" The other boy turns, eyes looking up to his former leader, still friend. His focus completely on him now.

"Can I ask your opinion on something?"

"Of course, Tobitaka-san!" He chirped.

Tobitaka hesitated for a moment, debating if he should start with a dropping the added -san to his name, but knew that wouldn't get him to drop his habit so easily. He holds back a sigh, hand gripping onto his latest purchase within his pocket. After a silent moment, he pulls it out, keeping it in his hand to show his old friend.

"Do you think…Endou might like this?"

It was a little embarrassing asking this. It sounded perfectly fine to ask early, to get a second opinion on this. He figures he should have gone to others on the team, those who had known their captain longer, but he wanted a true opinion.

Suzume tilts his head, curiously eyeing the little gift. His unwavering expression worries Tobitaka for a moment before the shorter male lets out a quick chuckle. He didn't know Endou that well, but knew the other wasn't a bad person. He'd done a lot for Tobitaka, at least thats what he gathered from the way he spoke of the soccer player.

"Don't worry. I think he'll love it. You should give it to him as a surprise."

"Hm. Thanks, Suzume."

A sigh escapes as his friend's words echo in his head. And he knows if he were around, he'd be cheering him on to get this done. The thought of it was surprisingly motivational. He'd give this gift to Endou, without a doubt.

With another breath taken in, he straightens his posture, and stuffs the gift into his pocket. His hand is kept around it, making sure it wouldn't be seen or fall out. He knocks on the door with his free hand, waiting for it to be opened. Before the sound of his heart beating against his chest can grow loud, he hears familiar voices from the other side. One is louder than the other, accompanied by footsteps racing to the door. He knows who this is.

"Hello- Tobitaka!" Endou smiles once his eyes meet with his.

"Hey," Tobitaka greets. "Sorry for dropping by suddenly. Is it okay if I come in?"

"Of course!" Endou replies, letting the door swing open so the other could enter his home. While he takes slow footsteps inside, Endou had dashed off to tell his mother who was at the door.

She peers out from the kitchen doorway, waving to her son's teammate. "Welcome, Tobitaka. Make yourself at home."

"Thank you," he replies with a slight bow of his head. A quiet apology for being here uninvited escapes afterwards but Endou reassures him that he's always welcomed here, no matter what. It makes him smile knowing that.

The living room was preoccupied by his father (who they gave a quick greeting to as they passed by), so Endou begins to usher him towards his room. As usual, Tobitaka follows behind, not wanting to completely make himself at home. He was still a guest here, even if he was a constant visitor to their household.

When they get to the boy's room, Endou goes to sit on his bed. He pats the space beside him, waiting for his friend to sit there. Tobitaka makes a slow treck to the bed and forces himself down. It always felt strange to be this close to him here, part of him telling himself that he should keep his distance even while he wanted to be closer.

"So, why'd you want to come over?" Endou asks, curiosity shining through him. "Did you want to go out and practice?"

He sees that hopeful glint in his eyes to the promise of playing his beloved sport. Maybe they will, later. It never hurt playing the sport. It was fun, even if it was just the two of them.

For now, he pushes that aside. They'll eventually fall to the topic of soccer once again. He had something else in mind.

"I have something for you."

His voice is lower than usual, thinks the the other is just barely able to hear it. He knows if he takes to long, Endou is going to voice a question. The longer he procrastinates, the more he feels like he should just leave, but it's far too late for that option. Without another word, he slips his hand out of his pocket, loosening his hold on the gift as he extends his hand out towards Endou, all while avoiding his gaze.

"Take it."

Endou looks to the small box. An excited, "what is it?" escapes as he takes the gift from his hand. After being amazed at it for a moment, he begins to pull apart the wrapping. The ribbon gives him the most trouble trying to undo it and eventually just starts to pull it apart. The paper is pulled off, tape not being able to hold it in place when met with his hands.

When Tobitaka looks over, he sees the mess of paper and ribbon on Endou's lap and his bed. He wouldn't have expected the other to try and neatly unwrap his gift. He would have gave a soft chuckle any other time. Now, he's only second away from opening his gift, the box now freed from its paper covering. He forces himself to look, to watch as the lid is pulled back and a gasp escapes from Endou.

"Tobitaka!" He shouts. "It's…so cool!"

That surprise look had easily melted into a smile. It was bright but had more warmth to it. Endou had pulled out a silver chain, letting it dangle from his grasp. At the end of it was a black and silver soccer ball charm with one of the black patterns shaped into a heart.

"Do you li-"

He's unable to finish his question, Endou already flinging himself onto Tobitaka. Arms had flown around his shoulders as he begins to squeeze the other male.

"I love it!" He answers with one of the happiest smiles he's ever seen on him. "I've never seen one like this before. Where'd you find it?"

"Just a shop on the way home…"

"Oh!" He seemed in awe by his answer. Endou releases the slightly blushing Tobitaka from his hug. He bounces back to his sitting position, fingers beginning to fiddle with the part of the chain that held it together. He was eager to start wearing it already, but just couldn't find a way to undo the chain. Tobitaka is forced to watch his struggle, knowing the other isn't going to give up.

"Let me help," he offers.

Endou hands the pendant back to him and he's completely amazed when Tobitaka gets it done on the first try. A quick, "it was nothing," is let out before asking Endou to turn around. He waits until the other boy does, then puts the pendant around his neck. He snaps it back into place and drops the chain, letting it rest around his neck.

"There."

"Thank you!"

Endou looks down, seeing the charm dangle from his neck. He taps a finger against it, making it sway to show that it wasn't going to fly off. A little giggle is let out, that smile never wearing thin.

"I'm never taking this off."

Tobitaka can't tell him he shouldn't. It's his now. But, he does hope that he doesn't wear it too much. Either way, he's glad this turned out well. He gave a sigh of relief. Seeing him this happy was enough to make his day instantly better.

"Hm. Oh! I should get you a matching one! I wonder if I'll be able to find one though…" Endou mutters, already thinking where he could go for one.

"It's fine, you don't have to," Tobitaka reassures, resisting trying to smile too much to the thought of him keeping to that. "That just made me think of you and I thought you should have it."

Endou stares at him for a moment, his smile seeming to soften for a moment. "I'm glad you got it for me. Thanks again, Tobitaka."

[noxidamxv]

Ignus + Nidoma/Noxidam backstory

Back Cover

Ignus had become a foreteller along with her fellow companions, Ava, Gula, Aced, Ira and Invi, along with Luxu until he left after he was given his role by the Master of Masters.

While everyone had their own role to take care of; Ira was to be the new leader while the master was gone, Aced was to be Ira’s right hand man and support him, Invi was to observe the others and make sure they all get along, while Gula’s role was to find apprehend the ‘traitor’ that was written in the Book of Prophecies. And Ava’s role was to gather keyblade wielders with potential and form a separate organization, so they could keep the light alive after the world falls to darkness. Ignus’ role was to be sure that Ava’s separate group, the Dandellions, survive the ordeal and stay away from the war.

During the time the Master was away, Ignus had joined in an alliance with Aced and Gula, causing Invi to inform Ira.

Over the time that they were in the alliance, Gula decides to break off the alliance, but Ignus stayed. She and Aced had grown a bond over the time they spent together. The two had grown fond of each other so much that at one point, they spent a night together.

Then as time went by, Ignus had grown in a way that she couldn’t understand.

The war was soon upon the unions, and Ignus then realized what was going on with her; She realized she was pregnant. When the day came for war, Ignus tried to refrain herself from going to the battleground to find Aced and tell him this news. But she didnt know if it would be the last time she ever saw him, so she did what her heart told her and hurried to the Badlands, the barren wasteland that held nothing but the fates of other keyblade wielders. All the unions had gathered, and she had found him. She had to get to him and tell him. Once she did, they promised each other that they would find each other again, if either of them survive. Before she could protest, she was sent away by Ira, who had gotten caught up into a fight with Aced.

After the dust settles, Ignus goes back to the now keyblade-ridden land, where it seemed there were no survivors. Disheartened to see all this, it broke her heart even more to find Aced’s keyblade, but not Aced. There was no way she would believe that he was gone. Not after the promise they made to each other, it couldn’t end this way. Not yet. So she decided to take his keyblade with her, not wanting to leave that part of him behind. When she was ready, she left with the Dandelions and their new leaders, Ephemer, Skuld, Brian, Lauriam and Ventus.

*Before Birth By Sleep*

While traveling the worlds with the Dandelions, Ignus began to slow up. She knew that she would be due soon, so that concluded that she had to let Ava’s organization head down their own path. Though unsure of where to go to settle, she trusted her heart and walked through one of her portals that she and her former comrades passed through. When she arrived, her surroundings were dark. She was outside, and she could swear she was surrounded by flowers as she sunk to her knees. When she looked up, she saw a castle just ahead of her. At that moment, she felt a sharp pain. The baby was coming. The power of using the portal took a lot out of her, and at the same time, she could tell she was about to pass out. She tried calling for help, but she could swear that she saw someone not too far away. She collapsed on her side, clutching her stomach in pain as her vision began to fade and she passed out.

The next time she woke up, her surroundings had changed. She was in a bed, and she noticed her mask was gone. The young woman felt the pain strike back again, and she was going into labor. Her host came back in once they hear her cries and told her to remain calm as they helped her prepare her for her birth. Her sight was still hazy, but she could only see blurs.

When it came time to deliver, he felt a hand take hers, and she looked up, seeing a man who looked older. She couldn’t see him that well but all she could hear him say was, “Youre going to be alright, miss. Just breathe, steady...” Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt like she couldn’t hold it any longer and had gone into rigorous labor. Her cries and screams of pain could be heard from that room, and all she could think about was her friends, her old family, and Aced. How she missed him so, and how she wanted to see him again, especially here and now.

After what seemed like hours of labor, Ignus was exhausted and low on energy. She could hear a soft cry of a baby and she saw one of the staff, one with pale blonde hair holding the child. The only other thing that could be heard was hearing the man say, “Its a girl. Congratulations.” And thats when Ignus’ vision became clear. She saw where she was now. She was inside the castle she saw when she was outside.

She wanted to see her baby and took the newborn in her arms. Once she did, she felt a strong light within her daughter. Seeing her face, she cried softly and smiled. From that day forward, she would be named Nidoma.

The new mother yawned and closed her eyes as she held her infant to her chest, resting as the sun began to rise.

After a week of rest, Ignus was able to move about again with her baby. That was when she was met with one of the guards that helped her into the castle. Seeing she was up and about, her asked that she come with him to meet with the head of the castle. Arriving in the office, the man was at his desk. He introduced himself as Ansem the Wise. Inviting her to sit, Ignus complied and sat down with her daughter in her arms as she introduced herself. When he asked where she came from, she began to explain. And the more the answers were given, the more questions were received. She was more than willing to answer them. When she mentioned the keyblade she carried with her, Ansem pulled it out from under his desk and showed her. He informed her that she dropped it after she arrived in their world. Taking it back, she remembered her beloved who left it behind. Which brought her to her next question; where this world exactly was. She had arrived in Radient Garden.

When she had exactly no clue about the whereabouts of this world, Ansem the Wise offered to walk with her to show her around. She figured it’d be best for her to find a place to settle in. After getting a tour of this town, they were surrounded by a group of Heartless. Her strength hadn’t been completely restored, but she had to protect him and her baby. After fending them off, she caught sight of something that she thought was an illusion. Before she could go after it, her baby’s cries interrupted her thoughts and Ignus took her back in her arms, calming her down. Ansem thanked her for her bravery and had wanted to offer her something in gratitude. That something would be letting her stay with him and his apprentices at the castle, but Ignus respectfully declined. However, she did request information, if he saw Aced, her only chance of describing him was by his bear mask and that he was the owner of the keyblade she dropped. Unfortunately, the answer was a negative. The offer still stood, and all she could say was that she would give it some time to think it over. Accepting her answer, Ansem left her alone, letting her know that she was welcome to come and go from the castle whenever she liked, same with her daughter.

By the end of the day, she got back to him and told him she’d decline the offer, but requested if it would be possible for her to bring her daughter when it was time to educate her. The man of course complied.

Eventually, Ignus had found a place to stay, with a kind elderly woman. Grateful that she let them stay, she had promised to contribute in every way she could while taking care of her daughter.

Nidoma

As the years rolled by, Ignus took Nidoma to the castle’s library to educate her and teach her new things. When she was old enough to use her power, Ignus explained to her daughter about the keyblade works, and the keyblades purpose. She was a good listener and she was able to catch on quickly. When she was old enough, Ignus began to teach her how to summon her keyblade. Though it did not appear at first, her mother told her that these things take time. As she continued trying to summon her keyblade, a small horde of heartless show up. Almost afraid because she was alone and couldn’t fully grasp the power of her keyblade yet, she tried fighting back with a stick. When it seemed useless, a heartless jumped at her and a bright light flashed,a weapon appearing in her hand. Her eyes widen when she saw she had a keyblade, and the heartless surrounding her had disappeared. The girl looked at her new keyblade and was excited. She had to hurry home and tell her mother.

Knowing she was able to use the keyblade now, Ignus figured now was the time to start training her. But they had to find a good place to train her, and what better place than the outer gardens? After the first day of training, Nidoma was exhausted, and sat in the gardens in the town square. She was looking at the flowers until a boy approached her. She looked up and saw a boy with red spiky hair, holding out a hand to her. She blinked and took his hand and gets up as he introduced himself as Lea. (Got it Memorized?) She Introduced herself as well and saw he was carrying frisbees with him. He held them out, a little braggy-like at first, but he was surprised when she showed him her keyblade. Then he suggested that he and her fight. Why would she want to do that? Even though he was being playful, he taunted her and eventually, she got into the spirit and they sparred. However, it ended with him being knocked on his butt. Calling it a draw, Nidoma laughed playfully and told him she had to go home. And in time, Lea’s friend Isa showed up, teasing him for challenging a girl and lost. Though Lea complained at his response and said he didn’t lose on purpose.

A few years later, the elder woman’s granddaughter arrived in Radiant Garden. When Nidoma was at the right age, Ignus had informed her daughter that she had to leave to check on the Dandelion group. Ignus had trusted her to stay with Kairi and her Grandmother until she returned. Though she wanted to go with her, there was someone who had to protect the town from heartless or other monsters while Ignus was away. During the time she had been gone, Nidoma had gotten along with the people of the town and began to learn on using magic with the keyblade. Luckily, she was able to train under the wizard Merlin in town. During her training, she began to notice that the time that her mother was gone had taken longer than she expected. This began to worry her. Then she had an idea. Since her mother wasn’t here to continue her keyblade training, she went ahead and told Kairi and her grandmother that she would be leaving to another world for some training. Even though her mother informed her that she was supposed to stay in town until she returned, she couldn’t wait. The truth was, she was worried that her mother hadn’t returned to Radiant Garden, and she wanted to take this opportunity to look for her while gaining strength. When she prepared to leave, a mouse with a keyblade appeared in a ball of light, and he was so dazed that he didn’t know that she was there. He introduce himself as Mickey Mouse.

Learning that he was an apprentice of Master Yen Sid, she asked if she could go with him, as she wanted to receive more training. Mickey wasn’t sure if it was a good idea until he realized that she herself was a wielder of the keyblade. Taking her up on her offer, Mickey held up his star shard and took her hand as they were then blasted away and away from this world.

Unfortunately upon travel, Nidoma got separated from Mickey, and landed in a new world. One she didn’t recognize. She looked up and saw the land, looking like some kind of kingdom, but not exactly. She was then approached by a young boy, who looked to be around her age, had blonde spiky hair that curved upward, and had a keyblade himself. He was curious as to where she came from, and he introduced himself as Ventus.

Birth By Sleep

After meeting Ventus, he brings her inside the castle and they were both met by one of his Masters, Master Eraqus. He was surprised to see the new visitor in the Land of Departure, but he was also taken aback when she requested to stay for training. Then she began to explain that her mother was a keyblade master herself, and had been training under her until she left. Eraqus finally agreed after giving it some thought. She was then given a tour by Ventus, and training upstairs were his friends, Terra and Aqua. The boy then introduced her to them and they got acquainted with her quickly, and was relieved that there was another girl here who knew how to wield the keyblade. The two then joined Ven and Nidoma and helped out with a tour. When it came to the rooms, Nidoma was in the room down the hall between Aqua and Ventus. Nidoma then settled in that night. She had started her training the day after.

During the time she had spent there, she began to feel guilty. Her mother may have returned to Radiant Garden and finds out she isn’t home. What if she went to look for her and couldn’t find her? What if Ignus never returned home? It pained her so much that she had to leave her home, but she wanted to find her. She was gone for so long, and she worried for the worst. So she had to take precautions.

So her training continued. She had slowly caught up to the trio of friends in training, and stayed that way for a about a year and a half. When it came to the day of the Mark of Mastery exam between Terra and Aqua, Nidoma and Ven were on the sidelines, watching with anticipation. During the exam, they had a guest who came to see the test. The Master’s old friend and fellow Keyblade Master, Master Xehanort.

As the examination began, Eraqus was surprised when the obstacles of light were suddenly corrupted by short waves of darkness and wandered around the room. But the students were able to handle the first hijacked test. When it came to the second test, it was a combat between Terra and Aqua, to see how equal they clash. It shocked them to see that Terra had a hint of darkness shown, which caused him to fail the exam.

Nidoma sensed a dark presence, but she felt there was more power to it, not just from Terra. From where or whom it came from, she wasn’t sure. After they were dismissed, the students went their separate ways to their own solitude. Ven was in his room, Aqua was discussing things with Eraqus, and Nidoma was outside, comforting Terra. When Terra was silent about his failure, Nidoma did her best to cheer him up, telling him that there was nothing wrong with showing a little bit of darkness. She believed that was best to use both light and darkness equally. Xehanort, however agreed with the notion when he came to them outside on the castle steps. Nidoma got the strange feeling again when he spoke with Terra. Right as Xehanort was about to leave, the two students heard the bell ring from the castle and ran back inside, only for Nidoma to look back and see Xehanort leave through a dark portal. She felt a little uneasy about this, and about this Xehanort character. Then she hurried behind Terra.

After Eraqus was called by Master Yen Sid, he informed his three students (Since Ven hadn’t come down yet, he was caught up with and unexpected guest) of the worlds being in danger of a new threat called the Unversed. Since Xehanort had left, Eraqus assigned them to eliminate the Unversed and find Xehanort. Since Eraqus gave Terra a second chance to change his mind about naming him Keyblade Master, Aqua had requested to keep an eye on him. Nidoma finally saw Ven run out after Terra, which made her pick up her feet and run after the boy.

When she gets outside, she sees Ven catching up to Terra before he made his departure, and Aqua came out as well. Seeing Ven don his armor, both the girls hurried down to stop him but they were too late as he was already airborne. Nidoma was the first to catch on and suited up with her armor just as the Master came out. He then ordered Aqua to bring Ventus back, and Aqua followed suit. Then the all of them were gone, setting out on their journey, one world at a time.

Home

After heading to many worlds— even ones that her friends had been to— there was still no sign of Ventus. Disappointed by that fact as she traveled the Lanes Between, she sees a bright light, traveling in the distance. She couldn’t see what or who it was, but she could feel its familiarity somehow. Right as she was about to head after it, a giant Unversed dove past her, causing her to go off course, which then gave her incentive to chase after it. When she caught up to it, the monster took a dive for a world that was all too familiar to her; her home, Radiant Garden.

Upon landing, she took in all the sights that made her memories come flooding back. There were a couple of old faces she recognized, and some were new. But she couldn’t get distracted, she had to find that monster. Her search led her to the castle first. The guards standing at the door were the ones she recognized first, Dilan and Aeleus. When she asked if they had seen a monster come through here, theirs was a less than affirmative response. Upon leaving to search somewhere else, another guard had opened the door and thrown out two boys. She recognized them as well. Lea and Isa. Still the same as ever, she thought. When she helped them up, she asked them if they saw a monster come into the world, but they said they hadn’t seen any, except from what they saw from the window the boys snuck in.

Then she hurries to leave to find another means of finding the monster, she sees little Kairi, in the garden square, picking flowers. She hurried over to the girl and told her about the monster and to head to the castle. She hoped that she’ll be safer there. When the little girl ran off, the Unversed flew past Nidoma and she hurried to run after it. Catching the monster in a corner in the town’s reactor, she was reunited with her friends, which turned into a showdown between them and the Unversed, which combined with two more pieces to make an even bigger Unversed. After the fight was won, Aqua told Ven that he needed to go home, but Ven refused, telling them that ‘the guy in the mask was history’. A boy in a mask? Who was he talking about? But Terra must’ve known when he asked that he saw him, muttering the name Vanitas. Nidoma had watched the three’s conversation delve deeper into concern, doubt and anger. When Terra turned to leave, Ven went to follow him, he was sternly told to stay put, and that he was on his own from here on in. Though Aqua tried reasoning with Terra, they could tell that he wouldn’t listen. Ventus then thought this was falling apart, and then followed Terra. Nidoma looked at Aqua in sadness. Apologizing, she left and went after Ven, just to make sure he was alright. That, and it reminded her that he was there when the Keyblade war ended. So he must’ve at least met her mother at some point, so he must know where she could’ve gone.

Upon returning to the square, she meets a boy in a mask.

And she couldn’t believe that he would even dare mentioning her own mother had ‘disappeared’. Right to her face. Almost as if he was bragging on how she was struck down. Not believing his tall-tale, she faced off with him, and was struck down herself. She was alive, but weakened. That was when Aqua arrived and finished him. Believing he was down for the count, she tried to take a closer look at him and take off his mask, which resulted in him startling them both as he got up and left. That was when Ven came back to find them, informing them that Terra had left. Aqua could get stay, and Ven wanted to go with her, but he was dismissed with an order to go home. It was nothing personal, they just didnt want him to get hurt. Nidoma could see this clearly as she thought about her mother whenever situations like this came afoot. Which made her feel even more guilty when she realized that she missed that light she saw before she came to her birth home. When Aqua left, Ventus did nothing and Nidoma tried to find a way to cheer him up.

That’s when Ventus sat down and twirled his hand crafted wooden keyblade that Terra gave him. Nidoma sat with him. Then she decided to ask him some questions, regarding his memory with the Dandelions and why he left. When she brought it up, he said he couldn’t remember as he dropped the keyblade, and Lea and Isa show up. Lea picks it up and hands it back to Ven. Nidoma was relieved that he was starting to make new friends already, and now that Ven was part of their circle of friends.

Since Ventus didn’t want to go home just yet, Nidoma suggested that they continue to travel the worlds and try looking for Ignus. The Boy was up for the challenge and they set off.

~~~

After traveling to more worlds, even visiting the world of Disney Town, Mickey’s home world, they had no luck of finding Ignus. They came close a few times, however, but still no leads. Saddened by this, Nidoma was starting to lose hope as they left with Mickey’s Star-Shard that they found in Neverland. Which brought them to their next location, Yen Sid’s Tower. They were met by Donald and Goofy, and they saw the two had the star-shard with them. When Ven said they saw Mickey, Donald and Goofy hurried the kids inside to see the wizard.

When they met the wizard, Donald and Goofy placed the shard on the desk when they got there. After much explanation, Ventus and Nidoma sadly gave the news that they had no clue where Mickey went. Fortunately Yen Sid was able to locate Mickey with the power of the shard and his magic and the mouse’s location was soon revealed. He was unconscious and looked badly hurt. Though Donald and Goofy vouched to go, Ventus volunteered to go after him, since he was the one who recognized the location. Nidoma felt that something wasnt right, and decided to go with him. But before they two left, she asked Yen Sid if there was any sign of her mother anywhere. But to her disappointment, he could not find the answer at the moment. Hopeful, she went after Ventus.

Once they found Mickey in the Badlands, Ventus and Nidoma were both relieved that he was okay, until they realized they were not alone. Xehanort was also there in their midst. Ventus was unstable the moment he remembered him and was almost unconscious, and Nidoma raised her keyblade to Xehanort. As the old master then explained the details of wha Ventus lost, who Vanitas was and who he came from, and what power he has to create the weapon that Xehanort seeks— The X-Blade— Ventus was coming to his senses when he realized why Master Eraqus never let him leave home to see more worlds, no matter how much he asked. Nidoma couldn’t believe what she was hearing until Xehanort sent the three away, Mickey included, out of the Badlands.

Destiny Islands

As Mickey was nowhere to be seen, Nidoma couldn’t find Ventus either, as she was somehow in front of a new world— A world that was small, desolate, isolated— And she had no clue where she was. Looking around the tiny island, she could somewhat feel at peace. She had never seen an island so small. Yet, somehow, she could feel as if she had been here before. That is, until she assumed she was alone, and saw a figure in a cloak heading in the direction of what looked like a small cave entrance past a waterfall. Following her instinct, she summoned her keyblade and ran after the mystery figure. Thinking she had caught up with him, she turns the corner and finds a room, with rocks everywhere, little carvings on the wall, and what looked like a door. Perhaps the stranger caught on that he was being followed and escaped through the door. But to where? She had to see for herself as she walked over and when she was about to open it, the mystery man’s hiding spot was given away when he got tangled up in roots. Demanding that he reveals himself, Nidoma stood her ground. He made a deal with her that if she helped him out of this mess, he would explain who he is. Complying, she helped him out and though he did not in fact, have a name, he just called himself ‘The Master of Masters’. When he noticed that she was carrying her keyblade, he immediately assumed that she was one of his apprentices, calling her ‘Ignus’. Stunned by that statement, it clicked. He knew her mother? When she asked, he was shocked to see that, not only was it not her after all, but her daughter. He explained that he last saw Ignus on this island, while he was on the road, and he noticed that the foreteller was expecting. He never would’ve predicted that she would do that. The young keyblade wielder caught on and assumed that he was a master seer of some sort. When she asked if he knew where Ignus was, all he could answer was with a sigh, for he did know, but he couldn’t say. Begging for answers, she thought she was so close to finding the truth.

Patting her head, all he told her was, “May your heart be your guiding key, and you’ll find what you’re looking for, kid.”

Remembering that quote from Ignus, she then asks the Master what he knew about her father, since she had not once met him. Telling her that she had to be more specific—jokingly— the Master realized and grimaced under his hood. Before he could proceed telling her, Nidoma hear’s Ven‘s voice outside the cave and she turned to leave, but when she turned back, he was gone. What was that? Was it her imagination? Remembering that Ven was there on the island too, she turned on her heel and bolted out to look for him.

The Master is Gone

Leaving the island, after failing the search for Ventus, the first place she could think of was Mysterious Tower, and the one person she last expected to be there was Aqua. She had found Mickey after his confrontation with Xehanort and brought him back to Yen Sid’s tower, where Donald and Goofy watched over him. She had arrived just soon after Aqua and was relieved to see that she was alright. But that relief turned sour when Master Yen Sid informed them that their master, Eraqus, was struck down. In a state of shock, Aqua demanded to know who was responsible. Nidoma could only guess that is was Xehanort, but what she didn’t expect as his answer was Xehanort and Terra. Their closest friend... How could he do such a thing? He would never do something like that! Aqua protested that he would never strike their master down, yet Yen Sid hoped that she was right. The wizard informed them that Terra’s heart would lead him to the Keyblade Graveyard, where wielders of the keyblade once waged war.

Knowing where that place was, Nidoma and Aqua set off, with heavy hearts that what they found out wasn’t true.

The Keyblade Graveyard

Arriving at the deserted world, Nidoma gazed at the site in awe, mixed with terror at the same time. There were keyblades, yards of them; stretching out as far as the eye can see. So many lights were lost, so many darknesses to try and seize it, and fail. All just for one key? She remembered Ignus telling her that story when she was old enough to understand, but now she was there to see it. Her own parents were in this sacred place, where their keyblades raged against other’s from other unions, even union leaders. But her concentration broke when she found a keyblade,caved into a broken mask that shown the resemblance a fox. She couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed, as if she was there herself. Seeing all the young wielders fight against each other. Those who were once friends, pitting against each other over the light, many losing their hearts, to be gathered in the great Kingdom Hearts. When she looked up, she could swear that she saw Ignus. Before she could prove to herself that it wasn’t an illusion, Aqua had found Terra. The girl looked back again to see that her heart did trick her, for the heat fooled her sight.

The two approach Terra and Aqua confronted him. Though he did admit that it was true, he only fought because the master tried to destroy Ventus. He only wanted to protect him. Only then did they realize Xehanort’s plan was to awaken the darkness within Terra, proving that both Aqua and the Master were right. He had went astray, but never again. (Or so he thought.)

Though Aqua added that Xehanort was feeding the dark fires within him, making him fight, which will only lead him astray again. Ventus then approached the three, revealing Xehanort’s true plan for him: He wants Ventus and Vanitas to fight, to forge the X-Blade. Still unsure of exactly what it is, the boy was scared to death, even just the thought of it. When Terra tried to cheer him up, he told him that they would be there for him. Though he may have to fight Vanitas after all, Ventus requested that if he does fight, they will have to put an end to him. Disheartened by his request, Aqua, Terra and Nidoma frowned. Then the time came. Xehanort was approaching and so was Vanitas. Making it clear that Xehanort was there to claim the X-Blade, the four young students armored up and charged into their battle.