#him having her face xion was also a dream that he made come true

[oveliagirlhaditright]

In Defense of Kingdom Hearts III Kairi

To be honest, from the get-go I’ve thought that Kingdom Hearts III Kairi is a mix of some of the best of Kairi we’ve ever seen and some of the worst. And I stand by that even now--and it’s what I’m about to get into--even though I know many fans will say she’s the worst she’s ever been (and they’re entitled to their opinions there) and try to sway me off from this.

But starting with the good, because this is what we’re mostly here for for a change (because so few will defend KHIII Kairi).

Point 1: Whether you like it or believe it or not, her fighting in KHIII is the most physically active she’s ever been in the series. Yes, she’s not perfect--I believe Nomura was trying to make her development realistic--but if you just compare the things she did in KHI and KHII with what she did in III, they don’t even come close. KHI Kairi was, like, the slowest runner in the world. And KHIII Kairi is certainly not a slow runner. KHII Kairi was actually a faster runner than KHI Kairi (except for the scene when she and Naminé are holding hands while running, where they have to be “girly and slow” for that reason), that I think that that was intentional by Nomura to show that she was improving even then. Kairi does a little fighting in KHII, she does. But not on the level she does in KHIII. KHII Kairi just smacks a few Heartless and then stops using her Keyblade for whatever reason... I assume because it faded away, because she hadn’t figured out how to wield it yet? Whereas KHIII Kairi can summon her Keyblade now and fights many Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed (though unfortunately, a lot of this is offscreen. But we do get to see some of it, and know from the way the scenes are staged that this is what’s happening. Like, that while Sora’s off fighting a sea of monsters with Donald and Goofy, Lea and Kairi are on another side fighting their own) and even some members of Organization XIII... which she’d never even tried before, and would not have done as good against in KHII. Like, people like to point out how she was bad against them in III, when Xion sends her flying once for instance--and once again, I think it was Nomura trying to be realistic here. Because while Kairi has improved, these guys still have years of experience on her--but she also did things like sending Xion flying! (In an aerial move that I definitely don’t think KHI Kairi could have done, or KHII Kairi, even though KHII Kairi had jumped off a balcony.) And then does pretty well as your party member for the first time, which is where we really see her shine in fighting in KHIII.

Point 2: This kind of ties into the above--with Kairi actually being more active this time--but Kairi actually got to be part of the final battles. Like, mostly all of it. In Kingdom Hearts I, even though she wanted to go, Sora wouldn’t even hear of Kairi going with him to try and find Riku and Kairi listened and stayed behind. And she somehow showed up at the end of it, after SDG had already defeated Ansem and sealed the Door to Darkness, just to have a final goodbye with Sora and that was it. In Kingdom Hearts II, she’s there for the entire World That Never Was section, but she barely does any fighting and gets knocked out of all of the boss fights. And Kairi does try to go into the final battle with everyone... but when Xemnas starts throwing skyscrapers everyone’s way and they begin running away from them, Kairi and Mickey make it back out the door (thus unintentionally leaving the battle) while everyone else gets stuck there and still has to face Xemnas by themselves (Kairi also somehow got knocked out by getting hit with said door or something. Ugh. Also, Mickey somehow is able to teleport to help in this fight if needed--if Sora loses all of his HP--but Kairi doesn’t). And then after that, after they all think they’ve defeated Xemnas but they really haven’t, everyone unintentionally leaves Sora and Riku behind so they have to truly kill him alone (once again, Kairi isn’t a part of this). In Kingdom Hearts III, Kairi is a part of the entire Keyblade Graveyard section--save the eleventh hour, where she got killed off. Ugh. We were so close to finally having her there for a main game’s full final hour, but no cigar--and is actively fighting enemies during it: Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed, and members of Organization XIII and isn’t getting kicked out of the battles. Organization XIII is actually, perhaps, really seeing her for the first time--as an actual somewhat equal to them, and threat (hence why they completely incapacitate her to kidnap her, and summon her unconscious to kill her later--when they didn’t bother with any of that to kidnap her in KHII and just pulled her along by holding onto one of her hands and nothing else. Ugh.)

Point 3: This is, like, the first time in the entire series where Kairi’s given the full story on what’s going on--that pertains to herself--and gets to make her own decision about it that is respected. She knows that as either a Princess of Heart, or a Guardian of Light, or both (which she is. She is both), Xehanort is going to target her to try and create the X-Blade, anyway, and that she can remain defenseless and do nothing... or try to learn how to fight and be one of the Guardians of Light that they need, and she chooses the latter (for the greater good. Partly so the other new Princesses of Heart won’t be targeted instead). And for the first time ever, the people around her who care about her and don’t want her in danger (including Sora) respect her decision.

Point 4. In all of the cutscenes Kairi’s in in this game, she actually has lines and things to do. This hasn’t happened in the past--like in KHII, where she might as well have not been in some of the Castle That Never Was scenes, to be honest, because she wasn’t saying anything and no one was saying anything to her--so in KHIII, I made a point of seeing if this would happen again. And to me, it really didn’t... In every scene she’s in, she’s at least given one line, people interacting with her, and some level of importance--even if it’s pointing something out, like she often did in KHII. Kairi being observant and noticing things before anyone else is actually a personality trait of hers--and believe it or not... I actually feel like in some ways, more care went into Kairi this time around. If you got Nomura’s message for the fans in KHIII, he talks about how many characters there are--and that he knows each one has their own fans and means so much to them, and he went into the game with that in mind and trying to do right by them--and I think it shows in things like this.

Point 5. Kairi actually didn’t do any worse than any of the other characters in this game (save for Sora, who was the Messiah). If anything, she arguably might have done better than some of these seasoned veterans. Angel-With-a-Pipette made the good point that Kairi is one of the first to be swallowed by the Demon Tide... and yet since we still see her reaching out of it at the end to try to get to Sora, she must have been fighting tooth-and-nail to find her way out of it: even more than everyone else was, who we didn't see here. And everyone... everyone does dumb things in the Terranort and Demon Tide thing. I don’t think you can fault Kairi for it, who was in her first real battle, if you don’t fault everyone else who had so much reason to do more than they did. And she didn’t even need to be saved the first time! Everyone else did, but not her! So you could even say the rookie held on longer than everyone else did. And she’s the reason anyone in this game is saved at all (in her rescuing Sora, that then allowed him to rescue everyone else), and that we didn’t get the “on that land, darkness will prevail and the light expire” bad end. Kairi did the second biggest thing in this game--perhaps the biggest thing she’s ever done in this series--and she gets no credit for it, and it’s unfair. And even with her eventual death... She was the last one to need saving after dying, which is pretty impressive (everyone else’s needing saving after dying came before hers, including Sora’s own needing to be saved by Kairi). And since Sora was already doomed in using the Power of Waking the first time--that he didn’t have to use for her--Kairi didn’t kill him, but everyone else did. And this means she actually made good on her promise to protect him.

Point 6. Nomura actually finally fully-developed the SoKai relationship. He really didn’t have to do this, if he didn’t want to (and apparently they did do a version where you didn’t hear Sora and Kairi eat the paopu fruits, or whatever, but in the end they went with the one where they did). But the fact that he did--and didn’t leave it hanging--to me shows a care for Kairi that I wouldn’t have believed in if this hadn’t been there. And the fact that he even wants to do a true romance plot with Sora and Kairi now, which means Kairi will have to have a focus in the newer games, says a lot to me. Edit: I also love that Kairi’s the one who proposes to Sora. And her declaring to him that she wants to keep him safe, turns usual promises between childhood friends in Japanese media on its head.

Point 7. Kairi was the only one to believe in Sora in this game--when everyone else was being so down on him--that I think was exactly what Sora needed, and why he realized he didn’t only like Kairi but loved her in KHIII, that I think was intentional on Nomura’s part. He dialed back some of her feisty attitude, that I do still think is there, to show a level of growing maturity to Kairi, I think. And to try and make the romance plot work, that again: he didn’t have to do if he didn’t want to. He could have pretended he never laid the groundwork down for this at all and completely shafted Kairi in that way, but he didn’t. He didn’t take this--that has always been a main plot about her--away from her.

Edit: Point 8. This game actually cared about Kairi, in some ways, more than recent ones. What do I mean by that? Well, the obvious: that she was actually in KHIII and her “action girl” role was finally brought forward. But also... Birth by Sleep did things like have it written in the stars, that “in time, the world would be saved by these two heroes who stood beneath these stars” about Sora and Riku, but didn’t mention that if it hadn’t been for Kairi these boys wouldn’t have been around to save the worlds. I often got the impression that Nomura doesn’t give Kairi the credit for things that we fans do. Like, it’s never once come up that the Door to Light opened because of her. And I wonder if that’s because in Nomura’s eyes, it wasn’t her. Yes, it was Kairi’s letter to Sora that caused Sora’s heart to be happy--or whatever--so the Door to Light did open, but because of the latter part of it Nomura might actually moreso see that as a Sora thing. But KHIII actually gave Kairi saving Sora--and therefore saving everyone in a roundabout way--and she actually got the credit she deserves for it! And Sora thanked her and was impressed by her, which is the first time that’s happened since KHI (and just as a sad rule in this series, we see very little of girls getting praised for what they do but we see it with Kairi here). And going along with this, I don’t think past games would have had Sora say “that part of you reminds me of Kairi”, when Naminé said she “had his back.” Also, before KHIII came out... I was honestly thinking of all the times Sora had unintentionally broken promises to Kairi, but thought it was an accident on Nomura’s part and nothing would ever come of it in the narrative. But KHIII had Sora actually realizing this himself at the end, and being sick of it and finally wanting to do right by her. There was a self-awareness here that I hadn’t expected, and hopefully bodes well for her in the future. And also, unlike in the past... where stuff was made for Sora and Riku with no Kairi, Kairi is in all of this game’s marketing and is seen in artwork wielding her Keyblade alongside Sora and Riku and things like that.

But with all of this being said... do I think Kingdom Hearts III Kairi is perfect? No. Though... I think we all need to get off our high horses and admit that no Kairi has ever been perfect. They’re all a mixed bag. KHI Kairi is great... when she isn’t sleeping the whole game, that is! KHII Kairi has some moments of greatness (and she's my personal favorite), but she also has some embarrassing moments that keeps her from full greatness and makes me think the developers didn’t fully care about her... KHIII Kairi has some of the best Kairi moments thus far... but also paired with some of her worst, which hurts what otherwise could have been a pretty great Kairi.

But I do think Nomura cares, even if Kairi’s maybe not his favorite. If not, all of this stuff wouldn’t be here... and he probably would have killed her off, and left her dead, and not have her be a stinger now.

And even some of the more problematic things he did with her, like the fridging thing that I regret... We don’t know what’s going to happen in the next saga, but maybe he has some brilliant plan that will make it okay. Or at least better. But I don’t think it was malicious towards Kairi. If anything, it was probably for a twist... to make this war realistic... to push the Sora and Kairi narrative and make them a tragic romance, or what have you. And as much as it sucks, we also have to realize it’s a cultural thing. The West hates the fridging trope with a burning passion, but apparently the East mostly doesn’t see a problem with it and rather loves it.

But KHIII Kairi isn’t nearly bad as everyone thinks--in some ways, she’s the best Kairi we’ve ever seen--and she certainly doesn’t deserve all the hate she gets, and deserves a chance to see how she’ll improve even further in KHIV.

[mimiplaysgames]

Terraqua Week Day 6 (Free Day)

Summary: Terra and Aqua are getting married—and Ven is the Bridezilla. || Word Count: 9,058

Read on AO3

A/N: @terraquaweek​ I could have never written this without my dear friend @localcryptideli​. We talked about this wedding years ago, and I promised to write it. It’s here, three years later, blending their headcanons with mine and I couldn’t be more proud of it. <3

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

the threads that tie hearts together

Terra never once considered in his entire life that his wedding preparations would include the perk of mice squeaking in his ear—but he here is, in the tailor’s studio, getting re-fitted for his tuxedo, with Princess Cinderella’s team of seamstress mice on his shoulders, measuring the length of his arms. His muscles were too big for the previous suit. 

Ven refuses to hire a proper tailor, and instead rents out the parlor so the mice could do their work in private.

Lea sits on a nearby bench by the shoe shelves, the top button of his shirt open, jabbing at his Gummiphone. He’s quite popular today, pinged every two minutes. Isa and Roxas share a mirror, trying to get the mechanics of their bow ties right. 

Terra is getting married. 

The thought. Married. Soon. Yes. Damn. He can’t cry right now.

Terra stands in front of a mirror and bends his elbows to see how the fabric moves. The mice are tiny, three of them in skirts. They’ve developed an efficient obstacle course of threads all down his entire body, a network so the mice on the floor can deliver them supplies—spools, sewing needles, thumbtacks, measuring tape—in a jiffy. 

Lea groans, squeezing his Gummiphone. “This twerp is going to turn me into a serial killer.” He yawns, possibly for the fortieth time.

“Not an ill-fitting job, all things considered,” Isa says from across the room.

“I do appreciate your sarcasm.”

“Who’s bothering you?” Terra asks, lifting his collar so the mouse on his left could thread through it with a sewing needle.

Lea snorts, slaps his knee and leans forward. “Did you not know your buddy is a monster?”

“Ven?”

“Oh, he’s a joy.” Lea holds his Gummiphone up as if he’s about to make a speech. “Come help me pick out Aqua’s flowers. Now. If you could.” He glances at Terra, then back at the phone. “He writes that in all-caps.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t mean to be so pushy.”

“The other day, he called me to model the bride’s dress because Miss Aqua couldn’t be bothered to come to the fitting herself.”

“Master Aqua was away on a mission,” Isa explains.

“Isa took photos of me in it—” Lea scrolls through his phone, but stops. “Oh, I can’t show you before...” He clicks his tongue. “It’s very nice. Very bridal.”

Terra is sure that’s true, but the image of Ven hanging his head so much on someone else’s wedding is worrisome. Last night, he fell asleep at dinner. “I think Ven is taking on too much stress.”

“Lea,” Roxas says, snorting a chuckle and giving up on his bow tie, “you should show him the texts.” 

“Gladly.” Lea stands to shove the Gummiphone into Terra’s face. Out of the history, a couple of messages stand out.

Ventus

I got 500 cake flavors come taste them with me

Ventus

Which cologne do you think terra should wear

COME SMELL 

i need a second opinion

Ventus

Do you have aqua’s flowers yet?

remember 

we want orange roses and bluestars

Ventus

Aqua isnt here im freaking out

Youre closest to her body type

HELP

After all that, Terra feels as though he’s being watched by several microscopic eyes. One of the mice squeaks with urgency, and he straightens one of his arms. “I don’t know what to say... Why doesn’t he talk to me directly?”

Lea purses his lips as though this is a secret not worth sharing. Roxas is the one to step forward, a knowing grimace plastered on his face.

“He told me that he doesn’t want to bother you with anything.”

That doesn’t sound entirely false but not true either.

“That’s ridiculous.” Terra tests the bend of the elbow to fiddle with his bow tie. It’s already done but something about it doesn’t sit right. “He could come to me for anything,” he says with a low voice, wondering if there’s something he’s missing. Terra has also been a mess. He’s getting married. Holy stars. 

Isa huffs out of frustration, turning away from the mirror, his bow tie undone. He studies Terra’s suit. “I don’t like it.”

His straightforwardness is well appreciated. Aqua would probably smirk at the sight of it and stare at his neck the entire ceremony. “I don’t either,” Terra says.

“Smart man.” Isa smirks, and tugs Terra’s bow tie to undo it. “Let’s change it.”

Lea snorts. “You might want to ask permission from he-who-shall-be-slapped.”

“It’s my wedding,” Terra says.

“So you think.”

He-who-may-be-slapped enters the tailor’s parlor through the front entrance, announced by the bell of the ring. He’s perfectly dressed in his ringbearer’s/best man’s/maid of honor’s suit, vest fitted, bow tie sublime, sleeves coiffed. He sees what Isa is doing. He gapes.

“Hey guys,” Ven asks with a frustratingly shaky voice. “What are we doing?”

“They are unbecoming,” Isa answers, wrapping a traditional tie around Terra’s neck.

“Oh.” 

Sometimes, speaking to Isa is like getting clocked in the stomach. By the looks of Lea’s expression, chewing on the edge of his Gummiphone, it’s well deserved.

“Okay,” Ven says, with a tight smile. He takes the tie from Isa’s hands. “Do they match?”

“A hello would be less rude,” Terra says. “Hi, Ven. Can we talk?”

Ven glances up. “Later. There’s lots to do.”

Lea inhales sharply. “Hey, Ven. Here’s an idea. Did you know you could tame cicadas to sing in harmony on command?”

Ven whips his head around. “You can?”

Isa brings a hand up to hide a smirk and Lea passes him a subtle wink.

“Picture it.” Lea opens his arms. “From nine until eleven at night, they gather in the bushes. They mutter, a light dusting of atmosphere on a peaceful summer night.”

Ven’s eyes grow wide with obsession. 

Roxas comes near. “You can also make them glow.”

“Like stars in the bushes,” Ven whispers to himself.

“Come on, guys,” Terra says, unimpressed. “Leave him alone. We’ve got better things to do.”

Ven snaps himself out of it, but not before pulling out a notepad and writing notes. He eyes Terra over, nudging him to open his arms and pinching the sides of the suit. Ven draws them in by the measure of a finger and pulls pins out of his pocket, like he’s been expecting to use them, and marks their places. “Jaq Jaq,” he calls, “where’s Suzy? We need to make sure these ties look right. Oh, and we need two extras—we have to ship some to Riku and Sora.”

Some mouse squeaks in reply.

“I can help her carry things.” Ven gives a flash of a smile and then hurries off.

Out of earshot, Lea gives Terra a look. “Anyone able to talk to mice is a crazy person in my book.”

Terra glares back and quotes, “‘You could tame cicadas to sing on command?’”

“He needs something to obsess over. How else am I going to get peace?”

“This is going to bite you in the ass,” Roxas says, wrapping his new tie over the neck and having a much easier time.

“Ventus may very well task you with hunting and gathering the cicadas,” Isa says, a tie already in place, immaculate. 

Lea groans and Terra feels it’s well deserved. 

Well deserved… the suit may be. The future wife, maybe not. The suit is a glove for every finger with no excess. It makes him a good-looking groom, a nice addition to the closet for any special occasion. The bride is beautiful, no matter what she wears. She is loyal, patient, strong, intelligent, loving, funny when she’s stern, too good for him, a divine gift he didn’t earn and he still can’t understand how she said yes.

“I hope you’re laughing at the face of my misery,” Lea says.

Terra knows that’s sarcasm. Weddings are headaches, emotions are terrifying and Terra needs Aqua like a sip of medicinal tea to calm down.

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

The others squeal when they walk into Le Grand Bistro. It’s sunset, the city lights already ignited and giving it the glow of evening fairies welcoming the moon. They’ve just discussed dresses—Xion requests a pantsuit instead, which looks stellar—and they can choose their own styles so long as they all wear the color of night. Simple, elegant. That’s the kind of effect Aqua prefers. Thank goodness they’re almost done. Aqua couldn’t handle more hands in her hair and she rejected the flower crown that would have come down on one side to compensate for the lack of length. 

She fiddles with the ring—a thin, intricate design weaved around a small, blue stone—as a waiter escorts them to the kitchen. On days when she doesn’t have missions, she wears it.

Aqua is getting married. Some part of her wonders about the surreality of it, like it’s a dream or a picture she created in her mind when she was a child, at the altar with a faceless person next to her. Sometimes, it feels like she is already married. Terra has always been with her. Every day in class. Every day strolling through the woods. Every day sparring, sharing meals, bickering and laughing. Her best friend, her confidant, her rock.

There is something about nearly dying that challenges perspective. When they both thought they’d never see each other again, it made them realize there’s more to it and there’s been more to it for years. The emotional intimacy that strengthened after the fact. The physicality of it, when he takes her to bed. They argue differently, they laugh the same. Terra has always been with her, so what is the difference between being with him and being married to him? A part of her is eager to find out. The other is already at peace, a kind of joy Aqua has always wanted.

Ven is in the kitchen, talking with Remy (responding to Remy, who is naturally unintelligible). Plates of cake pieces sprawl out on the table, eliciting oohs and aahs from the others, all patient like they’re waiting for Aqua’s permission to take a small bite.

Aqua reads through the description of flavors—strawberry, fudge, angel food cake with blueberries, red velvet, even coffee. “The one we requested isn’t here.”

“You mean…” Ven pulls out his notepad and looks through his notes. Remy climbs onto Ven’s head, squeaking and pointing to a bowl of flour and eggs, unmixed. “Dark chocolate and rum?”

“That would be correct.”

“A spicy cake? Are you insane?” At his shock and at Aqua’s denial, Kairi helps herself to a spoonful of vanilla. “This is a wedding, not a club!”

“My wedding, Ven.” Aqua isn’t annoyed, but amused. Ven has such strong opinions about for some reason. 

“Try this one.” He holds up a plate of a decorated piece that honestly looks delicious. “Triple chocolate, with the rarest berries found in the woods, matured at thirty-five degrees Celsius for a week.” 

“Burnt cake?” Kairi asks with a smirk.

“Not the cake, the berries.” 

“Oh,” Xion gasps, with need in her eyes. It takes a nod from Aqua to grab a fork and have at it. She approaches each piece with so much excitement— Aqua wonders if there are flavors here she’s never tried before in her short life. 

“What will the final cake look like?” Naminé asks, the only one not to dive forward. She’s so gentle, so serene. When they were trying out dresses, everyone was saying what a beautiful bride she’ll be one day if she chooses. 

“Perfect,” Ven says, like it’s the most obvious thing. “It has to be perfect so it will look beautiful. Painted like a night sky, with stars everywhere. You got that, Remy?”

Remy glares at Ven.

“I want,” Aqua starts, and when Ven frowns, she smirks. Sometimes, for the sake of maintaining control, she has to play dirty. “Rosewater and cardamom.” 

Ven sticks his tongue out in disgust.

“Terra needs something to enjoy,” Aqua insists. “These are all too sweet for him.”

“Terra is the bane of my existence.”

“By the way, I don’t know if I want King Mickey and Queen Minnie to officiate.”

“You are way more difficult to deal with.”

Aqua and Ven have a staring contest as the others talk about their favorite flavors. Ven, a glare, a challenge to outwit her. Aqua, a calm knowing that she’s going to win. Ven relents.

“Fine,” he stresses. “Remy, change of plans. We’ll need some damage control. Let’s add some”—he writes into his notepad—“fruit pastries, sweet cheese with chocolate—”

“Triple chocolate,” Kairi adds.

“Custard and kiwi,” Xion says.

“All good choices.” Ven writes them down.

“Sea salt ice cream?” Naminé says, lifting a shoulder. “Everyone else eats them, I hope to try some.”

“Ven.” Kairi slams a hand on the table. “You need to add marshmallows covered in hazelnut and chocolate.”

“We need all the chocolate,” Ven agrees. “Call it revenge on this nasty cake.”

Kairi cackles, but it’s nothing malicious. They’re young and excited about the wedding, their suggestions a way of helping. Aqua takes it all in stride. The small details don’t matter, only the intent, and letting friends have fun deciding makes the entire process easier. What’s bothering her is Ven. He’s exhausted from taking it all too seriously. Aqua assumes the best intentions, but she doesn’t get it.

“You know what would be really cute?” Xion says. “Little petit fours shaped in your symbols.”

Ven blinks. “What symbols?”

“Oh, the Keyblade Master symbols.” Naminé claps her hands. “That would be so lovely.”

“In different colors,” Xion says.

“Each a different flavor,” Naminé adds. “Maybe the same colors as your Wayfinders?”

“You two are geniuses.” Ven taps his notepad. “Remy, we gotta get to work.”

Remy stomps a paw and squeaks vigorously.

“No worries. You’ll get paid.” Though it seems that’s the last thing on Remy’s mind.

“Ven,” Aqua says softly, pulling him aside as the others brainstorm ideas. “I don’t think we can afford all this.”

“Sure you can,” he says too confidently, though she and Terra were the ones to save up their munny. “Don’t worry,” he stresses when she’s not convinced, giving her a squeeze on the arm. “You asked me to bookkeep your finances” 

“Reminder that I did not ask you to take full responsibility. Remy can’t do all of this alone, he’s going to need you.”

“I’ve got plenty of time, and we’ve got plenty of budget.”

Aqua does not know how that is possible. After the dresses, the refitting of Terra’s tux, the decorations… sure, since they’re using the ballroom in the Land of Departure, they saved on not having to rent out a venue, but the original plan was to have a small, intimate wedding in the woods, something private with just the three of them, minimal decorations necessary, all plucked from nature. 

All of this is out of their price range.

Ven goes back to the table, back to the stovetop and oven where he follows Remy’s instructions and mixes the flour in the bowl with some milk. He doesn’t assuage her at all, like he knows something she doesn’t.

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

Home should be a solace but not when it’s the wedding rehearsal. 

Ven has ushered in movers from different worlds to carry in artifacts, all decorations, all star-themed. Terra has yet to see the ballroom, but the amount of people rushing through the hallways makes him nervous. 

Ever since Terra called Riku in the dead of night (in a panic, needing someone to talk to, alone in the kitchen with a cracked mug of tea), blabbing about tripping on the way to the altar, or cutting the cake clean through the table, or stepping on linen and ripping the curtains, or dropping his plate of food, or looking like an idiot on the dance floor, or worse—forgetting his vows—he hasn’t lived a moment of peace. Sora won’t let him. 

Terra finds it hard to breathe. What if he chokes on his vows and accidentally offends everyone?

He stays far away from the workers—it’s for the best. No one needs a huge bull stampeding in a china shop, destroying everything.

Lea crosses the hallway on his sixth trip and enters one of two entrances to the ballroom, vases of flowers in his hands. Terra peeks. From the looks of it, Ven did a fantastic job. 

The ballroom, once gold, now looks like the set of night. The ceiling is covered in blue with twinkling lights. The table linens are also dark, with napkins and silverware sets a solid gold. Glass windows that take up one entire side to the ballroom are bare of curtains—the wedding is planned for after sunset so they’d be declaring their vows under the stars. Two navy blue carpets come in through both entrances of the ballroom, meeting in the middle and then straight to the altar at the far end. The point is for him and Aqua to enter together, like equals. With her in a bridal dress, she’ll look like a light in the darkness.

Through the doorway, Terra can see Riku and Sora, the latter making motions with his arms as if he’s flapping like a bird. Terra lets the door close so they don’t notice him. 

There are fears he’s never voiced.

What if she realizes she doesn’t want to get married to him after all? At the altar no less?

Oh stars, what if he makes a terrible husband? 

What if he neglects her?

What if, years down the road, she realizes after a slowly oncoming epiphany that she isn’t happy and regrets it?

Tonight is the party, tomorrow is the wedding, and Terra still has no vows. He pinches his nose hard enough to distract him from crying. He’s already cried five times in the arc of three hours.

Footsteps—light, brisque, confident, hers—approach him, and Terra embraces her in his arms, taking her in with a needy kiss. She smells like home, she lets him breathe again. 

“You look like you’re about to fall apart,” she says, stroking a thumb on his cheek.

“Not if you’re my glue.”

She snorts, smacking him on the bicep. “What did I say about the puns?”

“Shower you with them.”

He kisses her before she can roll her eyes—

—and gets interrupted the moment Ven peeks out of one door. 

“What’s with the hold-up?” he says.

Terra breaks from the kiss, casually noticing how Aqua is patting his shoulder, as if to warn him. “What’s with your attitude?”

Ven pouts like he’s about to choke and slaps the notepad to his forehead. “No one listens to me. I said baby blue and champagne on the napkins, all shaped to form the constellation of Juno… and they gave me yellow. I am gonna complain so much.”

“There are worse things?” Terra says and Aqua shakes his shoulder as another warning. 

Ven snaps his eyes open. “Get into position, we’re starting.”

Aqua stands behind one door and Terra goes to the other, waiting for the cue to enter. On the other side, Ven is speaking out loud, organizing people and where they should stand. Grooms and bridesmaids will enter the altar from behind and gather together, leaving the carpet only for the star couple (no pun intended). He interrupts himself, raising his voice about vases that match too much and Terra can imagine him pointing across the room.

“I have to tell you something,” Aqua loudly whispers from the other side of the hall. 

Terra runs to her and wraps an arm around her waist. Touching her is a panacea. Despite knowing there is still a possibility she’ll rethink this entire relationship, it seems unreal, like a nightmare.

“It’s about Ven,” she continues, keeping her voice low even though they’re the only ones in the hall.

“Lea threatened to slap him.”

She frowns.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Don’t you think it’s too expensive?”

“I don’t know. Ven doesn’t tell me how much anything costs.”

“It’s way more than we have saved up.”

Terra gapes. “Then how—?”

Aqua stammers, fiddling with her fingers. “I looked into his books.”

Terra melts into a breath-heavy laugh, careful to keep his voice out of it. “Reading people’s diaries? Aqua, I thought I knew you better.”

She blushes. “I didn’t mean to, but I was worried.” Now Terra is worried. Her expression is too serious. “Ven has been doing side-missions and hustles for months just to earn enough to hire the best chefs and tailors, to buy linens and all these flowers and carpets—” 

“He wouldn’t.”

“He did.”

“Why?” 

“I think it’s because he wants us to be happy.”

“We are.” Terra doesn’t appreciate how he doesn’t sound confident, scared he’s assuming too much on her behalf. “How could he just…”

“We were stuck in darkness for so long and he couldn’t help us.”

“But that’s not his fault.”

“He feels he is the weakest and wants to compensate.” Aqua grimaces and she blinks back tears. 

“I feel so guilty.”

“I feel worse.”

“Why?”

Aqua bites her lip. “I’m still attached to the idea of a small, intimate ceremony in the woods. Just the three of us. Does that make me a horrible person?”

“No. Our wedding has become a spectacle. Maybe pointing that out makes me terrible, too.”

She groans. “I found a book. I left it in your room. It’s very last minute, but there are some ancient rituals in there that I found so beautiful… the exchanging of rings is beautiful, too, but modern and there are some lost traditions from our Keyblade history that I’d love to do instead... if you could take a look?” 

The way she smiles, stars. Ancient, modern, he’d do anything for her. “Sure. I’ll read it tonight.”

Aqua winces. “He’ll be so angry with us.”

Terra squeezes her hand. “He wants us to be happy. Think about that.”

One of the doors burst open, and Lea sticks his head out. “Kindly stop being an ass and don’t keep your guests waiting anymore?”

They start: Terra at one entrance, Aqua on the other, entering the ballroom at the same time, where guests will watch them approach one another, like the shadow of the moon to a star. They meet at the point where their lanes merge into one. 

Terra offers his arm—

“Nonono,” Ven warns, running up to them. “You can’t meet her like this. You must bow at a forty-degree angle.” Ven scans the room frantically. “Here, I have a ruler.”

After that hiccup, Aqua finally takes Terra’s arm, walking down the single aisle, where guests can ogle at them. Their groomsmen and bridesmaids take pictures with their Gummiphones for their arrival at a wall of flowers. 

Sora has his hands behind his head and snickers when they reach the end. “I made sure the carpet is ironed out so she doesn’t fall with you.”

“I’m going to kick you in the shins,” Terra says.

He snorts and wipes his nose. “I’ll kick you back.”

At the altar, Ven is too excited to stop rambling. “We have to make sure that you arrive here, at this spot, at exactly nine-thirty so we can finish the vows at ten because...” He frames the windows with his hands. “We’ve got a perfect spot for star sighting so we need to be on time.”

“Do you mean, right after the wedding ceremony?” Aqua asks. 

“Before the reception, yup. We’re walking out to the balcony, we’ll watch the meteor shower where a new world will be born, then we’ll come back in for supper and dancing.” When he notices their stupefied faces, he continues, “I spent three weeks finding the right angulations so you can witness a unique astronomical event, and we’ve got a miracle of a spot right here so we can’t be late.”

“It’s a wonderful thought, Ven,” Aqua says, her voice shaky.

“Okay, now you get into position and face each other.” He points and they follow. “Next, Mickey and Minnie will talk some stuff, you know, all official, and then you say your vows.”

Terra freezes up. “Our vows.”

“Yeah. That’s what I said. You ready?”

Terra hesitates and Aqua speaks for him. “We’re keeping those a secret until tomorrow.”

Ven pauses, then shrugs. “Fair enough.”

Aqua doesn’t let Terra have another thought, leaning forward to kiss him in front of everyone (aahs and awws elicited), and ending the rehearsal.

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

“How do you get your skin so clear?” Kairi asks, though the warm glow of the fire makes for spectacular lighting. 

They’re camping in the woods near the waterfall, equipped with warm blankets and pillows, a bowl of cookies, and toasted marshmallows on sticks; Aqua’s vision of a bachelorette party. No gifts necessary.

“Mountain spring water does wonders for you,” Aqua says.

“I’ve read in a magazine,” Xion says, crawling out of her sleeping bag, “that some people like to put mud on their faces to get clean skin.”

“Why?” Naminé asks, chewing on a marshmallow.

“Something about the properties. Lots of good minerals.” She walks over to the creek, digging her hands into the dirt and smashing it into her face against the shocks and cries of the other girls. “If mountain water is good for you, then that must mean this mud is magical.” 

“Is that true?” Kairi says, though she’s asking no one. She hurries over and joins in on the mud-mashing, running fingers over Xion’s face in places she’s missed.

With globs of mud in their hands, they bring over the excess to the camp. 

Xion offers it to Aqua. “For beautiful skin on your special day?”

“It’s our job to pamper,” Kairi says with her hands out so that Naminé can scoop up the mud on her own. 

Aqua tries not to chuckle too loudly. It’s adorable. “Okay,” she says, and Xion gets to work, massaging it into her skin. It smells unpleasant, earthy and mukky. She closes her eyes and tries to relax regardless.

“I think we’re supposed to keep it on our faces for at least a half hour,” Xion says, rubbing more on Aqua’s nose. 

“This will make us prettier?” Naminé asks.

“Cleaner,” Kairi says. 

Naminé blinks, already covered in the mud and hesitating to put on more. “But we look dirty,” she says quietly.

“Can I request something, Miss Aqua?” Xion says, patting her fingers onto Aqua’s forehead.

“Certainly.”

“Can you tell us the story of how Terra proposed?”

Kairi jumps and squeals, and Naminé claps her hands, both of them chattering please, please, we’re dying to know.

“We’re around a fire,” Kairi says, as if that’s a convincing argument. “We’re supposed to tell stories.” 

“I feel bad for asking,” Naminé says. “You’re very private, and I don’t want to intrude…”

Aqua reads her face. “But you’re curious.”

Naminé pouts. Xion’s eyes go wide, and Kairi nods excitedly. Everyone is guilty as charged.

“It’s a simple story, I guess,” Aqua says, crossing her legs and watching the fire. It’s not often that she talks so openly about the details of her relationship. The two of them together is something people know, but never knowing where they come from and why, except for Ven—even then, there’s so much he never pries to. Watching their reactions is a little overwhelming. She rubs the stone on her ring. “Terra made the engagement ring with his own hands, but he took months to propose.”

“I remember that,” Xion says, sitting on her chair and smiling. “It annoyed Lea so much that he offered to set you both up just to get it over with.”

Aqua laughs. “I’m grateful we had it to ourselves.”

“Was it romantic?” Kairi asks.

“Not at all. I… knew he was up to something. I know him.” She lifts a shoulder. “He was burning breakfast too often, he couldn’t look me directly in the eye, and he left on his own to do more missions than usual. I took that as though he had done something wrong. The last time he was that clumsy and avoidant, it was because he accidentally cast Firaga in the library and was trying to hide it. Or when he broke the oven. Or when he offered to do my laundry but didn’t know how to treat my fabric and ruined my clothes.”

“He sounds like a clumsy oaf,” Kairi says.

That makes Aqua smile. She loves that oaf. “He is. The general rule of thumb is that a clumsy, avoidant Terra is usually hiding something.”

“So how did the proposal happen?” Naminé asks.

“I cornered him—”

Kairi snorts.

“—and he blurted it out.”

They giggle, Kairi acting out how that may have looked and Naminé holding her hands over her heart in a show of genuine affection. 

Aqua smiles to herself, a finger to her lips. It might be her favorite memory, her standing her ground and demanding to know what was going on. 

Terra, looking all around the terrace except for her face, guilty, guilty, guilty, pulling a box out of his pocket and stammering for a cohesive sentence. Well, I don’t know what to say, he had said, like a child getting grounded. I-I’m sorry. I’m dumb, I’m a big lump of a human being. He paused, his cheeks rounding up like he was about to vomit. Will…will you marry me, anyway?

It felt like racing in a train and pulling all the stops, crashing. He got red in the face, tears welling in his eyes and she realized he took her silence as rejection. Aqua had to hold his forearms, and all she could utter was a soft, I genuinely thought you burned down a building.

Terra’s eyes went wide. Do you mean you’re not mad?

Of course not. Why would I be?

So… He licked his lips, reaching for her but not touching her, forgetting that he had the box with the ring inside. What do you say? I mean, you don’t have to give me an answer straight away. I mean, I just thought you would… you know… because… He sighed. Yeah.

Aqua finally laughed, and kissed him on the cheek. Of course I will marry you, you beautiful dork.

The laughter quiets around the fire. They’re waiting for Aqua to continue her story.

“Then he drops the ring.”

They howl, melting into a blissful exchange of cheers and gossip, a vibrant hearth brighter than the one keeping them warm. 

“I had hoped to propose first, actually,” Aqua continues. She shrugs. “The end.”

“That was beautiful,” Naminé says, wiping her eyes.

“If Sora hears about this, he’ll never leave Terra alone,” Kairi says, grinning something mischievous. 

“I don’t know what love is supposed to look like,” Xion says thoughtfully, gazing at the sky. “But it sounds sweet.”

In Aqua’s opinion, the proposal was perfect, him scattered on the ground frantically searching for the ring, her on her knees helping him. How he slipped it on her finger, how they kissed for an hour in the dirt, unaware that they were dusty, unaware that anyone else existed in the world. 

Aqua nods, mostly to herself. It aches to be away from Terra tonight but it burns her insides to see him tomorrow and finally do this. Aqua wants to sleep and get this night over with but she doesn’t want to sleep so she could see the sunrise, knowing he’d be up early watching the same thing.

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

Bachelor parties aren’t fun.

Sora is whooping about a cannonball, the water splashing when he makes contact. Ven and Roxas race to the lake, testing who will be the first to dive, the first to swim across and come back. Considering the expanse of the surface area, they’ll be gone for a while and the barbecue will get cold, but maybe it’s for the best. It’s not the right time to talk to Ven right now, not when all of them have a moment of fun (except for Terra, the only one here thinking about tomorrow). Lea and Isa prefer to relax, sipping drinks on their chairs by the lanterns erected onto the sand, speaking quietly about memories, about chores, about home and what ifs. 

Terra sits by himself, the thin booklet Aqua gave him on his lap, tucked under layers of parchment. It’s titled The Way, no author. She was right: old Keyblade rituals are interesting, almost possessive, their focus on the literal binding of hearts. They’re from the Age of Fairytales, and Terra realizes as he reads through it that ancient Keyblade wielders were for some reason obsessed with the loss of memory and the prevention of it. The rituals sound painful, too—maybe Aqua has developed a mild taste of macabre from her time in the Realm of Darkness. 

All Terra has left to do are his vows. His stupid, dorky-sounding vows. He should have accepted the simple, “I do.” He shouldn’t have waited until the last minute.

He’s tried dramatic.

You are my other half, my heart, my breath of life, my sky, my angel, can we keep our souls together? 

He’s tried poetic.

The mountain will thirst if not for the water— 

He’s tried being honest.

I don’t know why you love me, but I’ll do my best to make it up to you.

All dumb.

Terra groans into his hands, eyes wide in existential blunder. 

“Keep doing that,” Riku says, setting a chair next to him and sitting down, “and you won’t be able to blink again.”

“I’m not finished.”

“But if you don’t sleep, then you’re more likely to have accidents.”

Terra gapes and almost whacks Riku on the side of the head from the sight of his constricted smirk. “You’re so mean. I called you one time.”

“In a huge panic talking about causing mass destruction of a wedding the worlds have never seen.” Riku shrugs nonchalantly. That’s his state of being—too cool for anything, too sensitive for everything. It’s refreshing. “It was the funniest phone conversation I’ve ever had.”

“I’ll never call you again.”

“Not in the middle of the night, please no.” Riku bites a forkful of steak. “Is it cliché to tell you to speak from the heart?”

“This entire conversation is cliché, but here I am, living it out.” Terra stares at his messy pages, where he pressed the pen so hard that it left ink blots.

“You could do the very committal thing and tell her you love her fifty times.”

“All the guests would leave by the time I reach twenty-five.”

“More like fifteen.”

“Ten.”

“Disaster.”

Terra grimaces, not entirely comforted, but not entirely anxious anymore, either. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

“It is a big deal, I’ll give you that,” Riku says, more serious. “I don’t have any advice.”

“None of it makes sense. Be honest, but not too honest. Be loving, but don’t make it cheesy. Express yourself, but hold back on certain things. Do make it personal. Don’t expose personal details. How am I supposed to know how to do it right?” 

It would be easier if there are no witnesses. If it’s just Ven, if Aqua is the only person he’s talking to, if he could simply say, You’ve been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I know I’ve fucked up. For as long as I live, I’ll never do that again. I will never take your forgiveness for granted.

And if she doesn’t want to be with him anymore, there’d be nothing he could say to make her stay.

“I think if Aqua was the kind of person who expected you to do it right,” Riku says, looking out to the lake where Ven and Roxas are swimming back to their shore, “you wouldn’t be marrying her.”

Terra bends the pages, exposing the cover of the thin, leather bound booklet. There are no vows he could use in there, except for the officiator declaring their hearts intertwined. “Thank you,” he mumbles.

“Sorry I can’t be of more help.” 

Riku pats him on the shoulder and leaves him alone to take a walk, Sora begging him to enter the water. Terra flips to a page where he’s repeated I love you, I love you all over, each in different calligraphy, like doodling, like losing his mind and procrastinating the night away, hoping that any moment, inspiration would drop bricks on him.

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

It’s time.

The strangest part of the day is waiting it out in her bedroom until it’s her turn to show herself. Over the years, her bedroom has been a reflection of her personality. The cleanliness, the artifacts from her home world long ago, the size of the bed, the furniture—they all stayed the same. What’s come and gone were the paint colors, the bedsheets, the art on the wall, the smaller vanity mirror. Her bedroom is her old life, and she sits in front of the mirror in her bride’s dress, about to start a new one. For now, they both collide, as though her childhood doesn’t know her.

The cape dress is simple, plain white with the neck scooped across the collarbone. The sleeves slit at the shoulders, draping over to the floor with the rest of the train. Aqua couldn’t have asked for something better. She completes the look with the ring, a jeweled hair pin on one side, and an armored choker. Makeup is minimal. 

Aqua is surprisingly calm and the sun is going down. 

Her Gummiphone buzzes with a text message.

Terra

Let’s do it

Aqua sighs, not texting back immediately.

Aqua

I don’t want to break Ven’s heart

Terra

I’ll talk to him

We can both get what we want

I already stole some flowers from the wall

Don’t think he notices

She chuckles, moving a hair strand behind her ear. She hasn’t noticed that her stomach has been a knot, from excitement, from nerves, from anticipation. The sun takes so long to set. Terra is the warmth of a tight blanket.

Aqua

Will this label me as a runaway bride?

Terra takes a long time to answer, giving her the impression that he must have been distracted and forgot to reply. 

It buzzes.

Terra

The shame

Aqua

What will they think when they find out the groom seduced her to it

Terra

The scandal 

when they hear how she met him secretly at the creek 

an hour before the ceremony

It sounds like an action plan. Aqua picks up her bouquet of orange roses and bluestars from her vanity table, heading out the door.

Aqua

I want Ven there

Terra

Definitely

I love you

Aqua

I love you too

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

Terra finds Ven in the dining room, taking inventory of an indulgement of sweets and a feast of meats, fritters, and rice. The wedding cake is as tall as his body, a dark blue with smacks of gold glitter in the shapes of galaxies, large stars framing each layer, and topped with two halos. Ven is mostly dressed in his vest and tie, the suit missing. By comparison, Terra is overdressed, a groom ready for his encore.

Ven sighs when he sneaks a cookie the shape of the Keyblade Master symbol into his mouth, as though Terra’s presence reminds him of disappointment. 

“I couldn’t tame the cicadas,” he says morosely, like he’s apologizing, and for a moment Terra second-guesses what he’s about to do. Ven eyes the white rope curled around Terra’s shoulder. “What’s that for?”

“This may either cheer you up or piss you off,” Terra says, dropping The Way on the counter.

“I don’t like how you said that.” As Ven flips through pages, he frowns, chewing on the side of his lip. “Are you... not happy with the wedding preparations?”

Terra inhales, caught off guard. “Of course I am. Happy, I mean. It’s… huge. It’s a giant ordeal.”

“And you don’t like that,” Ven says quietly, stroking one of the pages with his thumb.

“I think there are things we’ve always wanted to have privately.” Terra sits on a stool, but Ven won’t look him in the eye. “And we want you to be there. We can do it now. We’ll be back in time for our guests.”

The booklet shakes in his hands. “I messed up.”

“From my point of view, I’ll be eating very well tonight. There’s nothing to compensate for.”

Ven closes the book. “I just wanted to do a good job.”

“If you allow Lea to slap you, he’ll forgive you.” Terra smiles, but Ven doesn’t join him. “We’re still doing your grand ceremony—that, we could never pull off on our own. But we also want something tiny and ours, and we won’t do this without you.” Terra takes Ven’s hand and squeezes it, before glancing at the cake. “I hope it’s delicious.”

“It’s disgusting so you’ll definitely like it.”

“See, I can always count on you.” Terra stands up. “Now come on. You wouldn’t want us to be late for the bride.”

Terra takes him to the creek, not far from where Aqua hosted her bachelorette camp, where the sound of rushing water is gentle and the creek splits into two directions, one that would drip off the side of a cliff and one that would join a massive river downstream. The trees huddle close in the clearing, a soft shadow from the fierceness of the setting sun, like a pocket of protective magic in the middle of the forest. 

Ven gasps. “You stole my flowers.”

“Please, you didn’t even notice.” Terra had built an easy wooden arbor before the crack of dawn that morning, an arch weaved with orange and blue flowers, spotted every so often with green lilies. He showered right after so no one would suspect.

“Let’s take it over there.” Ven points to a short boulder against a tree nearby, a good photo op. They pluck the arbor up from both sides and plant it in front of the boulder. Ven takes stock of the sight. “Not bad.”

“Thanks!”

“I take credit for the choice of flowers.” Ven rolls the rope into a tight circle, layering it on the boulder with each loop in equal circumference. He splays the book open and studies. “It’s kinda creepy,” he says though he gets no response and he doesn’t ask for one.

Terra shoves his hands into the pockets of his tuxedo and waits. Aqua isn’t here yet. The vest constricts his breathing, the thicket suddenly feels humid, and Terra wipes his cheek, realizing that his heart is beating fast. Time sped up to this moment and dropped him here without warning. Now it’s slowing down out of pure, unjustifiable spite to torture him in the final hour. 

“You okay, dude?” Ven asks.

Terra lifts his face to the sky to keep the tears in his eyes. “If I cry now, I think I’ll cry for the rest of the night.”

Ven snorts. “No one would be surprised, trust me.”

But it’s not working. He’s two seconds from sobbing. “I don’t know. I…” He scoffs. “I can’t believe it’s happening. I’m expecting her to never show up or brush me off last minute when she realizes what we’re doing—”

“No.” Ven approaches Terra like he’s about to punch him in the stomach to make a point. “Don’t think like that, she’d never do that.” 

Ven has good faith and better timing. Aqua approaches the other side of the clearing, the fabric of her dress gracefully making waves with every step, the foliage fluttering light and shadow on her figure. She holds her bouquet in one hand and a framed photograph tucked under the other.

It shocks Terra.

He can’t stop the flow of tears. He covers his shivering lips and the drip of his nose, his face twisting from the sight of her—brilliant, like she’s made of stars, a gift walking the earth.

“Terra, are you okay?” Aqua asks, rushing to him now, the train of her dress bouncing behind her. 

In the flash of an instinct, Terra runs to meet her, tripping over a branch and landing right into her arms. 

“You’re—” Terra sucks air in, his heart shoving itself up his esophagus. “Y-you’re s-so beautiful.”

Aqua uses her pinky to wipe his tears. “So are you.”

“Let me help you.” He takes the frame—a portrait of the Master, bordered with a white ribbon—and walks her to the arbor. Ven takes the portrait and places it on the boulder, their little family tied together, fractured in glued pieces, now and always. Before they start, Terra asks Aqua to pose under the arbor so he can take a picture of the trees and the flowers surrounding her. Beautiful.

“How do we do this?” Terra asks when he finds his voice again, still trembling. Aqua stands to the side to take her place. She’s beautiful.

Ven takes the book in his hands. The description of this ritual covers at most two pages. “Well, it’s archaic. It’s from the Age of Fairytales but it sounds like we will intertwine your hearts—but in an intense way, like we’re sewing them together.”

Aqua holds her bouquet to her chest. “Shall we start?”

Terra chuckles too hard, gasping for breath. “Simple as that.”

They wait for Ven’s cue, who also has no idea how to do anything. Ven clears his throat, shrugs his shoulders, and reads:

“We witness today the soldering of two hearts. To intertwine like the roots of a tree, the severance painful, the nourishment plentiful. A physical bond, a magical one, the merging of two sprites under the guidance of one truth. Two hearts, but one.” Terra watches the way Aqua watches him. There’s no one else in the world, Ven’s voice disconnected, like it floats on air. “Now it says to summon your Keyblades. Dig the tips into the ground, and offer your hilts to each other.”

Ends of the Earth is massive, taller than Ven. Stormfall looks delicate but it’s menacing, sharp, direct. They offer their hilts, the shafts crossed over each other, Stormfall light and airy in his hand, Ends of the Earth weighty and thick in hers. 

Terra finds it interesting that they’re using the hilt to connect each other’s hearts—the Keyblade should never be used against a person’s heart in traditional Mastery, because it’s such a dangerous weapon and it’s so violating. The blunt hilt, on the other hand, the physical manifestation of their hearts, is like exposure, an offer of vulnerability. 

Aqua’s feels like it’s thrumming, singing. She’s happy.

Ven steps forward with the rope and ties it over the hilts in loops. “This is just an image, the ties that bind, two Keyblades, but one. To intertwine a heart is to forge a chain, a friend, a companion, a memory. If missing then a void, a dream, a wish until reunion.” He steps back into position. “Before we go on, I think this would be a nice place to say your vows. Terra, you first.”

Terra stammers, looking into her eyes. “I-I couldn’t write one. I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay,” Ven whispers, pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket. “I wrote some just in case.”

Terra doesn’t take it. He licks his lips. “It wouldn’t have been graceful. None of it—all of my thoughts—pale in comparison to you, Aqua.” He steadies himself with labored breathing, the squeeze on her Keyblade like a hold on her waist. “You’re so, so beautiful, and I’ve spent my days believing I don’t deserve you, because… because I couldn’t make things right like I should have.” 

Aqua quivers, gently touching his arm with her free hand and motioning for him to breathe. 

He continues, “I’m sorry. I wish the Master was here. I wish I was smart enough to prevent it from happening.” He inhales, choking up from the mention of Eraqus. “I never thought you would marry me of all people, so… I promise... I will be there every step of the way. I promise you, if you’re scared at night, I’ll be there to protect you. If you’re hurting in another world, I’ll come find you. If you’re confused, I’ll hold you close and help you make sense of it. I’ll brew you tea to help you sleep, I’ll step in the line of fire even if you wish to do the same for me, I’ll walk to the ends of the earth to make sure you are safe and healthy. I promise I’ll be with you.

“And I’ll mess up. I know me. I’ll fix it. If you want to clobber me, I’ll be patient. I’ll learn. I’ll do better. Every day you save me from myself. This is the least I can do. I’ve loved you since I was a kid. I’ll love you every day.”

Silence falls on all of them, Terra sniffing just to get some fresh air, Ven wiping his eyes, Aqua blinking too much. 

“Now you, Aqua,” Ven says. 

Despite being teared up, Aqua holds it together. She’s so good at that.

“Terra, I stand with you because I do want to be here. I do want to be by your side. I do want to laugh at your bad jokes.” She relieves a giggle. “I love you. I have for as long as I can remember, even if I didn’t know the words for it.” She studies his face. “I’m sure the Master is here with us, and he couldn’t be prouder of you. I’m proud of you.” Suddenly, she switches her tone, as if to lecture. “And if you even fathom taking a hit for me, remember that I’m faster than you. I’ll protect you first.” Then she softens. “I promise to be your shelter when the storm falls on us. I promise to sit on your bedside when you’re sick, to lift you up when you’re down about yourself, because you are sometimes. 

“You are my home, no matter how far your heart is from me. If you need a star to light your way back, I’ll give it to you.” She smiles widely, like she’s about to laugh. “If something between us breaks, I’ll mend it with you. I can’t imagine my life any other way.”

Their words are now spoken. Aqua suppresses a laugh and grins like a child. Terra holds his breath, just in case he screams from every emotion that he can’t name.  

“Well,” Ven says, rolling his sleeve up so he could wipe his nose on his forearm. “I guess it’s time. This bond is an oath you will remember each other until you close your eyes for the last time, for the tragedy to forget is to be alone forever. Do you accept this?”

“I do,” Terra says.

Aqua hums. “Yes, I do.”

Ven smiles. “You know what to do.”

With his free hand, Terra presses two fingers to his chest, over his heart, where he builds a golden glow. Twenty years living with her, ten years in darkness thinking about her, this vow is impossible to break—even if they can’t do this any longer, Terra could never forget her. Never. In his hand is now a piece of himself, a nugget of his heart, a memory of her in his bed that he never wants to lose.

He takes those fingers to her chest, two thick golden threads drawn out from his heart. She winces at the touch, quick to dissolve. Stormfall shifts in his hand, growing longer, its hilt thicker and darker, wrapping around like a weaved shield. A subtle change, a little piece of him.

Aqua does the same, fingers to her chest first to create the threads, bringing them to his chest. It does hurt, like a needle digging into his skin, sharp for the entire length until it’s suddenly gone. 

He feels full, as though his insides are creating space for something extra. Warm, frightening, whole, exciting. Her piece is a memory he can’t read but he doesn’t need to. Ends of the Earth opens way for an icy blade to cut through the middle as the hilt fans out like wings. A piece of her to take with him where he goes.

“Alright,” Ven chirps, snapping the booklet closed. “The book ends with the quote, Two hearts, only one, but I think this means I can call you husband and wife in secret. So kiss.”

Their Keyblades dissipate when they hold each other, tender but with appetite, unaware of their surroundings for several selfish moments. With sewn threads, it’s as though he breathes through her. Terra presses her onto him, feeling how her heart now beats in sync with his.

“I love you,” she whispers. They are married. 

He’ll never tire of hearing it. Stars, they are married. “I love you, too.”

Terra hears Ven sniff before a handkerchief is shoved into his face. “You need your face dry and clean before everyone sees you,” Ven says. 

The sunset now is deep, a fiery orange. Terra doesn’t want to let go.

“I’ll hold you again tonight,” Aqua says, patting his chest. “I want to see the meteor shower Ven promised.”

“It’ll be a good one,” Ven assures.

Terra kisses her. “Then we have to make a run for it.” He picks Ven up like a log, jogging through the thicket of the forest with Aqua close behind him, the Master in her arms. When they approach the castle, in the twilight, they hear chatter coming from the halls, as though ghosts are partying outside. 

Terra feels at peace despite that he now has to perform, balancing on a tightrope where he doesn’t care if he falls. He turns around and holds her neck to kiss her again, feeling her laughter in his mouth. “One more?” he asks when they break. 

Ven, still tucked in Terra’s arm, groans. “I never asked for a front seat to the kissing show. Is this my punishment?”

Aqua kisses him one more time, whispering to him I love you for what will be a string of I love you’s in the night to come. Friends will cheer, Terra will trip on the way to the altar, Sora will cry because Terra will cry, Xion will eat too much cake and get sick, Isa will laugh because he is drunk, Kairi will be the star of the dance, Aqua will be the star in his eyes. 

[maddrmatt]

A Beautiful Future: A Premonition or a Punishment?

New to this fanfic? Click here to properly begin!

Greetings, readers and fellow SoKai fans!

Time for a certain Princess of Heart to take the spotlight in this story!  

Fair bit of warning though, I sort of used this chapter to showcase a few headcanons and speculations regarding the future of the series.  

Also, there’s a little challenge within this chapter that you can take on if you wish.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 3: Writings of a Princess

Land of Departure

Dear Sora,

I know it’s been a while since I last wrote to you.  I haven’t really had anything really important to tell you since I came here.

Now something incredible has just happened and I had to tell you first before anyone else.  But before that, here’s a few updates on what’s been happening on this side of reality.

I’m still training hard.  No offense to Merlin, but I think I’m getting way better with my Keyblade training under Master Aqua than him.

My days here at the Land of Departure are filled with learning various fighting techniques or improving my magic skills.  And to test them, I often spar with Aqua, Terra or Ven.  One day, I might even get a perfect score against one of them in our matches.

All of three of them and Chirithy have been very good to me. They’ve really made me feel like part of their family.

But as great as it’s been with them, they’re no true replacement for everyone back home.  I miss everyone:  Mom, Dad, Selphie, Wakka, Tidus, Riku, and you.  Especially you.

Sorry, Sora.  It’s just so hard every day knowing that you’re trapped in that fictional world.  I really wish I could’ve gone there with Riku to save you.  But after being out of action for a year and the fact that I couldn’t even land a single blow on that memory of Xehanort, I knew it was the better choice to stay behind and train even if I didn’t like it.

I really hope Riku finds you soon.  We’re all so worried about both of you.  Since nobody really knows anything about this Quadratum place, we’ve all thought Riku was a little hasty in just taking off there alone.

We still haven’t heard anything from Mickey yet either. Hopefully, he’ll come back soon from Scala Ad Caelum, and he’ll have found something we can use to help you and Riku.  Until that happens, all the rest of us can do is wait.

Anyway, time to tell you the real reason for this latest letter, Sora. And you are not going to believe what it is.  I can hardly believe it myself.

Last night, I had a dream.  It was actually the first dream I’ve had since I came to the Land of Departure.

Not that I’ve minded not having dreams just in case they ended up being recreations of my worst memories.  I’ve already watched you vanish twice.  I don’t think I could bear to watch it happen again in my dreams.

But the dream I had was nothing like that at all.  It was of a wedding, Sora.  Our wedding.

It was an amazing sight.  It was in this gigantic chapel that looked like it was in Radiant Garden, and it was filled with all your friends from around the worlds.

Many of our fellow Guardians of Light and closest friends made up our wedding party.  It was hardly a surprise to see Selphie as my maid of honor or Riku as your best man.

You looked so handsome in the suit you were wearing.  And judging from the stunned look on your face when you saw me coming down the aisle, I must’ve looked pretty beautiful to you.

It was truly incredible, Sora.  It felt so real and so wonderful.  I wished it never ended.

But, unfortunately, as it is with dreams, we all have to wake up eventually.  And when I did, the happiness I felt ended up giving way to other emotions as I reflected on the dream.

First of all, I felt a little confused.  As good as that dream was, I couldn’t help but wonder why I had it at all.  I mean, wouldn’t you find a little strange to have a dream about a wedding especially since we haven’t even had our first kiss yet?  It’s kind of rushing things a little.  

But don’t get me wrong, Sora.  I know, deep down in my heart, how we truly feel about each other. I wouldn’t have shared that paopu fruit with you otherwise.  And when the time is right for it, the idea of getting married to you is something I will embrace wholeheartedly.

So, I thought more about the dream and believe it or not, I started to think that it was not merely just a dream.  I wonder if what I saw was our future.  It definitely did feel like that since there were so many unfamiliar parts in it.  

For example, I had no idea there was a tradition in Radiant Garden weddings for the bride and groom to crown each other with symbolic flowers.  Then again, I could have known that if the knowledge came from a memory from when I lived there.  Maybe I attended a wedding there when I was young.

But what really stood out to me and made me believe that this could be our future was the many unfamiliar guests.  I knew that because I’ve been studying the details of your last two journeys from Jiminy’s Journal and the Gummi Phone.  And even though the Journal of your first journey was erased (Naminè’s still really sorry about that), I still remember everything about it from being in your heart through it all.

So, I was able to recognize who you had met and who were strangers. They were far too numerous to mention. But here are some examples that really stood out to me.

A tall woman with long black hair wearing a tan colored dress and a beautiful turquoise necklace with a raccoon, a dog and I think I saw a hummingbird flittering around her.

A pair of robots, one yellow and box-shaped, the other white and cylindrical, who were holding hands.

A couple that consisted of a redhaired woman and blonde-haired man who appeared to have some kind of hairless rodent on his shoulder.

A teenage boy and girl along with a younger boy and a company of animals such as a bear with gray fur, a panther, an elephant with a tuft of brown hair and a quartet of vultures.

A large family that appeared to be a mix of humans and skeletons along with a very colorful winged dog and a giant winged cat.

A boy with red hair (whose head looked triangular) along with another boy with green hair and a bunch of other teenagers as well as some kind of strange teal animal that looked like a cross between a duck and a beaver and a man with brown hair, poor posture and wearing a lab coat (who wears that to a wedding?).

A princess dressed in a beautiful green gown accompanied by a prince in a green suit with a blonde woman dressed in pink, a short old woman dressed in white and wearing sunglasses and a snake around her shoulders as well as an alligator who was carrying a trumpet.

A very unusual group consisting of two men and a woman with blue skin and pointy ears along with a dog-sized dragon, a centaur, and a winged lionlike creature with horns and a scorpion’s tail.

A girl with bushy brown hair among what appeared to be a family of giant frogs.

A woman dressed like she was some kind of islander with a burly man with numerous tattoos (I think I saw one of them move) over his body along with a pig and a chicken that didn’t look very smart.

A family who seemed to be some kind of royalty consisting of a princess in a simple green dress with long curly red hair along with three identical boys with the same kind of hair, their big, strong father with a peg leg and their very elegant mother.

A boy and a girl who looked like they were twin siblings who were accompanied by a pair of old men who looked like twins as well.

A redhaired boy in the company of a group of what looked like various human-sized bugs.

There were so many more, but I think I’ll stop here.  With the large number of guests at this wedding, I could go on listing them for a long time.  But it does seem there’s a lot more friends for you in the future.

Unfortunately, while I was mulling over the dream further, a horrible thought came to me.  I started to wonder if the dream, as beautiful as it was, wasn’t meant to bring me happiness at all because it was actually showing the future that we could have had but now would never have.  And the true reason of it was to punish me for my failures in the fight against Xehanort.

I know you wouldn’t like to hear this, Sora.  But there are still days where I can’t help but feel responsible for your disappearance and think that if I had made some different choices, you’d still be here.

I know it was my choice to fight alongside you because I wanted to keep you safe the same way you’ve always done for me.  But looking back, I now see it was foolish to assume that my training alongside Axel would turn me into a Keyblade wielder on yours or Riku’s level. And it was probably an even worse idea for a wielder with very little actual battle experience to go from basic training to a high stakes battle with nothing in between.

We may have been desperate to stop Xehanort before he went after the New Seven Hearts especially since he had already assembled all his darknesses. But we probably could’ve and should’ve explored some other options instead of going to fight the Organization right away after you woke Ven.

Since Ienzo told us that they had a replica body ready before we even left for the Keyblade Graveyard, we could’ve gotten Roxas or maybe even Xion out of your heart before the fight.  In Axel’s words, they were the old hands when it came to Keyblades.

We also could have made a bigger effort to find and save Terra first even if our chances were pretty low.  That would not only have gotten us a more experienced wielder, but it would’ve also lowered Xehanort’s ranks by one.

Maybe if we had done things that way, we would’ve had more experienced Keyblade wielders to fill out the Seven Guardians of Light.  And even if it would be disappointing to be put in the reserves, it would’ve been worth it if it led to you being safe.

So, those are the reasons I believed that dream was a punishment. But you’ll be glad to know, Sora, that I only entertained those beliefs briefly.

After thinking it over some more, I decided that it didn’t matter what that dream’s purpose was.  Comfort or punishment, I’m going to actually use it to serve my own purposes instead.

I’m going to let it remind me of what my ultimate goal is and drive me to be the best Keyblade wielder I can be.  One that’s going to make the forces of darkness think twice before causing trouble and one that you and Riku will be proud to have fighting alongside you.  And hopefully, that will lead us to a future like the one in the dream or at least one that’s pretty close.

In fact, after seeing that dream, I think I may end up actually proposing a couple of ideas to Aqua and Master Yen Sid.  I’ve been thinking about them a lot and maybe now is the time to try to put them into action.

Since I need to get some real battle experience to become a stronger Keyblade wielder, I’d like to go on a journey throughout the worlds to gain some. Hopefully, Aqua will think it’s a good idea.  And even though there’s been little sign of the Heartless and Nobodies since Xehanort’s defeat, there is one thing I really wish to do.

I’d like to try to find and identify the remaining three of the New Seven Hearts.  After all, who’d better to find them than someone who’s part of the same group?  And if we knew who they were and what their home worlds were, we’d be in a better position to protect them if someone tried what Maleficent and Xehanort did.

Who knows?  Maybe all those unfamiliar faces at the wedding were not only friends you’ll make on future adventures, but ones I’ll make on my own adventures.  Maybe even the remaining New Seven Hearts were among them.

I also have an idea that may be able to help in the quest to bring you home. If Fairy Godmother could bring me back to the Final World, I could talk to that girl from Quadratum again.  She may not be able to remember certain things. But she might be able to tell us something about that world that could help.  

Naminè might even be able to help with this plan.  Even if you only met that girl briefly, that may be enough for her to be considered connected to you and therefore, Naminè’s memory powers can work on her.

Hopefully, the Masters will think that these are good plans.  I really want to do any part I can to not only help bring you and Riku home, but also to protect the worlds as both a Keyblade wielder and a Princess of Heart.  After all, with you two gone, someone’s got to pick up the slack.

Well, I think that’s enough for now.  It’s nearly time for breakfast and then it’s training until lunch.  But before I go, there’s just one final thing I’d like to say.

Whether that beautiful dream shows a wonderful future that is meant to be or not, it doesn’t matter.  Because the only kind of future I’ll ever wish for is one in which we’re safe, we’re happy, and we’re together.  That’s all I really need.

See you soon,

Kairi

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Much later, the training hall in the Land of Departure was filled with the sounds of clashing Keyblades and various shouts of magical invocation.  While those sounds were nothing uncommon in that location, there was an unusual intensity that day.

As Aqua, Ven and Chirithy watched, a heated sparring match was taking place between Kairi and Terra.  But much to their surprise, the more experienced Keyblade wielder was actually struggling as the young rookie was keeping him mostly on the defensive.

“Wow!  Kairi’s on fire today!” exclaimed Ven.

“She is, indeed,” concurred Chirithy.

“Well, she has improved a lot in her skills since she came here.  But you two are right.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this driven before,” said Aqua.

“You’ve got that right, Aqua.  If she lands one more hit on Terra, this’ll be the first time she’s won by a perfect score,” said Ven.

As the match went on, Terra blocked blow after blow from Kairi.  Then, strangely, she ceased her attack.

Terra saw his opportunity and charged toward her with a downward slash. The Princess dodged to the right narrowly avoiding the hit.

“Light!” she cried out as she fired a small but powerful Light spell at Terra’s side.  He grunted as the magic struck him and knocked him off his feet.

“Point to Kairi,” declared Aqua.

“That’s three to nothing!  Kairi wins!” exclaimed Ven as Chirithy clapped its paws together.

“Well done, Kairi,” said Aqua.

“Thank you, Master Aqua,” Kairi said as she walked over to Terra and helped him up.  

After exchanging bows with each other, the Princess of Heart said, “I hope that didn’t hurt you too badly, Terra.”

Terra chuckled.  “Not at all.  It helps that you’ve learned how to restrain your magic during training.  But I’ve got to say, Kairi that I am impressed. That’s the first time since you’ve come here that I’ve been unable to land a single hit on you.”

“You’ve certainly come a long way, Kairi.  Today, you showed some truly exceptional skill and strength.  You should be very proud of yourself,” said Aqua as she, Ven and Chirithy approached.

“Well, I’ve had a good teacher and some great sparring partners.  But I think it really helped that when I woke up today, I just felt a little extra drive,” said Kairi.

“Yes.  We noticed,” said Aqua.

“Why is that exactly?” asked Chirithy.

A certain smile came to Kairi’s face which caused her four friends to exchange knowing looks.  They had spent plenty of time with her by now to know what exactly brought out that special smile of hers: thoughts of a certain someone close to her heart.

“I had the most amazing dream.”

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Notes from the Mad Doctor:

I thought the best way for Kairi’s spotlight chapter would be to do in the style of one of her letters to Sora.  I’ve used it before as readers of my big fic Kairi’s Epic Journey would know.

So, in case it wasn’t obvious, the challenge I mentioned at the start is that list of unknown guests.  It was quite a challenge to write all those characters by description alone.  I hope you all will take a shot at identifying them. Some are pretty obvious, but some may be a little more difficult.

I hope I did a good job in trying not to make this chapter’s narrative too similar to the previous chapters.  I actually tried having Kairi leap to the punishment notion before the premonition notion.  But unfortunately, the flow didn’t work right.

Fortunately, the views on the punishment notion are a little different. Sora has absolutely no regrets for what he did and believes that he’s being unfairly punished for breaking rules he had no idea existed.  Kairi, however, believes her punishment is deserved since she blames herself for what happened to Sora.  Fortunately, both are able to use that dream to keep on fighting.

I hope you all aren’t put off that this is more like a series of one-shots centered around a certain plot device (the wedding dream) instead of a congruent storyline.  That was what this project ended up being.

I give my thanks to whoever reads this chapter.

I also give my special thanks to @fandomchanger, @flynn-science​, and @ladylucky​ for their likes on the previous chapters as well as @sokaiweek, @phoenix-downer, and @the-secret-place​ for reblogging the previous chapter.

Comments, likes and reblogs are much appreciated!  Stay tuned for what comes next because it’s going to be a real feel-good chapter!

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Onto the next chapter!

[smartzelda]

Okay, so now that that's out of the way, here are all my thoughts on the khmom

So starting out, I know some were hoping this was the big Kairi game, and I'm sad it didn't live up to my hopes in that regard, but we also have to remember that Nomura said in interview before it came out not to expect too much, and then we learned that the story mode is an average of 10 hours.

As a fandom we need to remember that KHMoM was never advertised as "the big Kairi game", so while you can be sad that the game didn't live up to your hopes and dreams, Nomura did not "basically" tell us we were gonna get a big Kairi game and then let us down. With all due respect, this game is only a "Kairi game" in the sense that she's on the front cover and the story cutscenes at the end show her side of searching for Sora. Even the advertisements and interviews about this game were mostly focused on the rhythm game aspect, so besides cutscenes, the only talk about Kairi was the change from Chirithy to her doing narration

Now let's continue on keeping in mind that this is all my opinion and analysis, and there are various opinions out there.

Let's start with Kairi, since most of this game is about her. I haven't played the game myself yet (I watched cutscenes for now), but although it's sad Kairi herself wasn't part of any teams (which honestly makes sense since she wasn't a main character focused on in any of the games as much as those chosen for teams. KH1, CoM, and KH2 really were Sora, Donald, and Goofy, Days really was our sea salt trio, wayfinder trio was obviously the main protagonists for BBS, and even though Sora was in DDD, Sora is already on a team and Riku got a bigger charactsr focus in that game, so why not include the dream eater pals. And then honestly kh3 was Donald and Goofy and Sora again), at least we get her in the end. And her getting a small playable section at the end honestly makes sense considering the cutscene portion is the part of the game about her/following her/focuses on her, and she's been getting better as a keyblade wielder.

Now, this section shows us the pink flower thing from remind, and I'm even more convinced that it isn't her heart. For one, in remind, it was used in kh2 fashion, like an object to create a pathway to the next world or in this case Kairi herself. Then, in this game, while she's sleeping and in the final world, she finds it and it breaks apart. If it was Kairi's heart, would it make sense for it to break apart inside of her and not have an affect on her or her body? And what convinces me more is that after you collect all these pieces of the flower with Kairi, she clutches her head and has a memory moment.

What is the pink flower thing, then, you wonder? Well tbh I wonder too, but I had a thought. It's not essential enough to her state of being to be her heart, but it's definitely a part of her or a representation of part of her. My thought is that it could be a semi-physical representation of her memories or a physical metaphor of her state of being at the time it shows up. For example, in remind, it could have been scattered pices of her memory, because we remember that in kh3 they learned that a person (like Roxas, Xion, etc) couldn't completely come back or wake up from wherever their hearts were until their memories were returned to them too. So if the flower is representative of her memory, it then would make sense why it needed to be gathered, why it made Sora feel Kairi, and why it can also act as an object related to Kairi that can pave a path to her. It could also be a metaphor for her state of being at the same time since just like the flower, Kairi's body is shattered. This also makes sense for KHMoM, because if it's partly a metaphor representation of Kairi's state of being, then her "state of being" in this case refers to her repressed childhood memories and the links in those chains of memories that have broken apart. And so if the flower is representative of her memories, it would make sense that when she gathered all the pieces she remembered these memories because it brought these repressed memories to light and essentially pieced them back together when she gathered the heart pieces. If not because the flower has to do with her memories, at least in this case, why else would she remember repressed memories after gathering the flower pieces?

Continuing on from here, when Kairi holds her head and begins to remember, we get this interesting turn of the camera that flips Kairi and her reflection in the water before transitioning to the memories. I don't know much about camera techniques, but it definitely symbolizes or means something.

So we get the memory of Apprentice Terranort taking young Kairi (I honestly laughed when it showed him reaching for her just because of that "gimme your phone" meme) and it transitions to showing the scene with Kairi in one of the pods. This scene tells us a few things. For one, somehow, Apprentice Terranort knows about "unreality" or what's essentially a parallel universe to the KH universe, you can somehow get there with a strong enough connection to it (like using someone who's from there like Riku did or your heart resonating in some way with someone there. For example, if Kairi's poh heart resonated with a keyblade wielder from the alternate universe instead of Riku on Destiny Islands). It also may tell us that it's possible that Apprentice Xehanort knew the stuff we learned in the kh3 ending with the Luxu reveal would come to pass. Obviously Xehanort knew by doing what he did with Kairi that he would cause Sora's disappearance, but since we know (from Dark Road I think?) that the ancient wielders went to another world and all that, we know the stuff with Kairi was his final plan, and we know Xehanort got his peaceful death, I don't think Xehanorts final plan with Kairi was a ploy for him to do more summon kingdom hearts or a petty go at removing Sora since he might win. More than likely this "final plan" has to do with preventing a possible future and setting things up accordingly. Apprentice Terranort told 4 yr old Kairi her mission as if it's success would affect the future of the universe. And on one hand it makes sense because they needed a keyblade wielder to defeat the heartless and restore the worlds and lock their keyholes, but what if it's double meaning is that making sure the worlds last past that is dependent on making sure "the keyblade wielder" would also be in the position to prevent a future crisis? Because I doubt Quadratum is gonna only be important for getting Sora and coming back. This place is gonna have some significance, and if preventing or battling the crisis also hinges on the Keyblade wielder going to the alternate universe as Xehanort's backup plan to balance the worlds or keep them safe, then the foretellers, Luxu, the box, and that whole thing are more connected to what's happening in the alternate universe as we would've thought. Anyways, to sorta summarize that, I think that Sora had to have ended up in the Alternate universe to give our main crew a chance of dealing with something big, and if Xehanort couldn't make a new world with the keyblade, he at least had to make sure Sora could be in the right place to make sure things happen as they should to save all the worlds.

Then we get Kairi faced with the man in a cloak who's revealed to be Xehanort. This part also honestly made me laugh because we knew it would be Xehanort, but also on behalf of those who insisted it was MoM (no offense to them btw because I get their thought process. It just kinda made me laugh). I liked this sequence in the khmom trailer (especially in og Japanese because what Kairi says there is better put), and I like it because it essentially serves as Kairi facing her fear and the one who changed her fate head on, channeling all those thoughts and feelings and letting them out. So, whether or not this Xehanort is real or fake, Kairi takes him head on.

Now the fight sequence has a variation of thoughts on it, and here are mine. For one, I spent this whole sequence being so excited because she was fighting so good and hard to the best of her ability. Second, this is memory Xehanort created from her heart, so I like the explanation that he too is influenced by her personal fears and doubts, mainly an insecurity and doubt in her own abilities. So the reason Xehanort is so easily able to catch her keyblade and dodge hits from her (the first time he grabbed it I honestly thought he would insult her and snap it like Xemnas did with Lea) is because no matter how much she wants to defeat him, deep down she doesn't believe she's strong enough, and so here leads into when she turns into Sora.

Now, to preface, if the literal explanation of this from Nomura is "Kairi isn't strong enough so Sora's sleeping heart sensed her danger and possessed her to do the boss fight for her", then I think this sequence is 1000% bad, unnecessary, and people have every right to be mad. However, my thoughts on this scene is that it also has to do with her memories and anxieties. Remember that memory Xehanort says that everything in this specific version of the final world was created by Kairi's heart. And so if her doubts are on her own strength, my thoughts are that it was these doubts and feelings of inferiority that had her become Sora (or a memory Sora more specifically) because she doesn't believe she can win or beat Xehanort with out him yet. In other words, she still felt dependent on him, so in that moment her heart responded by temporarily turning her into Sora to reaffirm her fears (like when she was losing against xehanort) and beat Xehanort for her. If this is true, then that gives some depth to Kairi's character in how she currently percieves herself as of khmom, and maybe how she believes others view her. And with Xehanort's comment, I think it may reaffirm that this Sora is a projection. Because if Sora came there through his bond to Kairi, then there's no reason Kairi would've disappeared or there's no reason why he wouldn't have talked or just something. So then, Xehanort's line about Sora being where his voice cannot reach them has a double meaning. The first is that this Sora that fights memory Xehanort does not speak (and also he's fighting like a controlled puppet without a will of it's own like, did you see his soulless face?), which affirms to him that Sora is in the alternate universe, and the second may be that he realized it's a version of him from Kairi's heart (just like he himself is), and he being there instead of the real Sora affirms that Sora's bonds in this world have broken and he couldn't have been there himself, meaning he must've been in the alternate universe (if not dead, which Xehanort knows he isn't because he knows his final plan with Kairi).

Side note, also during the earlier battle with Xehanort, Xehanort told Kairi she wouldn't find Sora in her heart and that the key to him is in memories long gone. And part of my reaction to that is that I felt validated and angry, because we've been saying that Kairi wouldn't find Sora through the search of her heart and dudebros and s/ks and the like said that we were thinking about our ship and being misogynistic in thinking Kairi wouldn't have that role, and then Xehanort himself, created from Kairi's heart said "You won't find anything here". My other reaction was to "memories long gone", and it honestly made me wonder if it meant that Kairi had some of Sora's memories in her heart that he lost and they're not there anymore, or that the key to Sora is memories of his he not only lost, but are literally missing and in someone no one can reach currently (like within Yozora or something)

So anyways, Xehanort gives Kairi a clue about how to find Sora through that line referring to the alternate universe (again it being brought up in the future for a different thing is why I think Apprentice Terranort gave his speech as a double meaning in the past), and she finally wakes up where the whole lab crew work it out

As for AtW and crew assuming the alternate universe is fictional, that may or may not be true. They worked it out by saying "The opposite of our reality is unreality or fiction", but we also know that could be referring to a parallel universe, meaning both universes could very much be real. As for Yozora telling Sora "this isn't the real world", I'm not gonna go far into it as others have, but if Sora is theoretically inside Yozora's heart, hence how he can visit him in his dream, then Sora is technically not in the real world, but the alternate universe is in the real world. And if the alternate universe is a fake world, it's not impossible, but it's still odd to me how Yozora would be self aware that the world he was born in wasn't real.

Forward from here, Riku enters, Kairi and Riku have their leads to Sora (tbh one of my hopes was that Kairi and Riku would have a real talk about the odd status of their friendship and how it's honestly not great, but maybe it'll happen in the future), and Fairy God Mother magics Kairi and Riku and herself into the final world (sorry this is a bit passive aggressive, but no, we knew that Riku wouldn't need to dream dive into Kairi's dreams to make it into the final world so they could get to Sora). FGM then starts talking about the final key, alerts the two teens about the hearts in the final world, and takes them to Nameless star. It was about this point I literally had a moment over how beautiful Kairi and Nameless star's respective voices sounded because they both sounded so pretty. This is also where they learn that shibuya in the other universe is named Quadratum (haha another square reference I see, square😂), and FGM says that you can get to the other universe with the power of waking and Nameless Star's strong dream and will. I honestly can't wait until we get to see Nameless star for real and hear her name. It's honestly so sweet that Riku wanted to make her dream come true (in like a "Riku is so nice and sweet" way, not in a shippy way) and was also willing to help her not just because she could lead him to Sora.

Then, FGM informs the crew that this is as far as she goes, and leaves the rest to Riku. This is another widely opinionated section of MoM's story, because here Kairi expresses her wishes to go and is ultimately rejected. I have seen people rant about how Riku is a misogynist and explain this scene as if Riku literally told Kairi "You're too weak", shoved her aside, and called her useless, but here's an analysis of the scene with some of my pov. That part wasn't nearly as bad as people exaggerated it to be. When Kairi expressed her wish to go, Riku literally stuttered, failing to actually say she can't. He didn't even really say anything before Kairi sighed and was like "I know". So to say Riku is misogynistic for that?😬 Also, this is a completely new universe, one where Yen Sid didn't even let Mickey Mouse follow, and as FGM said you have to have the power of waking to get there. Kairi is strong, as memory Xehanort said, but she's not to master level (or at Sora or Riku's level for that matter), not strong enough to deal with a whole new world, especially since her only real experience was being plunged into war just after some training (like Sora and Riku got this whole experience starting with dealing with low level heartless and getting used to it all, and they had been practicing and self teaching themselves how to fight since they were kids, to which Kairi did not), and she doesn't have the power of waking, so no matter how much Kairi wants to go with Riku, as he was trying to tell her and failing, it's not possible for her right now. It's like how Sora wanted so badly to join Riku and Mickey in the RoD on saving Aqua, but he hadn't regained his strength yet and didn't have the Power of Waking. Example one of the Kingdom Hearts fandom's double standards: Sora being denied access to also go to the RoD to save Aqua because he doesn't have the strength or PoW is fine, but Kairi being denied access to also go to the alternate universe with Riku for the same reasons is Misogyny🙄.

And also on Kairi's rejection to go with Riku to the alternate universe, I felt like this moment was a parallel to kh1 that showed that Kairi is beginning her character development. In kh1, Kairi insisted to go with Sora to save Riku, and Sora outright said she would be in his way so she couldn't go (idk what it says in the jp version), and after being told this, Kairi accepts her situation and resigns to wait on the islands for Sora to return with Riku. During this whole time she also makes no effort to train. However, in this moment in khmom, when Riku fails to stutter out "No", Kairi very visibly and audibly is frustrated when she says "I know". She's been here before, but it says something that her being left like this, waiting to the side, isn't something she wants anymore. She wants to go, and she's frustrated that she still can't. And I know this came off to people as "Nomura is just shafting Kairi again", but in my opinion if he wanted to toss her aside, he wouldn't have done this. He would've had her okay with Riku going by himself from the get-go and had Kairi just kind of go "well, back to training with Merlin again". Heck, if he really wasn't doing anything with her, he would have just left her while FGM and Riku met Nameless star in the Final World. But what he did was present us a Kairi that is strong, but knows she needs to be stronger. He gave us a Kairi that is visibly frustrated in knowing she can't help her best friend. And her response after accepting she can't go currently? She takes the initiative to train under Aqua (a real keyblade master), meaning that she really wants to take the steps to get stronger now, and she tells Riku that one day she'll stand by him and Sora (not just Sora). The girl has resolved to take her own path and take real responsibility for her training so she never has to stay behind again. It's showing Kairi's shift from "Sora and Riku are leaving me behind and I'm struggling to catch up so I try to make sure they come back to me or I do the bare minimum to still be around them" to "I take control of my own destiny, and I'm gonna close this gap myself, by my own efforts, not by waiting for them to do something". I'm fully aware Nomura could still shaft Kairi, but I truly feel like this little we got in khmom is the beginning of her development as a character. And I feel this way because while remind at times arguably came off as pandering to people who wanted K to do something, khmom, taking into account all the things Nomura could have done instead of what he did, felt more genuine, and actually made me hopeful and excited for her character and what she does in the future. Also, example two of the Kingdom Hearts fandom's double standards: Riku struggling to tell Kairi she can't go with him (and him not actually saying it) is considered misogynistic by this fandom, but Sora in kh1 bluntly telling Kairi she would be in his way and therefore couldn't go is "UwU he's protecting his love! So cute!"🙄

Anyways, going forward, I'm so excited to witness some actual development for Kairi amd seeing her interact with the wayfinder trio! Like training with Aqua? Yes!

Also, not to be passive-aggressive, but I know a number of S/Rs who would like an apology for being told that believing that Riku would be the one to save Sora was us reaching and being delusional and thinking Kairi wouldn't go is misogynistic🙂

Anyways, besides that, Soriku endgame actually?! Like Sorikus and Riku stans how you feeling about all this? Like, can you believe we were right when we said Riku would go save Sora? Can you believe in the same week we got confirmation Riku would be the one to go save Sora, we learned that there would be three sets of Soriku Nendoroids? Like we just keep on winning and honestly that makes me so happy. I honestly can't wait to see not only Kairi's training and possible future development, but also Riku's journey! This may have just been a bridge game, but I'm so excited!😊

[atomic-taco-muffin]

Part Of My World part 8 (Finale)

I’m back baby! Whoo! Tests are finally over! 

Warnings: same as last part

Part Of My World Masterlist

Previously in Part Of My World: 

“Sora! Wake up! It’s your last chance to kiss (Y/N)! Come on! Wake up! Wake up!”

“Good morning, my angel.” the imposter said as he hugged you.

“Hi, Vanitas.” you said hugging back.

“Well, this is certainly surprising. But I’m glad you found someone to become your king. Welcome to the family, Vanitas.” Sora was heartbroken. His one true love fell for another man.

“(Y/N) got engaged to another man and he’s heartbroken about it.” Roxas explained.

“WHAT?!” Xion and Axel exclaimed. Sora looked down, not wanting anyone to see his tears.

“Hey.” Axel put his hand on Sora’s shoulder. Sora looked up at Axel with tears falling down his face. “We’ll get her back to you.” Sora smiled at Axel.

“Vanitas? Who’s Vanitas?” Sora wrote down who Vanitas was and who he was and where he and Vanitas came from and why Vanitas is here.

“You’re a merman?! Dude, that is awesome!” Axel said.

Just then, the door opened to reveal Vanitas.

“Who are you?” He sneered.

“I’m Lady Xion. These are my friends. Lord Roxas, Lord Axel, and…” Right before Xion said Sora’s name, Sora made a cutting motion with his hand.

“And Lord Ventus.” Xion lied.

“Uh-huh.” Vanitas knew it was Sora, but he played along.

“May we know who you are?”

“Fine. The name’s Vanitas. (Y/N)’s future husband and future king. And if must know, (Y/N) told me to explore the castle so I get used to it when I move in here.” Vanitas then left. Sora let out a breath he been holding for a long time.

~~~~

Donald flew as fast as he can to find Goofy. He found him on his island napping. 

“Goofy! It’s an emergency!” Goofy woke up slowly, not fully understanding what was happening. 

“What?” he asked groggily. 

“Were you not listening? Sora’s in trouble!” 

“Sora’s in trouble?! What should we do?!” 

“We need to warn the king and the queen.” 

“On it!” Goofy left the island to go warn the king and the queen. He swam as fast as he can to the Destiny Kingdom. 

“Your Majesties! It’s an emergency!” 

“Great. Just what we needed. Another emergency.” the king said. The queen elbowed him. 

“What is it, Goofy?” she asked Goofy. 

“It’s about, Sora.” 

“Sora! Where is he? Is he okay? Tell me what happened!” the king shouted. 

“Sora is with the princess, but he’s in danger. We must head over to the kingdom before it’s too late!” Goofy said. 

“Riku!” the queen called. 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” 

“Round up all of the guards. We’re gonna save my son.” Riku bowed and went to go round up the guards. 

“We’re coming, honey. Just be strong for us.” the queen whispered. She went to her jewelry box and pulled out a magic pendant and gave it to Goofy. 

“Make sure that Sora gets this.” Goofy nodded and swam back to Donald. 

~~~~

“Okay. I just found out from a maid, that there’s gonna be a ball tonight to celebrate the so-called engagement between (Y/N) and Vanitas. Then tomorrow there’s gonna be the wedding. So we need to break Vanitas’ spell before sun down.” Xion said. 

“Okay. Mr. Talking-Bird here said that Sora’s parents are on their way with support and gave Sora a magic pendant.” Axel said. 

“I have a name here and it’s Donald!” 

“Okay. Sorry. No need to get all feisty with me.” Donald was about to peck the shit out of Axel but Sora stopped him from doing so. 

“How are you holding up, Sora?” Roxas asked. Sora wrote down that he was okay but scared of what might happen.

“Don’t worry, Sora. We’ll get her back.” Xion said, putting her hand on his shoulder. 

“I should go see if the king and the queen have arrived.” Donald said. He then flew off to go find Sora’s parents. 

“While Donald is doing that, we need to prepare for tonight. Also, what does that pendant to?” Xion said. Sora shrugged. He then put in on and felt a rush of magic go through him. 

“Are you okay, Sora?” Roxas asked. 

“Y-Yeah. I feel good.” 

“YOUR VOICE! It came back!” Xion said. 

“Yeah. Thank you, mom. I’ll come home soon. Let’s do this.” They left the library, and went to go get ready for the ball tonight.

~Time Skip~

Sora, Xion, Axel, and Roxas entered the ballroom to be greeted by a bunch of people they didn’t know. 

“Great. How are we gonna find (Y/N) and Vanitas when there’s all these people in the way?” Axel complained. Sora looked through the sea of people and then found you and Vanitas by the staircase. 

“Guys. I found her! Let’s go!” Sora said. They split up so they wouldn’t make it obvious. Xion went to the right, while the boys went to the left. 

“Hey, (Y/N)! You look beautiful!” Xion said. 

“Thanks, Xion! You look pretty too!” you replied. 

“So, I hear you’re getting married tomorrow. Mind if I see the dress?” 

“Of course! I’ll be right back, Bubby.” (I’m sorry! That nickname makes me soft! I love it so much!) Vanitas nodded in response. You and Xion went to go look at the dress, while the boys went to go confront Vanitas. Sora snuck with Xion to try and talk to you.

“Ugh. What do you want?” Vanitas said. 

“We know what your plan is, Vanitas.” Roxas said. 

“Do you now? And what do think my plan is?” 

“Your plan is to summon a creepy crusty wizard that will take over this kingdom and many others while having Sora as a prisoner.” Axel said. 

“Seems like you caught me. But you’re kind of too late.” 

“What the hell do you mean by that?” Roxas asked. 

“(Y/N) puts all of her trust into me. And Sora is not gonna be able to anything about it.” Vanitas smirked. 

“You son of a-”

~~~~

“Okay. You wait here while I’ll go get the dress.” you said. 

“Okay.” Xion smiled. You went into your closet to pull out the wedding dress. It was passed down through your family. 

Xion made sure that you were in the closet before she let Sora in. Your maid helped you put the dress on and made sure it was on securely. You stepped out of the closet to be greeted by Sora. 

“Oh, hey. What are you doing here?” you asked surprised to see Sora standing there instead of Xion. 

“I came to see you.” he said. 

“Your voice came back!” 

“Yeah. But that’s not why I’m here.”

“Well, why are you here?” 

“Come with me.”You followed Sora down to the docks and stood there as he explained what has been going on these past couple of hours. 

“Wait, you have to leave tonight?” Sora nodded in response. 

“I-I wish I got to spend more time with you.”

“Me too.” Sora got an idea 

 “Do you trust me?” he asked. 

“Of course I trust you!” Sora pulled you close and started to dance with you. Just as he was about to kiss you, Vanitas pushed him into the water. 

“You just make it too easy don’t you, Sora?” 

“Wait, Sora?!” Sora got out of the water and saw that Vanitas was holding the necklace that Sora gave you. Vanitas then pulled you close to him and placed a rough kiss on your lips. You tried to push him away but he was too strong. 

“NO!” It was too late. The sun had setted and Sora was turned back into a merman. Vanitas finally let you go and you ran to Sora. 

“Oh my god, Sora! I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was you this entire time.” you said. 

“At least I got to dance with you.” 

“Ugh. Barf! All this lovey-dovey shit makes me want to kill someone. And I think I know the perfect target.” Vanitas took the last missing piece of the X-Blade and summoned the rest of it. He placed the missing piece into its rightful spot and a surge of dark magic flowed through him. He then pointed the X-Blade right at Sora. You stood in front of Sora with your arms out to protect him. 

“Seriously? Just give up, angel. It’s not worth the trouble.” 

“No. I lost the two most important people in my life. I’m not losing Sora.” 

“So be it.” Vanitas raised the X-Blade in the air and summoned Xehanort. (kind of like what happened during the keyblade war). 

“Hah, feels good to be back in my original body.” Xehanort said. You gasped. You felt like this was your fault. You helped summon Xehanort. Sora looked at Xehanort in disbelief. This isn’t happening. He wished that this was a dream. But it wasn’t. This is real. 

“XEHANORT!” a voice boomed. Wait that sounded familiar. It was 

“DAD!” Sora exclaimed. He saw his parents riding a gigantic wave. He dove into the water to be reunited with his family. Sora’s mother was the first one to hug him. 

“Oh thank goodness! You’re okay.” 

“Well, if it isn’t Your Majesty, the king. So nice of you to join us. We’re just about to get started with the ceremony” Xehanort said. 

“What ceremony?” you asked. 

“Why the wedding, of course.” Vanitas said. This couldn’t be happening. Xehanort grabbed your arm and pushed you towards Vanitas. 

“Now, are we ready to begin?” Xehanort asked. 

“NO! Let me go!” You tried to fight against Vanitas but he was too strong. 

“Dad, we have to help her.” 

“We will, son. Don’t worry.” Sora’s dad waved his trident and shot it at Xehanort and Vanitas trying to be careful of you. The two of them flew into the water and got turned into mermen. Sora swam to you as fast as he can but got pulled by Vanitas. Sora fought against his grip the best as he could. He broke free but the pendant that he had snapped and broke. At that point he didn’t care, all he cared about was making sure you were okay. He made it to the docks and pulled himself up. 

“Sora! Oh my god! I’m so scared. What’s gonna happen?” Sora tried to talk but realized he couldn’t because he didn’t have the pendant. Sora’s mother saw this and gave Sora a magic weapon that will help defeat Vanitas and Xehanort. You hugged Sora and ran back into the castle so that you wouldn’t get hurt. 

~Time skip b/c I don’t want to write a fight scene~

Sora and his family won. They defeated Vanitas and Xehanort together. They were able to break the X-Blade and Sora got his voice back. He was about to swim back to you but remembered that he didn’t have his legs anymore. His mother took notice of this and used her magic to summon one of the last Paopu fruits that existed. She handed him the fruit and told him to go to you. He swam towards the docks again and pulled himself up. You walked out to the docks to see if it was safe. You then ran to Sora and tackled him into a giant hug. 

“What’s this?” you asked as you pulled away from the hug. 

“It’s called a Paopu fruit. It’s said to have a person’s destiny intertwined with another’s. I’m not sure if it will work with us, but I want to give it a try.” he said.

“Okay. Let’s try it.” You and Sora broke off a piece and ate it. Just then, Sora felt his legs come back. The two of you smiled and kissed. 

BONUS: 

It was two years after you got married and became king and queen. You weren’t feeling like yourself. You kept throwing up every five minutes and sometimes passing out. You and Sora thought that it might be food poisoning, but when the doctor came, it was the exact opposite. 

“Y-You’re pregnant?” Sora said. 

“Yep! That’s what the doctor said.” Sora felt tears starting to form and hugged you. You hugged back, feeling your own tears forming. But it brought up a question. Was the baby going to be a merperson or a human. When your baby was born, the two of you discovered that it was a hybrid meaning that the baby could change into a merperson whenever they wanted to. The three of you then lived a happy life in the kingdom and went on crazy adventures together knowing that nothing can stop true love. 

[kessielrg]

[Kingdom Hearts] A Sleepy Confession

Summary: By far, Ven’s got the most boring job at the flower shop; the cashier. Sitting day in and day out for someone to browse along the rows of flowers and gardening tools, then probably walk right out again. Sometimes an interesting thing would happen- but they were few and far between. [flower shop AU focused on UX kids][Part 4 in a series of oneshots][VenxOC][EphemerxOC/F!Player]

Rating: K+

Word Count: 1,602 words

If you liked this story, please reblog!

. . .

Allergy season sucked. It sucked even more when Skuld wouldn’t let him take an allergy pill to combat some of the symptoms. But no, his allergy pills were the kind that just made you drowsy. Skuld didn’t approve of that, no sir. Not that it was going to make anything worse when he was already nodding off to sleep. Even just on the trip over with the window down, he could feel the film of pollen cover his eyes and making them more irritated than before. At this point, his thoughts were becoming so mixed together that he wasn’t even sure if Skuld was still in the building or not.

When the bell above the front door twinkled, he almost didn't react. Ven rested his head on top of his folded hands as he sleepily tried to decide who had come in. That information alone would determine whether he should pretend to be more awake or not. Whoever it was, it was a female around his age. The end of her black hair was obscured by the bulk of the hoodie she was wearing. Her eyes were covered with rose colored glasses, but it was when he saw the dark purple denim shorts that he thought he knew who it was.

“'Bout time you showed up.” Ven told this person without hesitation. “Brain's long left though.”

The newcomer paused. She looked over at Ven with a hint of confusion. Sure, Xion had been meaning to come by to buy some sunflowers for her room, but did Ven actually expect her? It didn't make much sense- especially if he thought she was here for Brain. Sure, there were times when her and Brain would get together and talk bohemian lifestyles when the feeling struck. It wasn't something  expected of them, though. Was it?

“I'm not here to see Brain.” Xion told the half awake teen.

“Good.” Ven then slurred. “Because we've got to have a talk, Sabrina.”

And that was when it clicked for the younger teen.

“Ven, I'm not-” she immediately tried to argue, but Ven cut her off with a frustrated huff.

“Shuttup, would you? For once just listen to me. I have a lotta say and I want to say it while I don't know if I'm awake or not.”

Xion couldn't hold back her little chortle. This had to be serious if he had the nerve to interrupt her. She could still tell him that she wasn't Sabrina, but now she was curious. “Alright then,” she mused, “What do you have to say to me?”

“You're a bitch.”

Not being the words she expected to hear, Xion jumped a good foot before shooting Ven a surprised stare. The only word she could get out was a flabbergasted, “What?”

“You heard me.” Ven asserted, nuzzling his head in his arms for a moment. “You're a bitch. And you wanna know why? It's because… It's because you're perfect.”

Xion gave Ventus a neat raise of her eyebrow before bringing her attention to a small arrangement with faux sunflowers in it.

“I thought you said I was a bitch?” she inquired, feeling it would be the thing Sabrina would say- if she didn’t get outright insulted. “How can I be a bitch and be perfect at once? You’re contradicting yourself, you moron.”

Okay, so Xion had to flinch at calling Ven a moron. She didn't mean it, but it sounded like something Sabrina would say. Apparently, it was a good guess because Ven didn't think of anything against it.

“That's because you make it contradictory.” he insisted. “You have to know you're doing it on purpose too. You have to know that one look into your eyes is like falling into a deep abyss of… of just losing yourself. Surrendering...”

Xion watched with some amusement as Ven started to nod off. He snapped back up when he heard himself snore, but he still wasn't fully awake again.

“You're so aware of your own body.” he then told her, letting out a long yawn. “Always finding things that work for you so well, and when you want attention, you get it. Even when you're not trying to be noticed, you still stand out. It's just… How can you not be aware of your own presence? Your confidence. Your… your...”

“Sexuality?” Xion suggested without thinking about it. Ven didn't confirm or deny the thought, instead letting out small hum as he adjusted his arms to cradle his head in his hand. A thought occurred to Xion that she quickly shook away. He was thinking about Sabrina, not her.

“I can always tell when you're faking it.” he then sighed. “The way you stand. The way you talk. You think no one notices, but I always do.”

The younger teen paused as she started to pick up a small vase with an artificial sunflower in it. She looked over at Ven with a curious raise of her eyebrow.

“Always?” she questioned in a small voice.

“Always.”

Xion idly rubbed her fingers on one of the sunflower's petals. “That's quite the ability, if you ask me.”

“Is nothing that special,” Ven slurred. “You can always tell when Roxas and I switch places. Same thing.”

Xion let out a small snort. It was true, Sabrina was usually one of the first to realize that Ventus and Roxas had decided to switch places for a day, for a prank or otherwise. Xion was also particularly good at it too -if not better because she lived with Roxas- so it wasn't a 'superpower' unique to Sabrina in any way. The idea that Ven could scope out Sabrina's little lies the same way was the odder part. Maybe there still was the same level of knowing that person well enough- not that it was particularly easy when the other was a notoriously good actor. Roxas and Ventus had well proven themselves to be bad at acting.

“Why can't you say all this on a normal day?” Xion then mused as she made her way to the main counter.

Ven gave a rather bitter snort at the idea. “Why? Why can't you-”

He cut himself off when Xion was close enough to get a good look at. Closer, it was easier to see how her face was more round that Sabrina's, and her hair was cut short instead of just hidden in the dark colored hoodie. For extra emphasis, Xion even brought her glasses down a bit for him to notice the playful sparkle in her ocean blue eyes.

“Xion!” Ven exclaimed as he sat back up. “How? When?!”

But the playful grin on her face grew.

“Do I really look that much like Sabrina?” she wondered with amusement. “I didn't even think we sounded enough alike. Her voice is a bit lower than mine.”

Ven took all it had in his power not to sigh, “And it sounds beautiful.” to Xion. Even after that initial jolt, he must have still been tired to daydream about his crush. Just thinking about it made him emit a low, pitiful groan.

“She's right.” he whined to himself, hiding his face in his hands. “I am a moron. I just told you all of that stuff about her and… Urg. I'm an idiot.”

“I think you're tired.” Xion mused as she gave his forehead a little poke. “How long did you stay up last night?”

“Same time as usual.” he insisted. “I think Aqua says it's allergies. My eyes get so sore I can't keep them open, and then the allergy pills we have aren't the non-drowsy ones...”

“Ouch.”

“Tell me about it.”

After a small shake of his head, Ven got the register ready to ring up Xion's little vase and single sunflower. He knew his face was flushed red with embarrassment. He was lucky Xion was the type to ignore the obvious clues when someone messed up. It didn't stop him from feeling bad about the whole thing, though.

“I'm sorry I got you too confused.” he told her, all but blurting it out as he handed her the receipt. “And thanks for, you know, not laughing at it. Or me.”

“It was a good speech.” Xion grinned. “Why can't you just tell her all that stuff? She'd listen to it if you show as much conviction as you gave me.”

“Do you really think she'd respond well to it?” Ven questioned back. “Let alone say anything about it at all? Depending on where we even are determines if she pretends to acknowledge I said anything.”

“Fair point.” Xion agreed with a little click of her tongue. “Maybe write it to her in a letter? Stick it in her locker or something at school, or even have Brain give it to her while they're at home?”

“Xion, I know I look like a sucker, but even I'm not stupid enough to think that would work.”

Xion gave him a simple tilt of her head before saying, “Have you tried, though?”

The corner of Ven's mouth twitched. He hadn't, really. But it was still intimidating- mostly because Sabrina herself was intimidating.

“She likes it when you're bold, you know.” Xion informed him with a little wink. She replaced her sunglasses, took her receipt and sunflower, then started to head out the door.

Ventus watched her with heavy-lidded eyes before placing his head back down in his arms. At least he could sleep now. He could dream of a solution to get Sabrina's attention. In his dreams, he was bold enough to do anything.

If only he could be that bold in real life...

[i-believe-in-soriku]

Essay Part 1: Riku’s Journey

Riku is undeniably the character who has experienced the greatest evolution throughout the series.

His journey begins in Destiny Islands, when he was just a little kid who wanted to live adventures with his best friend, Sora.

Riku: When we grow up, let's get off this island. We'll go on real adventures, not this kid stuff!

That's that will of discovering the world, and the fact that he was really close to his friend Sora, that lead him to make a promise:

Terra: Is there some reason you're interested in the outside world?

Riku: Yeah. I wanna be strong one day. Like that kid who left. He went to the outside world - I bet he's really strong now. I know it's out there somewhere - the strength that I need.

Terra: Strength for what?

Riku: To protect the things that matter. You know, like my friends.

Riku had a very strong friendship with Sora. The two of them used to fight with wooden swords, explore the islands, and watch the stars together. But then, Kairi came to the Islands and became part of their life. Years passed and their friendship became stronger - but somehow something was missing.

That's when Kingdom Hearts happens. At this time, Riku wanted to explore the other worlds, feeling trapped on Destiny Islands - will he had already expressed ten years before. Riku was jealous of Sora, and probably of Kairi and Sora's growing proximity. Riku felt lonely, as we can see during the game. These dark feelings caused him to be manipulated by Maleficent, and to turn to darkness.

There are also other reasons: he wanted to see the world - which he already wanted as a five years old kid-, he wanted to become stronger in order to protect his friends - even if he did it the wrong way, he didn't forget that goal, as proved by this scene:

Riku: So, Kairi's like a lifeless puppet now?

Maleficent: Precisely.

Riku: And her heart was...

Maleficent: Taken by the Heartless, no doubt.

Riku: Tell me! What can I do?

Maleficent, as the evil witch she is, manipulated him strengthening his feelings of loneliness, jealousy and betrayal.

Maleficent: You see? It's just as I told you. While you toiled away trying to find your dear friend, he quite simply replaced you with some new companions. Evidently, he values them far more than he does you. You're better off without that wretched boy. Now, think no more of him, and come with me. I'll help you find what you're searching for.

Ansem, on his side, pretended he knew the way to make him stronger, as Riku was jealous of Sora's strength...

Ansem: The heart that is strong and true shall win the Keyblade.

Riku: What? You're saying my heart's weaker than his?

Ansem: For that instant, it was. However, you can become stronger. You should not fear in stepping through the door to darkness. It held no terror for you. Plunger deeper into the darkness and your heart will grow even stronger.

Riku: What should I do?

Ansem: It's really quite simple. Open yourself to the darkness. That is all. Let your heart, your being, become darkness itself.

... but he used him as a puppet to achieve his goals. The way he asked advices to bad people shows how lost that boy was. However, Riku finished by regain control of himself, and at the end of the game, decided to help Mickey close the Door to Darkness, even if it meant being somehow left behind - a beautiful act of redemption.

But that's only the begining of his story. In Chain of Memories, we follow Riku who has to fight his own darkness, embodied by Ansem (and also Repliku who mocks his fear of darkness). At first, Riku totaly rejects the darkness inside of him, afraid that it might overpower him once again.

Riku: All you have been talking about is the darkness. I can only assume you wanna pull me back in... so you can play Puppet Master.

And he doesn't want to hurt people like he did.

But we can see that he's becoming more and more mature, because this game is also about how Riku began to accept the part of darkness inside him as a strength (and I think Mickey helped him to do that). That's what makes him choose the way to Dawn.

Riku: What are you making me choose now?

DiZ: Between the road to light - and the road to darkness.

Riku: Neither suits me. I'm taking the middle road.

DiZ: Do you mean the twilight road to nightfall?

Riku: No. It's the road to dawn.

During 358/2 Days, Riku's will is to make sure that his best friend sleeps in peace - actually, he wants him to recover his memories and wake up. He teams up with Mickey and DiZ/Ansem the Wise to do so. In this game, Riku embraces the darkness in his heart while fighting Roxas...

Riku: I have to release the power in my heart- the dark power that I've been holding back. Even... if it changes me forever.

...a sacrifice made even though he's aware he may not find his own body anymore - which illustrates how Riku has finally accepted that darkness isn't 100% evil. We can also see that he's no longer bitter towards others: he's not even angry against Sora's Nobodies for keeping him away from his friend - just sad.

Xion: So, do you hate me for taking your friend away?

Riku: Nah. I guess... I'm just sad.

Still, in KH2, Riku is ashamed by his appearence and hides himself from Sora, even though he keeps on protecting him at distance. When they finally meet again, he tells this shame calling himself "a castaway from the darkness":

Riku: I'm no one---just a castaway from the darkness.

But he recovers his true self.

KH2 insists on the fact that despite a clear maturation, Riku still has doubts and still feel a little bit lonely. Sora points at:

Sora: Riku... C'mon, man! Why did you try to do so much on your own?You got friends...like us!

He still needs his friends to reassure him and accept him, and still thinks he can't get rid of his own darkness - his shame is still here:

Sora: You're coming back with us, right?

Riku: I had given in to the darkness.

Sora: Riku!

Riku: How'm I gonna face everyone?

Dream Drop Distance is a turning point to Riku's character. During the game, it is underlined that Riku is holding back some stuff inside of him, by four characters including himself.

Riku (to Quasi): Are you sure that's what's stopping you? Because I think something else is holding you back. Ask your heart, Quasimodo. [...] Wish I could take my own advice.

And:

Quasimodo: Master Frollo--he made me live inside the bell tower, but the real walls were the ones I built around my heart. You helped me see that, Riku.

Riku: I was...speaking from...personal experience.

Phoebus: I'd say you still keep a lot locked inside.

He also admits that he feels like his darkness will always follow him:

Riku: I gave in to the darkness once. And ever since, it's chased me around in one form or another.

But the end of the game proves that Riku has achieved a balance (a confidence that we can see in KH3).

Indeed, during the last parts of 3D, Riku is shown as a being of exception, whom heart has light and darkness in balance...

YMX: I don't know how you did it, but you really have found a way to trap darkness inside your heart

...balance which enables him to protect Sora, becoming his Dream Eater - he is able to change his very NATURE and didn't even noticed it.

Riku finally obtains the title of Keyblade Master showing that he is worthy of wielding a Keyblade - which he seemed to doubt at the beginning of the game:

Riku: My Keyblade--it just sort of...popped into my hand when I needed it most.

He has learned how to open his heart throughout his adventures, which can be seen in KH3.

In KH3 his new goals are to save Aqua and, with the others, fight the Seekers of Darkness. During the road, Mickey helps him to realize that he finally has the strenght he was aiming at since the very beginning: to protect the one person that matters.

Riku: I'm in control now. Maybe it's because you're with me this time.

Mickey: It's not me. I think it's because you've finally found inside you that special strength to protect what matters.

And the game lets no doubt: this person is Sora. He sacrifices himself to protect his friend against the Demon Tide in the Keyblade Graveyard.

This is a very brief summary of everything Riku did, but that's enought to come to a conclusion. If you have read carefully, you should have noticed that I didn't spoke about Sora that much. Because, even if Sora is actually what matters the most to Riku, the main reason why he did all those things, Sora is not what defines Riku.

Riku has a developpement that shows that he has to fight his own demons, overcomes his doubts and searches the strenght to protect who he cares about. He has other relationships than his (wonderful) relationship with Sora: for example, his friendship with Mickey.

He faced many things with the King and they share a special bond, just as Sora's with Donald and Goofy. He also shares a link with Terra and somehow Aqua, even though it's not developped that much.

Regarding of those elements, it is completely unfair to say that Riku isn't well written or too much written around Sora. Riku is interesting, relatable and touching, and I hope that he's going to have a good treatment in the future of the series. Watching the end of KH3 and Re:Mind, there's no doubt about the fact that he has an important role to play.

I want to close this part saying that Riku also has a personality. He's determined, selfless, mature, of good advice, a little bit sassy. Riku, even if he has doubts, can be now considered as confident. He is empathetic, cares about others, knows how to confort his friends, especially Sora. There are other important points - like the fact he's smart ~ but I think those are the main elements.

Intro • Part 2

[ends-of-the-wayward-storm]

KH OC Week 2020--Day 7: Summer’s End

Road Trip!

[Hoo boy this turned out long. But that’s how I write, apparently. 😂 This week was real fun as always! I’m hoping one day I’ll get to writing Erica’s story. Of course you can’t rush things like that so we’ll see. Maybe if there’s another OC Week next year I might have a new character idea to use. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this! This was real cute to write.] @khoc-week

————

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Erica.”

“We’ll be really careful, I promise. And besides. I’ve been there before.”

“But it goes against the rules. You know that.”

Erica frowned. Summer was drawing to a close, and they had all had a great time so far. But she wanted to do something special before it was over. “But they’ve gone to a different world before.”

“. . .Well, you’re right about that. . . .”

“It’ll just be for a day. Then we’ll head home, I promise.”

The dream eater tilted their head in thought. They knew Erica was careful when it came to these kinds of things. But a lot of things could happen if people from different worlds were to meet. “If anything happens, you have to leave as quickly as you can.”

“I promise.”

Chirithy studied her for a bit before sighing. “All right. Just this once. But after today, no more ideas like this, okay?”

“Yes!” Erica picked up Chirithy and hugged them. “Thank you so much! This’ll be great, I know it will!”

Chirithy held back another sigh. I hope nothing goes wrong.

She set them down. “Now I just have to figure out which world to go to.”

————

Olette stifled a yawn as she waited in an alley in Sunset Terrace. “What do you think’s going on?”

“Beats me,” Hayner said, sitting cross-legged on the ground.

“Her message was pretty vague,” Pence mentioned.

“But why so early?”

Pence rubbed his chin. “Maybe she’s found another wonder here!”

“Maybe,” Olette said. “We’ll just have to wait until she gets here.”

A few minutes later, the others came around the corner. Yet Erica wasn’t with them.

“Any idea what comin’ here so early is about?” Lea asked before yawning.

“Pence here thinks Erica’s found another wonder,” Hayner said, reminding Roxas of the time he had to dodge balls flying out of the wall he had been trying to get to. “But I doubt that.”

“Perhaps this is something she wants to remain between us,” Isa guessed.

“Maybe,” Roxas said.

“Oh, here she comes!” Naminé said. Hayner, Pence, and Olette peeked out from behind the corner to see Erica jogging her way over to them. But her stealing a glance over her shoulder raised a yellow flag for everyone.

“Good. Everyone’s here,” Erica said.

“What’s going on?” Xion asked.

“I have a surprise for you guys.”

“Really?” Hayner said.

“And here I thought something was up,” Lea said.

Erica checked her surroundings again. “Okay, this way.”

Everyone followed her further into the alleyway, and she took one more glance behind everyone.

“So, what kind of surprise is this?” Hayner asked.

“Don’t worry, it’s a good one,” Erica replied. Starlight appeared in her hand, and she faced the wall before pointing her Keyblade at it.

“You’re not doing what I think you’re doing, are you?” Lea questioned. A corridor of light appeared, pulling surprised noises out of Hayner, Pence, and Olette. “Yeah. You are.”

“Hey wait. That’s that portal thing!” Pence realized.

“It’s a corridor of light,” Erica explained. “I want to take you guys to a new world before summer ends.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Lea asked.

“We’ve all been to a different world before,” Roxas said.

“I know that, but . . . this is different.”

“Lea’s right,” Isa said. “This might not be the best idea.”

“I’ve been to this one before,” Erica said.

“That doesn’t matter. It could be dangerous.”

“Aw come on you two!” Pence said. “This could be fun!”

“It’s like Roxas said,” Olette pointed out. “We’ve all been to a different world.”

“And it was awesome!” Hayner added.

“I wouldn’t mind going,” Xion said. “It might be nice.”

“Yeah,” Roxas agreed.

“I’m sure Erica wouldn’t do this if it was dangerous,” Naminé pointed out, and Lea and Isa exchanged sideways glances.

“You guys have to make sure not to say a peep about Twilight Town,” Lea said. “Not everyone knows about other worlds.”

“Got it,” Pence said. “We have to become one with our surroundings.”

“And no wandering around,” Isa added.

“No problem,” Hayner said.

“Then let’s go!” Olette beamed. Erica smiled, and the group entered the corridor. They were met with silence for a few moments before waves brushing against the shore and the smell of the sea welcomed them.

“Woah! Where are we?” Pence asked.

“This is Atlantica,” Erica said. “Well, actually we’re closer to Prince Eric’s castle.”

“Prince Eric?” Roxas repeated, only to remember he had been inside Sora upon first hearing that name.

“You know a prince?” Olette asked.

“Yup, and he’s really nice,” Erica said. “Oh! I think there’s a town here we could go to.”

“Well, you’re our expert here,” Lea said.

As Erica led everyone down a path through a sort of archway of rock, Lea and Isa kept an eye on the group from the rear. Along the way, she told everyone as much as she could about the world (with the exception of what was under the sea. Some things were probably still lurking down there). She also mentioned knowing a seagull named Scuttle.

“He talks?” Xion asked.

“Mmhmm,” Erica said.

“This is like a whole other dimension!” Pence said.

“That’s one way to put it,” Lea commented.

“We should head back to the beach after this,” Olette suggested.

“I wonder what kind of shells are there,” Xion wondered.

“Maybe they’re different from Sora’s world,” Naminé said.

“Heeeeyyy!” someone shouted, making the group stop.

“Who’s shouting?” Pence asked.

“Heeeeyyy!” This time the voice was closer, and moments later wings flapping brought everyone’s attention above them. “Look out below!”

A seagull came in for a rough landing, pulling startled noises out of everyone.

“Boy I really gotta work on my landings,” the seagull commented as he dusted himself off.

“Did he just talk?” Pence whispered.

“Yeah,” Hayner replied. “I bet that’s—”

“Hi Scuttle,” Erica said.

“Hmm?” Scuttle looked up at her before squinting. “Y’know, you look very familiar.”

“It’s me Eri—”

“Wait don’t tell me. It’s right on the tip of my tongue. . . .” He rubbed his chin. “You’re a friend of Ariel’s right? The one with the reeeally curly hair?”

“Yup. That’s me.”

“Is he serious?” Hayner whispered.

“I got it!” Scuttle said. “Erica! Hey it’s been a while!”

The wielder in question laughed a bit. “It’s good to see you.”

Guess he didn’t get it memorized, Roxas thought.

Scuttle finally laid eyes on everyone else. “Woah. That is a lot of humans.”

“They’re friends of mine,” Erica said, and Naminé and Olette waved before the curly-haired girl introduced everyone.

“Nice to meetcha!”

“Nice to meet you too,” Olette said.

“So, what are you up to today?”

“We were going to head to the town to walk around for a bit,” Erica said.

“Y’know what, there’s a shortcut I found just a couple days ago that’ll get you there in minutes.”

“Really?” Xion asked.

“Yeah! C’mon I’ll show ya!” The bird took off in the opposite direction after a couple flaps, and the group exchanged looks.

“You sure we should be trusting him with directions?” Lea asked.

“He can be a bit . . . off sometimes, but we can count on him,” Erica said.

“All right. If you say so.”

The group then proceeded to follow Scuttle.

“I can’t believe birds talk here!” Pence said, trying to keep his voice down. “Are they the only animals that talk here?”

“I know a fish and a crab that talk, too,” Erica replied.

“No way!” Hayner said.

“Y’know, so far this hasn’t been a bad idea after all,” Lea commented to Isa.

“You could say that,” Isa replied. “And taking directions from a talking seagull is certainly something. But, every world is different.”

After a couple more minutes Scuttle stopped before a cave that made a few eyebrows rise.

“We have to go in there?” Hayner asked.

“Are you sure about this?” Erica questioned.

“Positive,” Scuttle replied. “Oh uh might wanna watch your step in here. Y’know since humans can’t fly and all.” He squinted at the cave. “I don’t think I remember it being this dark last time.”

Lea shot the bird a look that went unnoticed before sighing and stepping away. Grabbing two sticks, he checked to make sure Scuttle was still facing the cave before igniting the sticks with a brief fire spell. “Well I have our light. Lead the way.”

Scuttle looked to Lea. “Huh. Fire. You humans really know how to use that stuff.” The seagull went inside, and the group followed him in with Lea right behind him.

“How many times have you been through here?” Roxas asked, holding the other stick.

“Ahh a couple times, give or take. But don’t worry. I got this cave mapped out perfectly up here.” The seagull knocked on his head briefly, and Lea once again gave the bird a look that Isa caught.

The cave didn’t really have much to it other than the dozens of small rocks and pebbles tossed around here and there. Lea and Isa both had a couple inches of room above them, but that really didn’t seem to make them feel any better. But, after a short while Scuttle proved true to his word, and they could hear the sounds of bustling people ahead of them.

“And here we are!” He pulled back fabric that acted as a curtain before squeezing himself through a space between two of the several boards that were shoddily boarding up the hole.

Managing to find a loose board that could be pushed aside to form a way out, Olette made her way through, and she brushed the curtain aside. “Woah! Guys, over here!”

“Huh?” Roxas put his torch out before following after her, and the others followed suit. Lea was the last one out once he put his torch out, and he and Isa could already see how excited the others were.

“Thanks, Scuttle!” Erica said.

“Any time, Erica,” Scuttle said. “I’ll see ya later!”

Once he was off, Xion tugged Lea and Isa along, and the rest finally ventured out into the open. People were going to and fro all around them, some looking at those selling their wares while others simply enjoyed the atmosphere. There was a puppet show going on that was capturing their young audience very well, and a couple stands in the streets were situated at just the right angle to catch one’s eye.

“It’s very different from home,” Naminé said. “But it’s a good different.”

The scent of flowers caught Xion’s attention, and she noticed some very familiar ones.

“Forget-me-nots,” Isa said. “I haven’t seen those in a while.”

“They’re really pretty.”

“Hey can we check out what’s down that way?” Pence asked, pointing at an archway.

“They’re selling paint over there,” Naminé said. “I’ve always wanted to try painting.” Lea and Isa exchanged looks.

“All right, here’s the deal,” Lea said. “We’ll meet back at that fountain over there in two hours.”

“Stay in pairs or groups of three,” Isa said. “And don’t stray too far from one another. Understood?”

“Yes!” Pence said, and he nudged Hayner. “C’mon guys!”

“Wait up, you two!” Olette said before hurrying after them.

“Where’d you see that paint?” Lea asked.

“That way.” Naminé took him by the hand and led him to the stand.

“H-hey!” Roxas said. Isa watched him leave, and he looked to see Erica still with him and Xion, the two girls’ attention already captured by the flowers.

“There’s so many here,” Xion said. “It’s almost hard to pick.”

“Which one did you see first?” Erica asked.

“Those blue ones there.” Xion pointed to the forget-me-nots.

“I have some munny if you want them.”

“Are you sure?”

“Mmhmm.”

“. . . Then, I’ll get them. Please.”

Erica bought the flowers, and Xion’s eyes drifted to the rest of the stand.

“What about those?” She pointed to a few other ones, and Isa pulled out some extra munny.

“You have quite the eye,” he said. The seller gave her a basket for the flowers, and Xion thanked both him and her friends. After the trio moved aside, Xion carefully sifted through her basket before pulling out a forget-me-not and giving it to Isa.

“There’s enough for everyone else, so I thought I could share them.”

He glanced between her and the flower before gently taking it. As for Erica, Xion gave her one of the blue chrysanthemums. But there was another flower attached to it.

“A dandelion,” Erica said. Just the very word reminded her of Master Ava and her friends. It was strange how one word could bring up so many memories. . . .

“Some say you can wish on those.”

“I uh, I think I’ll try to keep it in one piece.” Erica tucked both flowers behind her ear, making sure they wouldn’t fall. “Thank you.”

Xion smiled. “Let’s try to find everyone else.”

It didn’t take too long for the trio to find Lea, Roxas, and Naminé. The blonde-haired girl couldn’t stop looking at the bottles of paint she had acquired, already thinking of what to paint once they got home.

“That’s a lot of flowers,” Roxas said as both groups met.

“They do look nice,” Naminé commented. Xion picked out a daisy for Naminé, an orange chrysanthemum for Lea, and a white one for Roxas.

“Looks just like your hair,” Isa commented as Lea stuck his flower in his hair with pride.

“I bet it brings out my eyes, doesn’t it?” Lea replied, earning laughs from the girls.

Naminé gently picked a forget-me-not from the basket and placed it in Xion’s hair. “You should have one too.” Xion gave her a smile.

Erica looked around the square, but she was unable to spot Hayner, Pence, and Olette. “Um, should we look for the others?”

“You might wanna look over there,” Lea said, gesturing with his head to the trio in question running toward them. Hayner had a sort of box in his hands, and Olette had some smaller things in her hand. As for Pence he wasn’t too far behind them.

“You got excited,” Isa said with a small smile.

“They have pretzels here!” Hayner said. “Oh, and we saw this girl with long red hair. She was pretty nice.”

“Was she with a guy with black hair?” Erica asked.

“Oh yeah. He was nice, too,” Pence answered.

“I think that was Ariel and Prince Eric.”

“That was them?”

“Yup.”

“They looked really sweet together,” Olette said. “Oh! I almost forgot.” She held out her hand, revealing beaded bracelets much like her own and some wristbands. “I got these for us.”

“You did?” Roxas asked.

“Mmhmm.” Olette passed her gifts out.

“You didn’t mention anything about where we’re from, did you?” Erica asked.

“Don’t worry. We kept quiet about that,” Hayner said.

Xion turned her wrist to admire her new silver bracelet. “Thanks, Olette.” Going through her basket, she picked out flowers for Hayner, Pence, and Olette.

Olette looked at her orange chrysanthemum. “These are for us?” Xion nodded, earning a smile from Olette. “Thanks, Xion.”

“So, we ready to head back to the beach?” Hayner said.

“Sure, if you want to,” Lea replied, leading the others to agree.

“All right, then let’s hit the road!”

Lea and Isa held onto the baskets of paint and flowers, letting the rest of the group chat away excitedly.

“Best. Day. Ever!” Pence beamed.

“Yeah this was awesome!” Hayner agreed.

“Heh heh. I’m glad you liked it here,” Erica said.

The redhead’s eyes drifted to the flowers. “Y’know, our home world had a lot flowers there.”

“I remember them,” Isa replied. “I wonder if they’re the same.”

“I figured they’d be, what with the people in that world restoring it and all.”

The blue-haired man glanced to the others, spotting Hayner playfully shoving Roxas, who shoved back. “Perhaps one day we’ll see it again. Properly.”

“And maybe once we find her, we should take her with us.”

“I think she’d like that.”

Eventually the group reached the beach, and the sun was beginning to set. A soft breeze passed through as they sat in the sand, making sure not to sit too close to the water. However, Isa noticed Erica had stayed behind, her distant gaze on the dandelion in her hands.

“Aren’t you coming?” he asked.

“Hmm?” She looked to him. “I’ll catch up in a bit.”

Her usual smile didn’t reach her eyes, but he decided to leave her be. Erica waited for him to keep walking before closing her eyes. She could just imagine herself back at that beach with those other wielders. She could just hear their laughter as they messed around with each other, the leader of the group trying her best not to laugh with them.

Of course, that was in the past. She had other friends that she could share memories with now. And . . . maybe one day they would all meet.

One day I’ll see them again.

Erica blew onto the dandelion, and she watched the wind carry its seeds far, far away. . . .

“Hey Erica! You coming?” Pence called.

“Be right there!” Pocketing what remained of the dandelion, she briskly headed toward everyone else. As she sat down, Roxas noticed she had only one flower in her hair.

“Your dandelion’s missing,” he said.

“I decided to make a wish on it.”

“What did you wish for?” Xion asked.

“Can’t say. I’m hoping it’ll come true.”

“Maybe it will,” Olette said. Once she opened the box of pretzels for everyone, their heavenly buttery scent filled the air.

Pence pulled a piece off of his to pop into his mouth. “Hey these are better than the ones back home.”

“I guess the baker here’s pretty good,” Lea commented.

“They taste the same to me,” Roxas said.

“I think so too,” Xion said.

Olette swallowed a bite. “Do you think we could do this again?” The former Organization members and Erica exchanged glances.

“Uh we’ll see about that,” Lea said.

Naminé looked to the horizon, feeling the breeze against her face. “At least we got to spend time together like this. That’s what matters the most.”

“Yeah,” Xion agreed.

“I guess we’re pretty lucky,” Roxas said. But thunder followed by sudden rain decided to say otherwise.

“Aw man!” Hayner complained, gathering his shoes.

“Q-quick, head for that cave!” Pence said, and everyone collected their things before darting off. Erica couldn’t help laughing a bit, which led to Naminé laughing as well. And luckily the group made it just before the rain got any heavier.

Erica puffed out a brief laugh. “That came out of nowhere.”

Hayner poured some water out of his shoes. “No kidding.”

Olette glanced to Roxas, and she couldn’t help snickering. “Roxas, your hair.”

“My hair?” He parted the hair from his eyes like a curtain.

“You look like a hippie,” Hayner teased.

“Axel’s hair got kind of long,” Xion pointed out with a laugh.

“And Pence’s hair looks like a wilted plant,” Lea quipped, and the group shared a laugh.

“I think our pretzels got soaked,” Pence said. “But at least the flowers got some water.” Naminé laughed a bit only to sneeze.

“I’ll see if I can get a fire going.” It wasn’t very long until a small fire was made, and the group huddled around it as they listened to the rain.

“I hope we don’t get sick tomorrow,” Hayner said. “That’d really be a bummer.”

“Same here.”

Olette readjusted her flower. “Thanks for taking us here, Erica. It was amazing.”

“You’re welcome,” Erica said. “But um, we should probably head home once we’re all dry.”

The group voiced their agreements. They’d get home eventually, but for now, they were going to remain just how they were—gathered around a fire and listening to the rain and the ocean.

Together.

————

[kairibee]

have some sokai angst y’all 

“This time, I'm gonna find you,” she declared to him. It was an oath. Seeing how her blue eyes fiercely shone, hearing how her voice didn't once waver, Sora knew she meant what she said with her whole heart. [Post-KH3, before the ending on the paopu tree.] Oath Pairing: sokai Genre: angst but also some fluff & feel-good moments AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22776826

“One sea-salt ice cream for me and one for the lady,” Sora said to the ice cream man with a grin plastered across his face. Sora fiddled around in his pockets for a moment, fishing out enough munny and handing it over. The ice cream man nodded and reached into his cart, handing Sora two sea-salt ice creams. “Thanks gramps!” Sora beamed, turning around to run over to his companion.

Kairi stood in the distance, hands behind her back with a content smile. She was taking in the surroundings of Twilight Town; the kids playing with each other, their mothers sitting and chatting amongst each other contently, the rattling of skateboards gliding down the long winding streets. Above, orange sorbet skies. Kairi couldn't help but giggle as she caught sight of Sora eagerly approaching her, two sea-foam colour treats in his hands.

“For you,” he beamed, offering her one. Kairi couldn't help but smile back at him, gratefully accepting the treat. “Thanks, Sora!” The two of them started walking towards the place Sora wanted to show her. Earlier, she asked him where he wanted to take her and he told her it was a surprise. Placing his hands on his hips in a triumphant manner, Sora promised her that she would love it.

Kairi had already been to Twilight Town before a couple of months ago. In that short time, she had become close with Hayner, Pence, and Olette. Even despite her visit being so short, she really admired the town and had only fond memories of the people and the friends she had made. What she loved most of all – however – was the orange cream sky. It reminded her of home, of the play island, and of watching the sunset with her two best friends.

It was nice to be here with Sora this time. She sneaked a glance over at him as they continued walking together. He was smiling, seemingly taking in the town and enjoying the time they were sharing together. Kairi couldn't help but grin and reach out for his hand, clasping her fingers delicately, lovingly around his. This rare moment they were spending together wasn't going to last forever, she knew, and she wanted to share how happy she was feeling being with him.

Sora's hands responded quickly, squeezing hers back tenderly. He met her gaze and flashed a toothy grin. They had recently grown accustomed to holding each other's hands like this. It had a become a sort of reactionary habit; reaching out for each other, closing the physical distance through touch. They had been separated from each other for so long, and physical touch reminded them that they were finally together.

A family of three passed them as they continued up the winding street, a small child holding the hands of her parents, giggling with each step, as her parents lovingly encouraged her. Kairi's hand tightened around Sora's all of a sudden, heat rising in her cheeks. “Sora,” she sounded out carefully, “how much farther?” She glanced over at him.

He responded to her, his other hand pointing out towards the distance, still grasping his ice cream. Kairi couldn't hear him though, didn't take in a single word. It took every fiber of her being to suppress an outward reaction, as she caught sight of his hand, for the briefest moment, fizzle out like the flame of a candle, and then, all of a sudden, appear back into view.

“Sora...” Kairi had stopped walking now. Her grip around his other hand tightened. Sora stopped and turned around to face her. Kairi continued speaking, words forming from her lips very slowly, face falling with worry. “Please tell me now, everything that happened back at the graveyard.”

Her heart knew this whole time that their time together was going to be short. A part of her felt selfish, wanting to spend these moments together with him worry-free.

“Kairi, I...” Sora knew he owed her an explanation. A selfish part of him, too, just wanted to spend time with her, without it turning sour. He frowned for a moment, looking into the distance at the clock tower. “I'll tell you every thing, I promise.” He stopped speaking for a moment, a sad smile forming from his lips as he looked at her, taking in her features, cherishing her in this moment. “Can I show you what I wanted to show you first? It's not too far from here, I promise.”

Kairi frowned for a moment before nodding in agreement with a reluctant smile. She never could stay upset with him for very long. Sora forced out a low chuckle and continued leading her through the streets towards the clock tower that towered in the distance.

They both still held each other's hand tightly, despite everything, hoping to anchor each other; keep each other bound to this sacred moment. They knew they would soon have to let go but, for now, they held onto one another like everything depended on them doing so.

...

Watching the fireworks at Disney castle, venturing across the World of Departure, seeing the Final World, were all beautiful moments Kairi would remember for a long time - but the view from the clock tower, which almost made her lose her balance, had put them all to shame. She had to steel herself, feeling as if she was being sucked into the brilliant sorbet sky in front of her. Kairi couldn't help but grin as she took it all in. The fiery sun setting behind the hills, the trees swaying in the distance, the homes lighting up like distant candles as the evening sky came in. Although she was far from the islands, it felt a lot like home here.

Snapping out of her reverie, Kairi noticed her companion gazing intently at her with a sheepish smile, hands triumphantly on his hips. He was boasting - 'told you you'd like it' - without having to say a single word. Kairi stuck her tongue out at him, teasing him back, and then giggled.

Sora beckoned her over to him, as he took a seat at the edge and dangled his legs off the sides of the tower. He took another bite of his ice cream as Kairi made her way over to join him, taking a seat at his side.

They sat like that for a while, neither saying a word. Both taking small bites of their ice cream every few seconds, wanting to savor it. Not just the ice cream either; wanting to savor this small moment together. For now, they didn't have to think about the future. For now, they could just be together; share this sliver of time with one another.

Sora's hand found hers this time, intertwining his fingers with her own.

Now that he thought about it, Sora had never seen this view himself before – it had only been through Roxas' memories. This place was important to Roxas, to Xion, and to Axel.

Sora was finally seeing it for himself, with Kairi right there alongside him. He finally was able to travel the worlds with her, like he wanted to. For so long, the two of them and Riku dreamt of travelling together. He was glad he could finally make the dream come true.

He had missed her and Riku during his travels. He had always wanted to take in the sights with them, always thought of them. He thought of Kairi specifically whenever he saw the sun set in other worlds. His favorite memories of her were always during the sunset back home after all.

Having finished their ice creams, Sora took a look at both his and Kairi's ice cream sticks. Another memory from Roxas. Although he himself didn't win, glancing over towards Kairi, he saw the word 'WINNER' written in bold across her stick. He beamed at her. Kairi chuckled, wondering what her prize would be.

The sun continued to set in the distance, and the clock tower bells chimed in the new hour. It was getting colder now, and a slight chill came over Kairi.

She broke the silence first. “We don't have much longer, right Sora?” She wasn't so much asking but rather making a declaration.

“Yeah,” Sora let out lowly, hand still intertwined with hers. “Looks like I'm gonna... fade away soon, Kairi,” he turned towards her, trying to keep up the facade that he wasn't terrified about the whole thing. “Back in the Keyblade Graveyard, I-”

“I know,” she admitted, cutting him off before he could find the words to continue. “You came to find me, even though you knew you might not make it out okay. I've had a feeling for a while now. I feel it in my heart. I know we don't have much time together.”

“Kairi... I'm sor-.”

“No, Sora,” she couldn't bare to hear him apologize to her. “Thank you for keeping our promise. Thank you for always keeping me safe.”

Sora was shocked at her words, expecting her to be upset or angry. Turning to look at her, he caught sight of a smile adorning her lips, and a fierce determination kindling in her eyes as she met his gaze.

“This time, I'm gonna find you,” she declared to him. It was an oath. Seeing how her blue eyes fiercely shone, hearing how her voice didn't once waver, Sora knew she meant what she said with her whole heart. “We're going to put the magic of the paopu fruit to the test, right Sora?”

Sora was flabbergasted for a moment, and couldn't help but let out a nervous, “huh?” Shuffling where he sat, he eventually recomposed himself, and couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Tightening his hold of her hand, his eyes shone lovingly into her own.

“I really love that about you Kairi,” he admitted sincerely, without any hint of nervousness or embarrassment. “You always know exactly what to say and do. You might just be stronger than of all of us – of both me and Riku.”

Just like their reunion back in the graveyard, Sora's sincerity caught Kairi off-guard for a moment. Sora really had a way with words sometimes. What he said came directly from his heart; he was genuine to a fault. This time, Kairi didn't look away shyly, and instead met his gaze with equal admiration and adoration.

“I know you'll find me,” he declared. His brows arched with determination, bright blue eyes shone with promise. It was his oath to her to return: “I'll always come back to you.”

The two smiled longingly at one another, taking in the oath that they had just vowed to each other. 

...

As the sun began to disappear in the horizon, Sora and Kairi eventually both rose up from sitting. There was still something important they had left to do. A promise they had to keep to someone important. And once that was over, Sora had to take Kairi home, like he had promised to himself. He wanted to ensure she was safe before he disappeared.

As Sora took in the view one last time before preparing to leave, he heard Kairi speak, lowly but clear and firm all the same. It was her oath. She then moved slowly and deliberately, and he felt her hands reach up and grip his shoulders, felt her forming soft circles with her thumbs against the fabric of his jacket. She was inching her face closer to his, and Sora thought he was going to blackout for a second.

Kairi kissed him fervently. She kissed him because she wouldn't get another chance for a while; kissed him because she wanted to show him just how much she meant what she said.

Sora would have fallen right off the clock tower, had she not been firmly holding onto his shoulders, grounding him. After a brief moment of recomposing himself, he responded with equal measure, hands wrapping around her back, pulling her even closer to him.

As they pulled away from each other, Kairi repeated what she had declared earlier. Just as firmly as ever. Her eyes sparkled with determination, as the sun's last rays set her red hair ablaze with brilliant light. Sora's breath was stuck in his throat. This girl was incredible.

“I'll find you, Sora. I'll find you every single time.”

[chikoriita]

So Close, Yet So Far

AO3 | Inspired by @abel-draws‘s post about Data Greetings

Riku swiped his key card silently. After the first month of bothering Ansem and Ienzo, they gave him his own security access to the labs. Every week, like clockwork, he came down to the basement hoping that something changed. Every week, he was disappointed. He came in the evenings, soon after the apprentices finished their work for the day. Their work was futile however. Nothing changed here, and nothing changed outside either. Everyone hit dead ends, one after another. Today, he thought even he was going to find one himself. If not for the Fairy Godmother’s arrival, Riku felt he was close to breaking.

And why shouldn’t he, he thought as he made his way downstairs. The others had each other. Who did Riku have for himself besides Sora and Kairi? His best friends had left him alone in the worlds. He flitted from group to group, hoping that he could find his place with them, but making new friends was never his best skill. Sora was better at companionship than he ever would be. And Kairi? She might never realize it, but she made Riku feel wanted. Even on that last day before the battle, she invited him to watch one more sunset with her and Sora.

“I just need some time alone, Kairi,” he remembered telling her. She had that face on, the one that he remembered from their childhoods. She wanted to insist that he come with her, he knew it. Riku had almost changed his mind and accepted her offer, when she shook her head.

“I’ll let you have your time then.” Kairi turned away and went to join Sora on the paopu tree where he waited.

That damn paopu tree. The last place he saw his best friend in this world. The place where he found Kairi nearly comatose with grief. A place that was once a safe haven for him and his friends.

A tear trailed down Riku’s cheek as he reached his destination. He entered the room Ienzo made for Kairi in an offshoot of the lab. Riku was thankful that though she was fully asleep through this process, she still had a place to herself.

Ienzo explained it once when Riku’s visit coincided with his remodeling. “We’re all still trying to change. True, we are essentially experimenting on Kairi, and that does not sit well with Master Ansem. That is why I suggested we make a small home for her here, for when she wakes up. After all, Kairi is from Radiant Garden, and she should have a place to call home here as well. It’s not much, but she can make it her own.”

Always stoic Riku did not comment on it at the time. His heart was not able to form the words necessary. Instead, he gathered trinkets and memories from everyone to give the room some character. Drawings from Naminé hung on the wall, and on the desk sat a seashell sculpture from Xion. Queen Minnie sent flowers via Aerith to freshen up the clinical atmosphere. These small touches reminded Riku that this was a different situation from Sora or Ventus’s sleep.

He sat down in a chair next to her bed, just as he had every week since she went to sleep. “Hi Kairi. I’m back,” he started. “We finally have a new lead.” He took her right hand in his own. Her left hand was connected to the vital monitors and the IV.

Kairi’s eyebrow twinged at his words. He tried not to read into the reflex. Ansem explained that sleeping patients, even in medically induced sleep, still heard the sounds around them. He encouraged Riku’s visits for this reason alone.

Riku continued with his report for the day. If all went well, this might be the last one for a while. “Today, we mined through the last of Cid’s data on Sora. I almost gave up. What more could I do that no one else was already doing?” Kairi’s brow twitched once more. “I said almost. I almost did it when the Fairy Godmother arrived in Merlin’s house. Master Yen Sid sent her.”

Her first curled slightly, and Riku held back a laugh. It seemed she had conflicting feelings about the master. “He sent her because she is the master of dreams. If only she had been around during our Mark of Mastery exam… Maybe we would have had an easier time,” he said lightly.

When he saw no response from Kairi, he said, “She said that since I’ve been inside his dreams before, I could be the key. Dreams connect us to Sora. Mine and two others. She didn’t explicitly say it, but I know she meant you were one of the others.” His voice broke. “So it’s time for you to wake up.”

Nothing again. Riku clenched her hand a little tighter, a little more desperately. “I know you can hear me. You need to wake up now. Sleeping the time away is not the way we’ll find him. I can’t do this alone anymore.” He ran a hand over her head. “How am I supposed to do this without you and him? Is this punishment? I asked for some time alone, and now you will never be there for me!” Riku whispered loudly. His throat was sore, and the tears fell freely now. “I need you, Kairi. You have to be there with me to yell at Sora when we find him. He left us both, and it’s up to us to find him. So please, please, please wake up.” He dropped his head on her lap.

For a few moments, the only sounds in the room were the hiss of the vitals monitor and their breathing. Riku sat up and wiped his eyes with the back of glove. Once again, he ran a hand over her hair. He gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

Riku stepped back, taking a deep breath. He tried his best. There was only one thing left to do before he left. He took the envelope out of his jacket and opened it. Inside was a photo he printed from Cid’s data models. He spent more time than he admitted with the data models. Exploring Sora’s data and seeing all of the people he met in his adventures through his eyes was eye opening for Riku. It gave Riku a reason to keep mining through the never-ending amount of data on Cid’s computer.

He placed the photo inside the frame that Yuffie gave him. It was the three of them, Riku, Sora and Kairi watching the sunset together on their island. Just as it should have been that day, and just as it would be once again. He put the frame on the little table next to Kairi’s bed, and without another word, left the basement as quickly as he could. It was time for his own sleeping experiments.

If he had stayed only a minute longer, he might have heard the soft, “Riku,” that came out of Kairi’s lips. If he heard that, then he might have also heard her whisper, “I need you too.”

[angelspigeon]

Moar angst? Maybe with a happy ending. Saix is dying in Lea's arms and he doesn't know whether or not he will come back. He tries to tell himself it's okay because Lea has found true friends that will make him happy, but Saix doesn't want to go because he also wants to be reunited.

Hi!!

YES ANGST!!!

Your angst was something I actually headcanon and needed to write for the vol 02 of my fanbook so THANK YOU!!! I finally got the occasion to write it down!!!

Maybe I got a bit carried away? I put in a lot of others relationship (and piece of a fanfic I couldn’t post but filled with headcanons) so I hope this will please you anyway!!

I won’t post it on AO3 because I think I will need to rework it a bit and just throw it in my fanbook later ya know so no AO3 door BUT those 3 205 words are all for you!!!

 When he died, it seemed to be the right thing…

Dying, be with Lea in Kingdom Hearts. Forever. Being by Lea’s side… It was the dream. The only thing he really wanted.

So why was he there? Why was he listening to Xemnas’ nonsense… again?

Why…

He hated every of his ideas. He hated the sound of his voice. He hated…

“Moony?!”

A hand moved in front of Isa’s eyes. No… Saïx. He hadn’t the luxury to be Isa. Isa was something lost, forgotten… He didn’t think he could only come back that child. He wasn’t sure he wanted. The name they called him had just really little importance when he was by Lea’s side…

The thing was that… he wasn’t in Lea’s side.

So Saïx looked up at Xigbar who had moved his hand in front of him.

“You’re with us?” he asked.

Was it being with them like sharing their view of what they will do, the conquest of the Worlds, or listening to them?

“I am,” he replied.

“Yeah… It didn’t seem so. But if you’re in! Come on! We need to find more friends! Or… how do you say when you use them, whatever if they are killed or not, in the end?”

“Object?”

“Yes! We need to find more living object!” Xigbar said. “Xemnas wants lot of them.”

“What will happen to us?”  he asked.

“You really want to know?”

He had something in his tone. Something telling that, exceptionally, he cared.

“Am I the kind of people who would waste his saliva?” Saïx wondered.

“You’re doing it, there. And every time you speak to me,” Xigbar smirked. “Though… Honestly?” he said with a grave and dull face. “Don’t expect to life old.”

“This doesn’t afraid you?”

Xigbar shook his head.

“No! Surely don’t! I’m a big boy and I will do great! But you…” Xigbar grabbed Saïx’s cheek, pressing them between his hands. “… I know you. Don’t die too fast, ‘kay?”

Saïx nodded.

But he didn’t know.

This battle was forcing them to walk on a path so different from Lea’s. And if he had to be against him?

He wasn’t made for that.

He had intertwined his life with him and could accept to be on a different path of him but he couldn’t accept to hurt him.

Even one second…

Though… giving up on his life to avoid hurting him… wouldn’t it hurt him even more? If Lea had forgotten him, that would be the worst for him because he wished to always live at least in his memories, but wouldn’t it be better?

For everybody.

  The sound of the pen against the paper was reverberating in the room.

As always, Saïx had to be there, helping Xemnas with the things he thought useless. Keeping order in his thoughts was his work. It was annoying. But it helped. He had managed to climb all the stairs to finally arrive there. He had the confidence of his Chief, one of the most important members of the new Organization, and he had access to every of his plan…

Of the whole Organization plans.

Like the last time, he had every way to destroy everything he wanted at default to success what he wished the most.

He couldn’t access this.

He was unable to do what he wanted.

His only wishes, at this exact moment… was to make sure Lea could be happy. If his life was about to end… Of course, it was about to end. Any Xehanort really thought they could win? When they have so many powerful people against them? And no one in their side…

And what he expected…

“We could use the Replicas…”

“The Replicas, Sir, are you sure?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Xemnas walked toward Saïx. “We don’t have the time to convince people to follow our lead but we can bring back people sharing our ideas. This would offer us an opportunity to win over the Light. Especially because, as for you, I can trust them.”

Saïx looked down on the papers he had. Every information needed stocked and stacked just right in front of his eyes. They had gathered a few members. Xigbar, Luxord, Marluxia, Larxene… him, of course. This was showing a little obsession of the man. And, yes, Saïx could understand the need to turn back even more toward trustable people. Another past, because it was obvious Axel… Lea, wouldn’t come back and Roxas couldn’t come back. Yet… it wasn’t impossible.

But…

People were missing.

A lot of them.

They needed Replicas.

To fill what was missing and, as Saïx was passing through those who could complete the equation…

“My Lord… Do you remember that puppet we used to have with us? Xion.”

She wasn’t supposed to vanish from memories. It wouldn’t follow Vexen’s plans. He wanted his work to be remembered! Lot of those who saw her just didn’t care much about her and the others… Axel… Saïx begged for make it vanish from his memories. To protect him from everything. He had lost Roxas, he couldn’t lose more… suffer.

He knew he was doing mistakes but they have the way for that.

But now… Now, Axel, or Lea, couldn’t forget something. Not completely and he knew… He knew he would remember her one day. He knew he hadn’t forgotten her for real…

“You want us to use this puppet?”

Saïx nodded. “If we managed to have Vexen by our side, we could have Replicas and he would bring her back. She owns a Keyblade so she is fitting the role more than… me, for example,” he said.

“You own a part of me since so longtime, I think you perfectly fit the role. Anyway, if this idea seems interesting… Will Vexen accept to join us?”

“I can convince him, if you allow me to try, Sir,” Saïx offered.

“Very well.”

“Thank you,” his Second replied, bowing in front of him.

  Saïx couldn’t understand how Vexen had accepted to let go on his Humanity for the sake of the plans. He didn’t understand how he could abandon his Heart… But he did it. Only to fulfil their goals. His goal. Vexen wanted to have his revenge, to redeem himself… next to his son, Ienzo.

For that, he needed to step in the Devil’s Lair and give them a bit of what they wanted.

Only to fulfill his desire.

They all were ready to make sacrifice.

Saïx was ready for them to.

All of them…

“What will you do when the moment will arrive?”

Vexen didn’t look up when he heard the question behind him. For now, they were eleven. And they will be, certainly, thirteen when Xion will be made. But Saïx didn’t want her to share his fate. Maybe she could overgrow this. Maybe he could find someone else to replace her. Even if it has to be Sora? Unless Lea had affection for him?

He… he didn’t care about disappearing. He didn’t think Lea would really miss him. He didn’t think he still deserved Lea’s love but… Vexen?

“I’m the one who create the Replicas. I don’t think I risk anything,” Vexen said. “I will make sure they are enough so I don’t have to fight and die.”

“But what will you do for…”

Saïx showed his eyes.

Vexen smirked. “I can live with that. Maybe it will disappear when everything will be done, though. I’ll see.”

“I see…” Saïx whispered.

“When will you be done with…”

The door opened. Saïx immediately went quiet. But his eyes widened.

It wasn’t that surprising to see Xigbar, even if he had that smile.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

But what he had under his arm…

“Hi, Saïx!”

Just in front of his eyes, Demyx was waving his hand.

Vexen had nothing to do with this discussion. He had so many works left to finish with Xion. And the Replica for Roxas. He needed Xemnas for Xion but for Roxas, they only needed Sora. And so, this will bring more difficulties in all of this.

“We’re trying to have enough Replica for the Darkness’ plans. What Demyx is doing here?”

“I couldn’t stay dead and away from you!! I couldn’t believe it when I was alive! But couldn’t reach to you! I’m so sorry. I should have come back to you. But it was hard to know if I was welcome?”

“Of course, you were,” Saïx replied.

Why not? Except the creeping fear that he would be killed again by the Light… Creeping fear becoming worst again  when he noticed Demyx’s eyes…

Yellow.

“Enough Replicas, uh?” Xigbar asked as he walked toward the inanimate puppet.

“It’s going to be big,” Vexen replied. “Everything we can wish for and more!”

“I wish a lot of things!” Xigbar smirked. He moved his arm away from Demyx and approached the Replica, only to turn toward Saïx and press his cheeks between his hands. “I wish you make him smile.”

“I never said I can do Miracles,” Vexen replied.

Saïx frowned even more.

Demyx jogged to Saïx, hugging him.

It was just the shadow of a smile, but he managed to make the Second-in-Command smile anyway.

Very few where those who knew the affection Saïx had for Demyx. He always seemed to hate him, not care at all, and even despised his presence. But that didn’t mean it was what he truly thought. When you were someone as important as him, it was crucial not to show your true feelings.

Lea, Axel, seemed already to be an easy target. But Demyx… he always frightened that it would be an easier target…

At this exact moment, he preferred not to think about that. He preferred looking at that Replica and hope. Hope that it meant everything will be alright…

  In his bedroom, Saïx was laying on the mattress. He didn’t need to sleep but sometimes, he didn’t want to work…

He heard a sound at his door and turned his head, not welcoming anyone though. Either that person will leave, either it was someone who will enter anyway so… he preferred to be quiet, to let the thoughts swirl in his head and invaded him.

The door opened.

“Hey, Saïx, can I come?”

“Even if I say ‘no’, you will.”

“Right!”

The door closed and, just a few seconds after, he could feel a body against his. He moved his arm so he could lightly embrace the one who was snuggling against him as if he wasn’t a living threat…

“You don’t mind, right?”

Saïx moved his head toward Demyx. As if it was really the kind of things he would worry about… Demyx had a Heart filled with light and Saïx often wondered how he could have been with them. As much as for Roxas, probably.

Roxas…

Saïx wondered if they could success…

“Can I say something to you?” Demyx asked.

Saïx nodded slightly in the Darkness of the room.

“I was surprised when Xiggy mentioned you. I heard Lea joined the Light and… I thought he was the love of your live…”

“I don’t have the luxury to choose,” Saïx replied. “I’m only waiting for…”

He closed his eyes. There were two wolves within him. One still had hope and the other was less idiot and know the truth.

“You can wait for him with me,” Demyx smiled, trying to cheer him up.

“And if he doesn’t find me?”

“More time together!!” the boy burst with joy.

Saïx clamped his hand on his belly. Demyx bit his lower lip, seeing this, and hugging him tightly.

“Please, don’t think about this,” he said in the hollow of his ear. “You’re doing really fine.”

“Thank you…”

Those words Demyx had said to him wasn’t something Saïx was used to hear. At least not without being like a bone throw at a dog…

“Do you want something?” Demyx offered.

“No. It’s fine,” Saïx replied.

“Tell me if you need anything.”

Saïx wasn’t surprised the boy tried to do so much for him. He almost expected Demyx to propose him to play music for him… Thank God, he didn’t. Though Saïx could remember the time where his music was the only thing he could bore. And when he was so desperate because Demyx disappeared and there was no more music in The World That Never Was. Because their empty lives were even more empty. Because he felt so left alone…

Even Xigbar tried to cheer him up but everything had shattered, little by little when Axel left them. Left him.

And after that… he was just taking the longest road to his own Doom. This was supposed to be his salvation and now…

Somehow, he was happy to be there because he really liked Demyx even if he didn’t show it much. He really had been with him in the hard time when his whole existence had shattered, piece by piece. When he needed to grab on something and the Promise on Kingdom Hearts became less sure, when his hate was so strong… Without Demyx and Xigbar, he didn’t know what he would have become.

So… being there, being with Demyx once again finally… wasn’t it the most logical end?

  A few months before, for the sake of Axel, Saïx had hoped this puppet will never move anymore.

Now, for the sake of Lea, Saïx hoped this puppet will move…

Vexen had no fear for a random Replica and he swore that, as soon as Roxas will touch his Heart, he will be complete again. In a Replica, yes, but he would be there and his own being. As he always had been. He could live his life as he deserved it.

But for the puppet here…

Saïx walked like a wolf in a cage, waiting.

“Will you be able to do it for Naminé, too?” he wondered.

“Yes,” Vexen replied, fixing the last details to call back Xion.

He had very little information about her and her own being was so strange. It was more difficult.

“I will manage to have you pushed on the side but make sure it will be the same for Demyx. I will give you the opportunity to leave and do what you want. Don’t fail on me.”

“Silence, Saïx,” Vexen said.

Saïx folded his arms.

“You want to redeem yourself, I want it too. You will have what you want and so me too,” the scientist said to him.

“I don’t want to redeem myself,” Saïx replied.

It was only selfish.

In fact, Vexen could understand it too. They weren’t that different. But Xemnas wasn’t that different than them neither…

Saïx kept walking, glancing at the puppet.

He stopped.

Her fingers had moved.

He saw them move. Just at the right instant…

He approached the table with hope.

Vexen ignored him. Ignored her.

“Xion?” Saïx called.

The hand moved. A relieve bathed Saïx. Roxas and Xion will be there soon… Once this will be done…

“One last thing,” Vexen said.

“Yes?”

Saïx wasn’t looking toward him because Xion was sitting just in front of him.

“She will not be Xion as you remember her until her Heart could connect with Sora.”

Saïx turned his head toward him.

“So… I will bring her to the fight.”

He was annoyed because Lea couldn’t remember her and risked to hurt her. And if it happened, Lea wouldn’t forgive himself. But he will make sure this wouldn’t happen. He didn’t plan to let Lea be sad. Soon, he will be reunited with Roxas and Xion. And he will be happy…

What could he hope more than this?

  The day of the big battle arrived.

Too soon.

Saïx knew that Vexen had brought a Replica for Roxas. He knew that Demyx was in a safe place. He knew Xion will soon be her again… She will be alive.

Everything will be alright.

He just needed…

“Moony?”

Saïx turned his head toward Xigbar who walked toward him.

“What will you do?”

“What do you mean?”

He groaned when he felt Xigbar’s hands on his cheeks. The man was always forced to touch him like that?! It was annoying…

And yet… the gesture was tender.

He always was happy to receive that affection from him.

Wasn’t it the worst that him, who had grown up being alone and avoiding to be touched, he ended up being very close of people who needed to show their affection that way?

“I know for Demyx and I know for the two others… You will leave?”

“Why would I?”

“You will join Lea, right? I wish you my best wishes!”

Saïx shook his head, looking down.

“Why?” Xigbar asked.

“I belong to Xemnas. I’m stained by him and there is nothing for me. No one who could care…”

“I…”

“You will forget me, Xigbar.  I knew this was what will happen to me months ago… I suppose I have to thank you? For having let this time less painful? The day I lost my Heart was the last time I was allowed to have one… I accepted the fact. My Heart is…” Saïx’s fists were shaking. “The only Heart I need is Lea…” he whispered.

“Is that what you want? It’s over?”

Saïx nodded.

“You know you have a chance to come back if you die.”

“I don’t think it will happen.”

Xigbar pressed his hands over his cheeks and leaned to press his forehead against him.

“Then, I will hope for two…” he whispered.

  “See you, Isa…”

Hope…

They all talked about hope. Saïx never had this hope. He just had will. Will to pursue. Will to fix things… Will to make Lea happy…

From the beginning, it always had been what he wanted. The very beginning. The first day he saw him, at the window of his house. The day when his Heart met the only one…

Hope seemed so dull. So vain…

Why would he hope?

He didn’t believe there was a right place to die and yet… he was dying in the best place in the World… In the warm and soft embrace of the one he loved. The man who will be surrounded with those he loved, finally…

Lea would be happy.

Why having hope when his sole purpose in life was finally fulfilled.

Lea would be happy…

But… the green eyes were filled with tears. He hated see them like that… He regretted the old spell, the upside-down tears.

He didn’t want Lea to be sad.

He didn’t want to go. He didn’t want to be somewhere else than in Lea’s arms. It wasn’t fair… He wanted to be there to see him happy. He wanted to wake up every morning next to him and to kiss his face. He wanted to hear his voice.

He didn’t want to leave him alone.

Roxas and Xion could really fill the hole he will create in Lea’s Heart? He wanted to believe it because he was nothing and he wanted Lea happy but those eyes on him were saying something else.

And…

And he didn’t want to leave.

He wanted to come back. He wanted to hope…

He wanted to hope he will come back and see Lea’s smile every day…

“… See you, Lea…”

[jokahlu]

Kingdom Hearts 3 Ted Talk, Kairi’s Edition (More like rant) (Will contain spoilers)

*Warnings*

While reading the following post you should expect:

*Spoilers are ahead.

*Duality of emotions clashing between love and frustration.

*A certain mouse’s head will be expected in a platter, and he will be the source of the darkness coming out of me.

*Love for a character that deserved way more than what she got.

*Deep disappointment for a forgotten friendship that was non-existent.

*A sailing ship warmed my heart.

*And an ending that shattered it.

…So it’s basically me ranting at how SE treats Kairi.

Also, it’s a pretty long read. I tried to make it short. Oh well.

Enjoy.

*Read at your own discretion*

I’m so wrecked after this game. But don’t get me wrong, I loved it!

The graphics were superb, their expressions on point, the writing and humor, the landscapes and worlds. It was all so precious. Being able to play as the spiked hair little bundle of joy again after so long was truly like coming home.

But as much as I loved it, there are so many things that rubbed me the wrong way. So many things I hoped for, that seemed reasonable and not out of the realm of possibilities, but never happened.

I will not mention all of them here because I could write an entire essay about it. Reason why I’ll try not to get overly excited. Underline try.

This time I will mostly talk about Kairi. 

Let’s do this quick, shall we?

First of all, I need that mouse’s head on a platter.

I wish Aqua would’ve given Mickey a good beating in this game. Don’t get me wrong, I usually like Mickey and his character in the KH franchise is pretty cool. But I hated his disregard to Kairi in this game. It just made me want to scream. Yes, he’s not the only one who doesn’t give a damn about the redhead (more on that lovely subject later), but I felt like he valued other’s life above hers in a blatantly obvious way. There are two scenes where I noticed this and it made me want to crawl up the walls.

The first scene was when Kairi is about to be struck down by Terranort, after him discarding two experienced fighters with a little more than a flick of his wrist, mind you. So, of course she’s scared and paralyzed, like any normal keyblade wielder (with only basic training and no real experience) would be. As Sora is desperately running to shield her with nothing but his body, Mickey uselessly screams “Sora no!”, as Donald and Goofy use their brains (and weapons) and come to the rescue.

What gives Mickey? Is she that unimportant in your mind, that Sora shouldn’t even try to help her? Did you honestly expect Sora to just let her die? Because if Terranort struck her, she was toast.

But I guess the answer is yes, because the other scene that made me want to strangle him was when Sora wants to go and save her and Mickey is trying to convince him not to go. I bet if it was Minnie on the line he would be jumping into lava if it meant to save her. But Kairi? Nah.

I swear I would’ve wanted Minnie to be next to Kairi and both be destroyed by Master Xehanort, just to see if Mickey’s reaction would be any different and if he would also risk it all at the end to save her instead of being like “oh don’t go Sora, you may never come back. Just leave Kairi to die, we can lose her but not you” attitude. Geez.

Love for a character that deserved better.

Oh, I could go one and on, on this one. It’s divided in many categories because the whole rant can be resumed in: she deserved better.

I’ll point out the obvious: I’ve always loved Kairi.

Yeah, she’s underdeveloped, not well written and can’t seem to shake the damsel in distress coat off, but I’ve always liked her. I’ve always felt Sora and Riku’s love for her real and heartwarming, and that’s made me like her so much. She’s also super brave, witty and has a great personality (don’t fight me on this)

I do get why some people might not like her, but I do.

Kingdom Hearts games have always treated her like a plot device and nothing more, and kh3 was the worst of the bunch in my opinion.

No one seems to care about her except for Sora.

When everyone reunites after Kairi dies, the only one who says something to him to reassure and confort Sora, apart from Donald and Goofy, is Xion. The rest are like oh ok she died, what’s next? I was expecting for Axel to be pissed, sad, anything, or anyone commenting something about it, but they just disregarded it like nothing happened.

Even if I understand that Terra, Aqua, Ven, Roxas, even Xion, didn’t know her that well and I didn’t expect it to affect them, at least they should acknowledge their fallen comrade. But ok, they didn’t know her that well. But Axel and Riku virtually not giving a damn? It really made things worse for my already wrecked heart. Those two are her closest friends, aside from Sora..

Even when the final battle is over everyone is like “wohoo we won! it’s all over!” (I’m glaring at you mouse) and even Riku agrees, Sora is the only one who is sad and heartbroken for her dying. Speaking of Riku basically disregarding her death..

Deep disappointment for a forgotten friendship that was basically non-existent.

Saying that I was disappointed in Kairi and Rikus interactions is a mayor understatement. This broke my heart because my highest hope for kh3 was to see Riku and Kairi being friends. Like, real friends.

In kh1 he was all over protecting her, in kh2 he silently looked after her and kept her safe as much as he could, but kh3? Man, in this game they felt like borderline strangers to me. Even faced by her being murdered in front of his face, he just stood there kind of surprised and pissed. Nothing more.

Seriously?

I mean Master Xehanort had just cold-bloodedly killed her right then and there, and he didn’t react as if his childhood friend had just turned into dust. 

And even worse, when the final battle ended he didn’t even offer to go with Sora to save her. What the hell?

If it was Sora who had died, there is no doubt in my mind that he would’ve been fighting his way to save him, consequences be dammed. (And it’s what probably happens when Kairi comes home alone, smh) And that reaction would be right because they’re best friends and that how any of the other characters would react if one of their trio was killed and they had the chance to save them.

So why did it seem like he didn’t care at all? It hurts a lot.

Where is the Riku who’s last worlds for Sora were asking him to keep Kairi safe? The one who helped her escape Axel or shielded her from Saix?

Riku felt off to me in Kingdom Hearts 3, not only because of this, but I’ll leave that for my Riku rant.

Kairi’s performance in the final battle

Not everyone has to kick ass to be valid, and she tried her best to train and help, even when it was not something she was used to. 

I mean, come on! Her first real experiences in battle were in the final battle. Who the hell thought it was a good idea? She had only trained with Axel. So, of course she would freeze when she sees trained/experienced keyblade wielders being thrown all over the place. Even Sora didn’t take out his weapon, trying to save her in the rush of the moment. And even if she did take out her keyblade when Terranort attacked her, she would’ve been smashed against the wall like Axel.

I’ll admit that before kh3 was released, I wished she did become OP and beat some organization XIII butt, but as I advanced in the game I realized how ridiculous that is. If you put kh1 Riku and Sora in that scenario, even at the end of the game with all the experience they had gathered, I bet they wouldn’t have fared very differently.

What I truly want is for her to go on her own adventure and grow powerful at her own pace, so in the next big battle she’ll be fairly prepared. It would be better if that adventure was with Sora and Riku, exploring new worlds together just the three of them, like they dreamed about in kh1.

But I’ll say it again: Not everyone in the game must kick ass to be valid.

A sailing ship warmed my heart. Even if it was poorly written (Unsurprisingly. It involves Kairi so I expected as much)

The Sokai in the game honestly lifted my battered heart.

Sora grows to learn so much more of love in this game: how powerful true love can be, how if you truly believe, love can make miracles happen and that one day is enough if there is true love.. He even admits that he still doesn't know much about it, but as the story goes on we can see that he knows more than he believes.

I loved the paopu scene. I could totally imagine Kairi and Riku planning it beforehand, so that Kairi and Sora would be alone to do so. Key word being “imagine” because at this point, their friendship is only in my imagination.. but that will be saved for Riku’s rant..

I believe that it’s so in character that Kairi initiates the paopu scene, because Sora would never do so. But I loved it, and the way they looked at each other was so.. oh man this game.

The paopu moment did seem to make Sora bolder, touching her more than before and being blunter about how she makes him feel. And it’s so heartwarming and wholesome that the moment when Sora realizes Kairi’s light had been guiding him in the darkness, he remembers the two acts of true love he had witnessed before in the game: Rapunzel’s tear bringing Flynn back to life and Elsa and Ana’s scene as well. I believe that’s the moment when he realizes that she’s his True Love.. 

That moment when he finds her in the darkness, and he makes her shy when he tells her that he felt strong with her, smiling knowingly when she turns away embarrassed. Or holding her hand for longer than necessary when they go back with the others.

It’s amazing that after meeting so many new people, many gorgeous girls and guys, Sora’s heart hasn’t let go of the friend he fell for as kids. He loved her for her personality and heart, which is why their bond is so strong, even if they see each other less than before.. which is a massive understatement if I must say so myself.  

That heart wrenching scream when she was taken into the heartless tornado or his grief-stricken face as he screamed at Master Xehanort “Why”, are proof of just how deep his feelings for her are. How important and invaluable she is in his life.

Adding to this, his utter sacrifice to go save her as soon as possible, not enjoying his victory against Master Xehanort, and not making her wait one more second (his words, not mine) is a statement of his feelings for her, simple and clear (thought I would say clean did ya?)

I mean, come on! His first thought after killing that murderous bald sack of darkness was about her.

And at the end I love how they were holding hands and sitting so close to each other on the paopu tree (They’re definitely a couple now) before he vanished and shattered my heart in a million different pieces.

Speaking of which..

An ending that shattered my heart.

I feel like her dying was very unnecessary. I think that it was only for Sora to embark on a mission alone. Master Xehanort says that he lacks motivation, so he kills her (she’s being used as a plot device again dammit) but Sora clearly was going to fight him either way, motivation or not. 

So, killing Kairi was only for Sora to go alone at the end, leave the story inconclusive and the game, and players, in dire need of a sequel.

Before the secret ending had been added, I was super sad that the only person who truly cared for her had seemingly died, or vanished, but now we know he’s someplace else, looking for a way back to her. I would love for her to save him, but given how SE treats her, I think I’ll temper my expectations for her in the next installments of the games.

This game left me with a super bittersweet feeling, but it was definitely worth it! I won’t let SE and the character’s indifference towards Kairi affect my overall enjoyment of the game.

But let’s hope she gets to shake that damsel in distress title Nomura loves to give her.. I guess I can’t keep my expectations low for her, can I?

Oh well, Sora still need to give her her lucky charm back, which she gave back in Blank Points, so he needs to come back to her to return it.

Please SE let Kairi help save Sora this time, without being a burden. Thank you.

Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

[khdiscussions]

Huge Breakdown: Sleeping Realms Theory

 Tl:dr, I still don’t like the theory, and my rebuttal had almost zero points proven otherwise and you can read the whole thing below of my liveblogging.

The fact that they call Riku’s act an “Act of true love” first of all makes me believe this is meant to sell canon SoRiku and I’m already unimpressed. It shows biased phrasing and takes away from any credibility this theory could ever have with anybody who isn’t a SoRiku shipper because it is ultimately pushing that Sora and Riku are going to be romantically involved and as somebody who really needs to edit her ship list and remove SoRiku...no.

...Okay so the Ultimania already proved this wrong I don’t even have to go through the rest.

Before I go into it, I can see how from just reading their summary, you can fall into the trap, however, the Realm of Sleep and Dreaming Worlds are ultimately the same thing. You cannot enter the Realm of Sleep without Dreaming Worlds unless you are coming to the brink between it and death. As such, it would still require every world Sora visits to be a Dreaming World, and thus have fallen into darkness. Since we know this isn’t the case, my “Alpha Timeline” and “Beta Timeline” labels are fully and 100% accurate. Even the way they describe it “World Line” implies and Alpha and Beta Timeline. If we ignore that KHUx is confirmed to be taking place in data still, the world lines cannot be in the same timeline, as they’d be two separate universes. Meaning the events of Alpha Timeline and Beta Timeline are two separate entities and cannot be condensed into the same Realm.

Meaning even if this is Beta Timeline, Alpha Timeline and anything that happened in it are factually irrelevant, because when Sora and co. slip into the alternate Worldline, because essentially the events of it don’t come to pass or matter. If this was real parallel worlds split, then even if Sora is now inhabiting the mind of his Beta Timeline counterpart (which for the record, he should have his memories if he’s the one who brought them all back) there still needs to be a Beta Riku, a Beta Kairi, etc, otherwise there wouldn’t be Xehanort attacking and even then.

If this is a separate worldline then that still wouldn’t be counted as the same timeline, however. Which the Ultimania directly argues against in its pages when things occur in a single timeline, but I digress.

Other things I find directly wrong as conflicting with power is Sora directly states in KH3 that it was Kairi’s faith in him and her light (her powers alone) that helped him hold his form. Not the PoH’s.

“Riku’s strength comes from his love for Sora”

Actually, in that scene they’re talking about how Riku wants to rescue Aqua, and that’s his desire to “protect what matters.” This is a line that has been paralleled in several games from Riku (most notably in which is Kingdom Hearts 3D) and given the line makes him flashback to Terra, it’s likely that his strength is actually being explained as coming from protecting the people he cared about. Aqua, who gave him the chance to escape the RoD (who he’s trying to protect), Terra, who gave him the Keyblade in the first place, and Sora and Kairi, his two best friends.

When facing the same way, there are also several difference in KH3D’s and KH3′s hair that stand out. They aren’t the same and they point that out in the theory. In this case I don’t think it’s similar enough to be of note.

Second, this does not explain how and why Riku dropped and since he is still dropping a) In the Realm of Darkness into a different realm and different World Line and b) Into a completely separate World Line when he should still be alive in the first. At this point, Riku is alive in the Alpha Timeline and would have no idea of his impending death. A drop should not be necessary. So my Riku point questioning why is still valid.

Xigbar cutting out is also a direct easter egg to us, the viewers to keep us from understanding what’s happening, and not what actually occurs in the game. 

...I want to quit at the logo having bad graphics gradient being used as evidence but I’ll keep going but this kind of shady business practice would likely cause such an amount in distrust that sales after KH3 would plummet and anybody who buys what is the biggest release of the series to be told it’s only that in technicality has no standards. I’m sorry. If this is actually technically KHII.9 my trust in Square and Disney (especially Disney is important, because you should know I am Disney stan 69 and see them as good) is gone. Just poof, gone. No more. And I wouldn’t want to invest in the next big entry because what if it’s just another lie.

(Nitpick: Nomura said an early world in KH3 would be Twilight Town, not that it would be the very first world. Even then, had 0.2 been packaged with KH3 like initially planned, it’s highly likely it and Olympus would’ve been 2.9 anyways.)

(More nitpicks, the TWEWY explanation does not account for the fact that Joshua actually has power to bring people back to life so long as a shred of their soul exists. It sounds like Shibuya got destroyed and Josh saved what little was left of his friends to take to somewhere they could be safe, not necessarily that the Sleeping Realm in specific called out to him. This is again Nitpicking.)

Ansem Reports foreshadow an old plot twist that’s not even valid. Aqua’s magic is now the source that rescued Kairi, not Xehanort’s experiments sending her away. Kairi being flung out the door is also representative of the events of the Island falling and them losing their safety and shelter. It’s not Kairi herself, but Ansem’s arrival on the islands that Xehanort is talking about.

Everything about this seems like it’s trying to invalidate SoKai with the Paopu fruit scene. She eats the fruit. Maybe if you hadn’t opened with “Riku loves Sora and this is Riku’s act of true love” I’d buy that this is real but as it stands the authors come off as salty that SoKai got a Paopu sharing scene.

Kairi’s death is the release of her heart as Nomura called it directly in the Ultimania. I know this was written before the Ultimania’s release but moving on it’s not a death sequence. Even then her death resembles Xion’s so it’d be more inline with the Replica theory floating around, so not a Dream Eater.

“Kairi is the Darkside in the Dive” No.

Even if Kairi did die, her heart has no darkness, all that would happen is she’d fade into darkness. She cannot physically form any dark entity, let alone one that has always been connected to the darkness in Sora’s heart. And yes I read how they point out that it’s made of water but that’s because it’s literally made from the Final World itself. As for where Kairi’s heart is, canon answers this. It’s waiting for Sora, because the Heartless cannot kill or steal her heart through the Lich. Remember back to KH1? Kairi had lost her heart, but rather than form a Heartless, all we got is a body. 

More Ultimania tidbits disproving this, but the Dive to the Heart is meant to take place after the entirety of KH3. This means it’s after Sora leaves to rescue Kairi and has beaten Xehanort.

Kairi being a Chirithy theory my points are still valid on because it doesn’t work. Kairi cannot be a Chirithy because we see her after the drop point in her KH2 outfit. Therefore meaning the cat ears have nothing to do with her after the drop point.

Point on the Dream Portals is accurate and inaccurate. It says they’re ways to travel to other worlds, but everytime they’re used it’s in exactly that way in game. The two pink locations bring Sora closer to the Realm of Light after the Final World, and the second portal takes him into Scala ad Caelum, another world. It ain’t that deep.

More points, Dream Eaters don’t just exist in the Realm of Sleep. Summoning Meow Wow and friends does not matter if they can exist outside of the Realm of Sleep. Scala ad Caelum is implied to be a special world to begin with and I’ll be honest, the Caribbean is probably for ease of gameplay. If anything, I would be more curious in how water in the Realm of Sleep (and memories re:CoM) allows people to walk.

“Gayblade” Your SoRiku bias is showing. (Also Nomura violated a lot of things for rule of cool. You think a gameplay mechanic showing up means something?)

Comparing what happened to Sora and Aqua is very different. Aqua had darkness shoved into her (Nort lite) while Sora actively fell into the deep darkness he was surrounded by. Aqua could’ve emerged from the water, but did not. Sora chased darkness, and fell right in. As for how they saved Aqua in the Alpha Timeline, this wouldn’t have changed? It was Sora using his light to reach Aqua as she fell in the darkness similar to Mickey doing so for her in 0.2, now that she was free of the extra darkness Ansem shoved in her for some fun. It had nothing to do with darkness or sleep.

So we’re talking Toy Story here and his “Not this time” doesn’t add up because if Alpha Timeline is dead and Beta Timeline are a second chance then Xehanort should not have any recollection of the initial timeline/worldline because you still don’t explain why he bothered with following Sora down instead of leaving him to just stay trapped in the Realm of Darkness. There’s no strategic reason to it and Xehanort is a chess master.

“Hey let’s explain shit” Okay first of all the Goofy reference was a way to include the new arc words but without that, the others are all ways to catch up new players so they’d have an idea of what’s going on. There is no in universe reason for it. All of this was excuses for filling in new players. (As for the Unversed: Just because we only see Donald and Goofy at Yen Sid’s Tower does not mean we see what happened to them before they arrived there, jsing. Mickey may have also shown them things. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.) Most of the other memory shenanigans are either just springboards for banter or, in Riku’s case, save your energy for the battle against Xehanort ahead.

The Station of Awakening line is pointless since Sora has visited his dive multiple times in the series. As Roxas and as himself in KH2 and KH1 respectively and a final time in 3D when his heart was taken in by Ven’s armor. The Station of Awakening after all, is essentially the stained glass hearts.

Heffalumps stopped only appearing in dreams when they showed up in Winnie the Pooh. Also the promotional material quotes Nomura admitted using because they sounded cool.

Yellow Kingdom Hearts is on KH1′s cover as well. It’s had more appearances. Stands to reason it’s the more official color. Could also be be based on who, what, and how it’s summoned. 

Keyholes: Both Scala Ad Caelum (born from Xehanort’s heart and Kingdom Hearts) and the final Keyhole are forged to deal with sleeping. It makes sense they’d be the same.

YMX’s warnings are referencing exactly what KH3D Sora did. No more complicated theory necessary.

Skipping the Disney world synopsis because I know these worlds far too well at this point for my own Disney sanity.

Pulling symbolism from KH1 when KH2 wasn’t even planned by this point is wrong and also Riku being true love and light reeks very much of that SoRiku bias I mentioned. Okay skipping all this it’s literally just SoRiku and I’m not here for that. I’m here for the theory, not “Why Riku is Sora’s true love.”

“Riku and Kairi both helped Sora hang around” Except Riku dies at this point in the timeline. You can’t make an argument he’s alive because his heart is guided over by the Lich. What’s helping Sora hold on has nothing to do with what it is, otherwise he would just be another shapeless star, like Namine, the Nameless Stars, or the rest. It’s Kairi’s life that gives him the form to come back to life. Saving his heart has nothing to do with it and it just reeks of that same ship bias that was why I skipped the whole section on sacrifice. These 70 pages are irrelevant because all they do is take importance away from Kairi completely in the story, meaning she’s fundamentally useless besides a dark force. Which means Kairi literally doesn’t matter and can be written out of the story.

Kairi’s heart being lost is a full stop. Her heart was released at the end of the game. Saying it’s lost in the Lich sequence makes no sense, especially when she’s the one who guides him back in what is, as noted by PhoenixDowner’s translations, one of the more romantically weighted scenes of the game.

Summary of the more recent pages “SoKai is noncanon and you’re just being mislead it’s actually SoRiku that’s canon” and I’m starting to see where that anon came from...you could’ve saved this theory a hundred pages if you ignored the shipper stuff.

Everything in this ending is literally saying “Kairi doesn’t matter” and “Sora doesn’t care about bringing Kairi back” what the actual fuck?

Okay so I see a lot of talk about Sora and Riku being in the Sleeping Realms (which for the record that secret ending does not tease that but okay) but it still doesn’t explain how the events actually happened. The events of the Sleeping Realms are not the true reality. They’re Beta Timeline but if they never leave the Beta Timeline then the Alpha Timeline is still lost and legitimately none of this matters because at some point they have to leave the Sleeping Worlds, because at the end of the day the Realm of Sleep is still a dream. It still doesn’t happen?

Rage Form is Sora harnessing his darkness.

Rikunort is KH1′s Riku’s heart after he fell to darkness traveling to the awaiting vessel in the future. He’s not Data Riku, and the scene cited from Re:coded is actually a Riku memory held within the Journal’s data, not something happening to Data Riku at all.

In conclusion: I don’t think it’s all a garbage SoRiku fanfiction.

But I think way too much effort went into proving SoRiku was canon.

And also most of the holes I poked in the theory are still pretty valid. 

And now I also know it’s contradicted by several Ultimania interviews whether the original writers acknowledge it or not.

But whatever, it’s not my cup of tea, you guys can still like it.

[maddrmatt]

Kairi’s Epic Journey: The Quest for Sora

New to this fanfic? Click here to properly begin!

Chapter 1: When Everything Fell Apart

Destiny Islands

Crouching down, Kairi was practically crawling as she entered the Secret Place on the Play Island.  She remembered how easily it used to be when she was little.  But now that seemed like such a lifetime ago.

Soon, she emerged in the cave.  All around were the scribbles that she, Sora and Riku had doodled throughout the years.  As she walked toward the door to the world’s heart, she averted her eyes from glancing at a certain drawing.  Looking at that one would only bring her more pain.

Stopping right in front of the door, Kairi gazed on what she had added to it.  Though she had always been more of a writer, she did have a small talent for art.  After all, Naminè had to get it from somewhere and it definitely wasn’t from the other person who had a hand in bringing her into existence.

But what was now on the door was a far more ambitious piece of art than the various doodles on the walls.  It was an elaborate woodcut picture that had been partially painted in.  It almost resembled a stained-glass window made of wood.

A small whine was heard.  Kairi turned around and saw that Pluto had emerged into the cave.

“I’m going to finish this today, Pluto.  I want it to be ready when Sora comes back,” she said a little more half-heartedly than she meant to.  The dog just laid down and watched Kairi get to work.  

First, Kairi took out her Gummi Phone and opened up th-e music app. It still fascinated her how useful the device was especially the fact that she could get several of her favorite songs.  Selecting a song, one that she had listened to very often since starting this project, she pressed play and the set it on the ground next to the door as the piano introduction began.

(In-Universe Music: Don't Think Twice by Utada Hikaru playing on Kairi’s Gummi Phone)

She then reached over where she had left some painting supplies in the cave and took out a painter’s smock.  Once donning it, she assembled herself a palette of colors, selected a brush and began to work on the picture.

As she added the colors to her picture, tears began to run down her eyes and onto the palette wetting the paint.  But in spite of it, she carried on painting as she thought back to the day one month ago when things truly started to fall apart.

________________________________________________________________

Land of Departure, One Month Ago

“Fire!” shouted Kairi as a ball of fire emerged from Destiny’s Embrace.  The fire soared across a field and incinerated a target.

“Well done, Kairi!  You’re getting a lot better at casting magic,” said Aqua who had been instructing her.

“Thanks Aqua.  It’s good to know that I’m improving.  But then again, everyone is,” said Kairi as she looked around at the others.

Riku, Ventus and Goofy were sparring.  Terra was teaching Roxas and Axel how to transform their Keyblades into Keyblade Gliders.  Xion was running and dodging through a gauntlet of various magical attacks conjured by Donald as Mickey oversaw them.  Nearby, Naminè was sketching while Chirithy watched all the action.

“Things are going to be different when the next big threat comes along.  We’ll have an unstoppable team.  Yen Sid even said that he was going to give Terra and Axel a Mark of Mastery exam in the near future,” said Aqua.

“That’s great!  Then you’ll both have finally achieved your dream,” said Kairi.

“Yes.  After all this time.  I just wish Master Eraqus had lived to see it,” said Aqua casting her gaze downward.

Kairi placed her hand on the Keyblade Master’s shoulder.  “He may not be here anymore.  But he’s still watching you from wherever he may be.  And I know he’d be proud of you as well as Terra and Ven.”

Aqua mustered a smile.  “Thanks, Kairi.”

“Anytime, Aqua,” said Kairi with a smile.

“So, I’ve been meaning to ask you this: how have you been doing lately?” asked Aqua.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you’ve been quite busy these past few months. Whenever you’re not training, you seem to be doing a lot of research.  I’ve noticed you working through much of Master Eraqus’ old Keyblade lore as well as all of the notes on the Heartless and Nobodies that Jiminy wrote down.  Also, is it true that Chip and Dale are also teaching you how to take care of Gummi Ships?”

“Yes, I am Aqua.  And I’ve just been trying to learn a few extra useful skills.  There are more ways that I can help than just by fighting.  If trouble comes back, I want to be as useful as possible,” said Kairi.

Aqua felt a sudden feeling of pity toward the Princess of Heart.  ‘I can’t believe she still feels that she wasn’t useful during the Keyblade War way even after all these months.  Kairi, don’t you realize that if you hadn’t kept Sora alive, we would have lost completely?’

“And what about your…?” Aqua hesitated to finish her question.

Kairi looked into her eyes and knew what she was meaning.  “My scar?”

Aqua nodded in response.  Much to the dismay of everyone, when Kairi had been restored, they discovered that she had not come back unscathed.  

On her back, extending from her right shoulder to her left hip, was a long ugly slash mark that was unhealable by medicine or magic.  An unfortunate reminder of when Xehanort struck her down.

“It’s fine, Aqua.  It hasn’t hurt in months.  Why are you so curious right now?” asked Kairi.

“Just wanting to make sure you’re okay,” said Aqua with a gentle smile.

“I am and I appreciate your concern.  But right now, I just want to focus on training and honing all my skills.  Now I think my other spells could use some improvement.  I think my aim with the Thunder spells could be better.  I want to be in tiptop shape for when we go looking for Sora.”

The smile vanished from Aqua’s face.  “Kairi, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Oh that reminds me.  There’s something I need to tell you all.  In fact, I better do it right now.  Hey everyone!  Come over here!” she called excitedly.  Everyone stopped what they were doing and immediately headed toward the two girls.

“What’s up, Kairi?” asked Ven.

“Yeah.  You seem pretty excited,” said Goofy.

“Oh I am.  And you’re going to be excited too.”

“Well, don’t keep us in suspense.  Out with it!” exclaimed Donald.

“Okay.  This morning, I felt something I hadn’t felt for so long.  It was Sora!  I felt him! We can find him!”

Surprisingly, the group’s reaction was not that of excitement.  Instead, they gazed at the Princess of Heart with skepticism.

“You felt him?” asked Roxas.

“Well, it was only for a few minutes.  But I know it was him!  He’s somewhere out there in the worlds and now we can set out to bring him home!”

“Kairi, are you sure you didn’t dream it?” asked Xion.

“No, I was awake.  It happened just before I left my house to come here.  Guys, why are being so doubtful?  Don’t you believe me?”

“No one’s calling you a lair, Kairi.  But it has been six months.  Why would you feel Sora’s presence now and only for a few minutes at that?  Maybe you only imagined it,” said Mickey.

“Yeah, Kairi.  I can’t even feel Sora anymore and I spent a long time in his heart,” said Ven.

“Well, I don’t think amount of time has anything to do with it since Roxas and I were in the same boat.  But we haven’t felt Sora either,” said Xion.

‘Yes but you guys never shared a paopu fruit with Sora and I think that makes a big difference,’ thought Kairi who was getting angrier by her friends’ doubts by the second.

“Maybe you only imagined it,” said Mickey.

Kairi couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “No, I didn’t.  Guys, it was real!  Why aren’t you taking this seriously?”

Aqua gave a heavy sigh as she walked up to Kairi and placed a hand on her shoulder.  “Kairi, this isn’t going to be easy to hear.  But some of us have been talking.”

“Talking?  Talking about what?” asked the Princess of Heart.

Terra chimed in, “Please understand that this was not an easy decision.  But many of us believe that maybe it’s time to suspend the search for Sora.”

Kairi gasped.  “Suspend?  You mean, give up?  We can’t!”

“Try to understand where we’re coming from, Kairi. Over the past six months, we’ve looked into anything about the Power of Waking for some way that could help us get Sora back.  We’ve looked through everything Master Yen Sid, Master Eraqus, Merlin and Ansem the Wise had, and we’ve found nothing,” said Aqua.

“Even I have no solution at all, Kairi, and I’ve been around a lot longer than anybody here,” chimed in Chirithy.

“I know.  I didn’t find anything either in all my research.  But just because we haven’t found a solution doesn’t mean there isn’t one.  There has to be something!” shouted Kairi as she pulled away from Aqua and turned to the rest of their group.  “You all can’t be seriously considering this, can you?”

The ones in the group who had yet to voice their opinion gave uncomfortable looks.  Kairi could see the conflict in their eyes.  That just made her madder.

Axel spoke up, “Kairi, you know I’m hardly the one to be rational.  But we can’t spend the rest of our lives looking for him.  Especially when we have no idea where to start.”

“And it’s not like we’re giving up completely, Kairi.  If something does come up, we’ll pursue it.  But for now, maybe it is best we stop actively looking and just move forward. It might actually help us adjust to the possibility that he might be…” began Mickey before being interrupted by the increasingly distraught Princess of Heart.

“He’s not gone forever!  I felt him!  He’s out there somewhere!  I know he is!” Kairi turned to Riku, Donald and Goofy.  “Riku, Donald, Goofy, you believe me, don’t you?  You don’t want to give up on Sora too?”

What she saw in the eyes of Sora’s closest friends were the same conflict that the others had shown.  After a few moments, Riku spoke up, “Kairi, you know I want Sora back just as much as you do.  But…”

“But what?”

“…they are making some very good points.”

Kairi felt like she had been stabbed in the back by the one she thought would always have her back.  She looked to Donald and Goofy who sadly nodded.

‘You promised!  When I got back, you promised we would find him!’

“Look, I’ll try to reach out to him!  I’ll see if I can detect where he is!” said Kairi desperately as she closed her eyes and tried to focus on Sora.

‘Come on, Sora!  Wherever you are, please let me know!  Please show me where we can find you!’  

She stayed that way for minutes.  But there was no response.  

Tears began to drip down her cheeks.  She felt a hand take her own.  Opening her eyes, she saw Mickey holding her hand.

“Kairi, maybe you’d better go take a rest.  We can discuss this later when you’ve calmed down,” he said.

Kairi wrenched her hand out of Mickey’s. “No offense, Your Majesty, but I think you’ve all made it perfectly clear there’s nothing to discuss since it appears that your minds are all made up on this. So, don’t count on me ever coming around here again!” she shouted as she started to run away from them.

“Kairi, wait!” shouted Xion.

“Don’t go!” shouted Naminè.

Kairi stopped in her tracks and whipped around, her face a portrait of hurt and rage.  “How could you all?  After all that Sora has done for you, you all just give up on him?”

She looked at Terra, Aqua and Ven.  “He didn’t even know you and still risked everything to undo the damage Xehanort did to you.”

She looked at Roxas, Naminè and Xion.  “He’s not only responsible for your existences but he also made it his mission to get you your own lives.”

She looked at Axel.  “He forgave you for what you put him through even when he had every right not to.”

She looked at Mickey.  “He did everything you ever asked of him even when you didn’t make him a Master when he clearly deserved to be one.”

She looked at Riku, Donald and Goofy. “He…”  But she couldn’t even form the words because she was thoroughly disgusted by Sora’s closest friends.

“Sora told me that his greatest power was his friends.  But right now, I see no one who deserves to be called that.”  And with that Kairi ran away.  

She never looked back.

________________________________________________________________

Onto the next chapter!

[nadziejastar]

What would your ideal resolution for how the Lea/Isa subplot would’ve been handled in KH3?

If it were up to you, how would you have written the subplot between Axel/Lea and Saïx/Isa?

I know you probably have a LOT of questions like this, but how would you give a proper redemption and healing to Lea?

I went into more detail about how I think Isa’s story was originally going to be here, more about him being Subject X here, and about his redemption and post KH3 characterization here. Basically, I think Lea needed to use the power of waking on him, and fight his shadow self, like we did with Aqua.

I think Isa was a lot like Terra originally. He didn’t really need to be redeemed since he was never a bad guy. There was not even any time to give Isa a redemption arc, so I have to think that he was originally supposed to be just an innocent victim, like Terra was. He only needed to be rescued, then go back to being his true self. Then he can join the good guys in the epilogue no problem. In addition to those posts, there’s one more theory I have regarding the experiment where the apprentices lost their heart.

Eraqus: You must know, I care for you like my own son. If I could have my way, I would name you Master in a second.

Eraqus: But, how can I, when you are so obsessed with power? Terra, you mustn’t be afraid of losing. Fear leads to obsession with power, and obsession beckons the darkness.

Eraqus: You must never forget.

Terra: Thank you, Master. I swear…I will not fail you again.

Terra’s weakness was his obsession with power. Xehanort exploited this. However it was really more about his fear than about his desire for power. Fear of losing was really his fear of disappointing his master and thus losing his approval. This was why Terra wanted to be strong so badly. He had a fear of losing Eraqus’ approval and subsequently, his love. He tied his love with his approval. Eraqus told Terra to stop being afraid, but he didn’t realize he was the cause of Terra’s fears.

Xehanort: You see how powerless you are to save them? Savor that rage and despair. Let it empower you!

Terra: You will pay, Xehanort! Was my Master–no, my father, Eraqus not enough for you? Leave my friends alone!

And this is what made Terra succumb to darkness. Xehanort was able to turn Terra and Eraqus against each other due to Terra doubting Eraqus’ love. His mistake was giving Terra too much power to fight back. Darkness born of hatred and rage can make the person mentally strong—a bit too strong.

Xehanort: Your body submits, your heart succumbs–so why does your mind resist?

Terra was completely self-aware when he was possessed. He constantly fought back and it created a constant power struggle. The Lingering Will was his mind fighting back. Xehanort learned his lesson. He needed to create darkness born of absolute fear, despair, pain, and powerlessness. This would totally shatter the person’s psyche. After such trauma, their sense of self is entirely gone. He no longer has to put up with all the resistance of the mind.

Xigbar: No. That wasn’t “stuff,” it was a dream. The falling asleep part was definitely our bad. But we can’t put stuff in your head. Hey, I got an idea. Ask your heart. See if it’s got a clue.

Sora: Well…my heart was aching. That’s why I kept going.

Xigbar: Oh… Thank you, Sora’s heart, for pushing him right into our clutches. Aren’t hearts great? Steer us wrong every time.

They were trying to get Sora to experience so much pain that he mentally/spiritually shatters and goes to sleep. They know his heart is so powerful it won’t collapse. This is why he made such an appealing target for a vessel.

Xemnas: It’s about time you noticed. Indeed. A heart is never lost for good. There may have been variances in our dispositions, but a number of us unquestionably showed signs of a burgeoning replacement. Once born, the heart can also be nurtured. Our experiments creating Heartless were attempts to control the mind, and convince it to renounce its sense of self. But understand, one can banish the heart from the body, but the body will try to replace it the first chance it gets, for as many times as it takes. And so I knew, even after we were divided into Heartless and Nobodies, it was just a temporary separation.

He can’t get rid of the heart entirely. But he also can’t have the person putting up as much resistance as Terra did. So he decides that shattering their mind/soul is the only way to go.

It is my duty to expose what this darkness really is. I shall conduct the following experiments:

-Extract the darkness from a person’s heart.-Cultivate darkness in a pure heart.-Both suppress and amplify the darkness within.

So Xehanort conducted the mind control experiments.

Naminé: Sora will have to awaken these memories, but this is where they will sleep until that time comes. They are important…and yet, dangerous too.

Mickey: Namine, how are they dangerous?

Naminé: These memories, all of them are too painful. Handled the wrong way, they could damage Sora’s heart, even break it. That’s why I needed for Sora to find a way to face that kind of hurt. So I left the message for all of you.

Of course, this is risky. Too much pain causes the heart to break along with the mind.

The experiments caused the test subject’s heart to collapse, including those of the most stalwart. How fragile our hearts are! My treatment produced no signs of recovery. I confined those who had completely lost their hearts beneath the castle.

And this is exactly what happened to Ven and everyone else during the experiments.

Experiments of the Heart – Notes on Subject X, Excerpt 2

Subject’s memories have not returned, and our conversations remain less than lucid. My pilot studies used a handful of subjects, but none possessed the fortitude to endure them. Ultimately, all suffered the collapse of their hearts. I knew it would be a heavy blow to lose a subject as unique as him. Upon discovering the tests I’ve been conducting, my master demanded that I cease my work immediately and destroy what research I have compiled. Worse still, he ordered the release of my remaining subjects. He is gone. Where is Subject X now? Has “wise” Master Ansem hidden him away? Whatever the case, I will not be deterred. —Xehanort

All except one person. Subject X, who I think was originally Isa.

Xaldin: Our work here is done, Roxas. The beast’s weakness is clear.

Roxas: It is?

Xaldin: To hold something dear is to let it hold you. His heart is in thrall to it, don’t you see? And that, Roxas, is ample weakness.

Roxas: I’m not sure I follow.

Xaldin: Nor should you. You have no heart to love with. Come. We return.

His heart survived because he had such a strong connection to someone. Lea.

Axel: You’ve got memories from here in the Organization, right?

Roxas: Yeah… I do, don’t I? I couldn’t bear to lose my memories of you or Xion.

Axel: Well, see? There ya go. Everybody’s got something they want to hang on to.

Roxas: It’s scary to think I could lose you guys.

Lea kept him going in the darkness, but Isa was afraid of losing him. And I think Xehanort was able to exploit this fear.

Roxas: That still doesn’t explain what love is… Is love fighting to protect what’s most important to you? Where does its power come from?

Beast: Belle… I couldn’t bear to see you…or the other’s hurt. A master protects his castle… I don’t want to lose you.

Belle: I’m right here…

He couldn’t bear losing Lea. It was his weakness. And unlike with Terra, Isa was not a prospective Keyblade master. He was in a situation where he was completely helpless and unable to fight back.

Roxas: So he wasn’t fighting to protect the rose. He was protecting the people in the castle. Protecting her. She’s what matters most to him. But…Xaldin said it was the rose.

I think Lea and Isa felt the same way about wanting to protect each other. They were each others’ weakness. By threatening Lea, they could cause Isa a lot of pain.

Experiments of the Heart – Notes on Subject X, Excerpt 1

Subject was found in the castle basement shortly after dawn. Male, approximately fifteen years old. After seven days’ observation, he spoke his first words, but could not provide a name. Subject exhibits signs of profound amnesia. What fragments can be gleaned suggest that he arrived with another, though he cannot recall the name of his erstwhile companion. All efforts to explore those memories have met with a rejection response.

Isa was badly traumatized by something after he was taken by Braig out of the cell. I think they threatened to hurt Lea. And I think Isa had a mental breakdown, causing him to lose his self-awareness, allowing Xehanort to implant his heart in him. Then I think Ansem found him. He still remembered his friend, though he couldn’t remember his name. I think it’s because he desperately wanted to protect him.

Roxas: It’s not like I have memories from before the Organization. Don’t you remember? I acted like a zombie.

Axel: Right, that first week you could barely form a sentence. But come on, you’re still kind of a zombie.

I think he would have been in a similar state that Roxas was in at the beginning of Days. No self-awareness. Can’t remember anything or talk lucidly. He was a total zombie. But he was not totally broken. After a week of Axel showing him kindness, he came around and started acting like a normal person again. Just like how Terra and Aqua were able to get Ven to come around after they spent enough time with him and showed him love and kindness.

Recollections

Am I alive? I awoke in a cell, alone until the researcher came and asked me countless questions to uncover my identity. I had no answer to offer him. A friend…that is the sum total of my memory. I could not even recall my name. I was simply called “X” there. One day, a man came to take me from the prison. I could not see him for the darkness, save that he wore an eyepatch. Even now, I feel no closer to understanding who I am. —Unknown

I think Isa was similar. He had Xehanort’s heart and mind inside of him, but the process of being taken over is gradual. So he was still himself when Ansem the Wise helped him become lucid and started his memory experiments on him.

There is no doubt that the Heartless are deeply connected to the people’s hearts. Further study may unravel both their motivations and the mysteries shrouding the heart. As a start, I have built a device that artificially creates Heartless. By recreating the conditions that spawn the Heartless naturally, I should be able to produce them artificially. This device is the culmination of all my research thus far. The machine’s test run successfully created a Heartless. This may be a step toward creating a heart from nothing. The artificially and naturally created Heartless showed nearly identical traits. But the two types remain distinct for the purpose of the experiment. So, I will mark the ones that are created artificially.

While all this was going on, Xehanort created a machine that creates Heartless. This would be the Heartless Manufactory, where we see Leon fight in KH2.

What are the details of Ansem’s apprentices fall into darkness?Most of what had happened with Ansem’s apprentices before their fall into darkness is unknown, aside from what was touched upon in Secret Ansem Reports. And the mystery of “the plan that was decided on after Axel and Saix entered the Organization” that was talked about in the Secret Reports in Days still remains. According to Nomura there is still much about the Organization’s humans that has yet to be said.

The Heartless Manufactory is right next to the lab and the computer, the D.T.D. There was an experiment taking place, and Ienzo and Even lost their heart. Braig was confused when he had his stolen.

Cid: Talk about yer good timin’!

Yuffie: The MCP is wreaking havoc inside the computer.

Donald: Not again!

Cid: Accordin’ to Leon, anyway… He went on over to Ansem’s study to find out what all the ruckus was about. Turns out the MCP is using the data in that computer to crank out Heartless.

The computer is connected to the Datascape and Tron’s world. You have to be standing in that area to be transported. Leon yelled at Sora to run because he was standing there. It was also responsible for creating all the Heartless surrounding the castle.

Tron: A computer system—for processing data. This system is a copy of one created by a corporation called ENCOM. The original program was destroyed. But this copy was acquired by another User. The new User updated and customized the programs, renaming the system “Hollow Bastion OS.” He used the system for town maintenance, and to advance his private research.

Xehanort planned all of this in advance. He changed Ansem’s original program and renamed it “Hollow Bastion”. He wanted to plunge Radiant Garden into darkness.

Watching that foolish beast flail about only deepens my disdain for humans and their incessant need to be pinned down by feelings. We became Nobodies precisely to avoid the shackles of emotion. It was only later that we realized the scale of that loss: that some things simply cannot be done without a heart. Nonetheless, I see nary a pleasant thing about it.

Braig was shocked when Xehanort stole his heart, but Xaldin never acts like becoming a Nobody was unexpected. He said they chose to become Nobodies.

Xemnas: My friends! Remember why we have organized–all the things we hope to achieve. The strength of the human heart is vast. Soon, though…we will have gained power over it! Never again will it…have power over us.

And when the apprentices are recompleted, they’re all huddled inside the transporter area. I think they had some idea that they would become Nobodies in advance, even if Xehanort acted strangely and then turned himself into a Heartless. Perhaps everyone except Xaldin felt coercion about this, but it still seems the apprentices were in on whatever plan Xehanort promised them when they became Nobodies. That they’d gain mastery over the heart. Whatever was going on in this experiment turned them all into Heartless, then Nobodies. I’m not sure if Xehanort personally extracted all their hearts like he did with Braig, or if the machine turned them into Heartless.

The moon hung in the sky outside the window, a great glowing heart. Sprawled in bed, Axel stared at it without really looking, idling the time away before he had to leave on a mission.

“We will conquer hearts and make them our own. Hearts shall never again have power over us.”

For the past few days, he had been mulling over what Xemnas could have meant by that speech. Hearts having power over them? What was that about? Whenever Axel was whiling away the hours by himself, that phrase kept bouncing around in his head. He didn’t know what was so compelling about it.

Axel on the other hand, had NO idea what they were talking about, in the novel. Roxas and Xion didn’t either. And considering Saïx was obsessed with the Chamber of Waking, he didn’t seem to know that much about what was going on, either. And the only ones outside of that transporter area are Lea and Isa. I’m sure that was not random. Braig was by the computer when he lost his heart. Lea actually looks like he was running towards the computer. And it doesn’t look like he was running from outside of the transporter area. It looks like he came straight out of the Heartless Manufactory when he ran to the computer.

When he woke up after being recompleted, he was right next to the computer. Like he was desperately trying to stop whatever was going to happen and save Isa. But he collapsed on the way there and lost his heart.

If a strong-hearted person loses or is robbed of that heart, their body and spirit can live on as a Nobody. Nobodies have no hearts, but they retain their human memories, which served as a reservoir from which to draw human emotion.

And it looks like Isa was heading toward Lea in his final moments. Maybe after Lea collapsed and his heart was stolen, Isa ran toward him. I think Isa witnessed Lea lose his heart. That was his worst fear and it was actually happening right in front of his eyes. It would have been extremely traumatic for him to watch his friend get his heart taken and then start to fade away, like Even and Ienzo were. He thought Lea was gone for good.

It looks like he collapsed on his way toward him. In a matter of moments his heart is stolen, too. This is when I think Isa finally mentally shattered all the way. Losing Lea is way too traumatic. He goes to the Realm of Sleep. Then as a Nobody, all that was left was Saïx—Xehanort’s mind and heart with Isa’s memories. No more resistance from Isa’s mind or heart. Lea had no idea that his friend got Norted, so all he knows is that he became a Nobody along with him, and he remembers everything that happened to them that day in the lab. And Saïx has no idea he’s a Xehanort, either.

There’s WAY too many parallels between Terra and Isa for me to ignore.

Lea picked up Terra’s wooden Keyblade right after Terra leaves.

And Roxas becomes Axel’s ice cream buddy while he feels lonely. How do people think that Roxas had no connection to Ven or his heart?

Both of them had a purpose. 

Both of them stop attacking when their friend is in danger.

This is when Saïx should have done what Terra did.

Terra and Saïx are canonically the last two fights, according to the journal.Ven and Lea just happened to get knocked out when the Heartless swarm comes.Not a coincidence. Lea and Ven were supposed to use the power of waking.

I think Lea/Isa should have had a teary reunion like Ven/Terra did.

[akusaitrash]

(via https://open.spotify.com/user/11159479487/playlist/7tslecoGldcfDBEZSG6iVO?si=B1NUTGw_ROmJj0doknAMjQ)

Full Moon Life

an Akusai/Leaisa playlist from Isa’s POV

***Click Read More for associated fic***

We Are Golden - Mika

“Teenage dreams in a teenage circus Running around like a clown on purpose Who gives a damn about the family you come from? No giving up when you’re young and you want some.”

Isa and Lea were two of many kids in Radiant Garden, spending their days together lazing around the town square. Their minds full of questions, their hearts full of potential. When Isa was morose, Lea was always there to cheer him up. When Lea struggled with school work, Isa would help him through. They were close... Isa hoped they’d be closer than friends someday. They kissed once, and it was good. Anything could happen.

“Now I'm sitting alone,I'm finally looking around Left here on my own, I'm gonna hurt myself Maybe losing my mind,I'm still wondering why Had to let the world let it bleed me dry”

A Forest - The Cure

“Come closer and see, See into the trees Find the girl if you can. Come closer and see, See into the dark Just follow your eyes, Just follow your eyes.”

The house on the edge of town was a strange place. Nobody knew what happened there, but everyone kept away. One day, just for fun, Isa and Lea climbed the crumbling walls and broke into the house. In a room full of strange machines, the two of them made friends with a girl. She seemed to be stuck there, she wanted to leave. The boys were caught and tossed out, but they made plans and broke into the house again. This time, she was gone... and they were caught too. Isa never forgot her. Yet, he never saw her again.

“The girl was never there It's always the same I'm running towards nothing Again and again and again and again”

Home - Mae 

“But now I'm fighting in the thick of it,  And feeling so alone I take a chance, just one more chance To get me anywhere” 

They were settling down into a routine as apprentices to Ansem the Wise when suddenly, everything changed. One evening, they arrived at the old house after school and Ansem the Wise was gone. His successor, a young man with golden eyes and a dangerous smile, gave a short, confusing explanation about what would happen to them all going forward. Isa was as smart as any of the adults in the room, but... Death? He didn’t understand. He glanced out the window at the full moon and knew he needed to go. He grabbed Lea’s hand and tried to run, but Lea tripped over a chair and fell. “Get out, Isa!” Lea had screamed, but Isa didn’t let go of him for a second. Isa’s fingers desperately grabbed the door handle. He had one second to realise the door was locked before Xehanort bore down upon him. Everyone in the house died... And rose again as Nobodies. 

“And now I'm running, I'm moving too fast So here we go (ohh) And where I'm headed to, it's nobody's guess So here we go (ohh)”

Give Me It - The Cure

“Get away from me Get your fingers out of my face This room's so hot, This room's so hot I break the walls”

Saix. Isa’s new name. Xemnas had renamed him along with the others the previous day, when they had all risen again. Anyway, Saix stood in the strange, impossible-feeling space at the top of the sterile white building where they had all been taken. Xemnas stood before him, a displeased expression on his face; he had asked for Lea to come, calling him by his new name, Axel. Yet, here was Saix, the smarter of the two. “Saix. Where is Axel?” he asked.

A picture of Lea’s face, red from crying, filled Isa’s mind. Lea’s voice had whispered, “He’s gonna get rid of me, like that girl.” His hands on Isa’s shoulders shook like leaves, yet his fingers had pressed in so hard they hurt.  Isa knew then what he had to do to keep Lea safe... and perhaps to find their hearts. Maybe even their lost friend.

“I’d make a better test subject than him,” said Isa - no, Saix. “I’m smarter. I’d be able to help you more. You don’t want a meathead for a vessel. He doesn’t understand. He can be useful in other ways.”

Xemnas nodded. “I’m surprised you understand what a vessel is. Very well, if you volunteer...” He walked up to the boy, pulling a knife from his robes. “Close your eyes.”

Saix stood, resolute. Though he has been assured he could no longer feel, he was sure he was doing the right thing. 

Then, the pain hit and his mind twisted, and he suddenly, horribly, knew what being a vessel meant. Turns out, he hadn’t truly understood at all.

“Give me it give me it give me it Make me blind One step back and one step down And slip the needles in my side.” 

Lay Down - Caravan Palace  

“I get sick and I can't get to heaven Oh, my soul is bound, can't be And I get sick and I can't get to heaven Oh, my soul is bound for hell”

Saix woke up, and he knew who he was. He also knew what was in him. “You’re awake!” shouted a familiar voice. Lea? No. Axel’s hand was in his. Saix turned his face to look at Axel and saw the tear drops he had drawn on his face before going to see Xemnas were still easily visible. “What happened?” Axel asked. “He cut your face, Isa. What did he do to you?”

Isa sat up carefully. His face was on fire, but the worst pain was a more abstract one. Before, he had felt an absence inside. They had all seemingly lost something when they died - Their hearts, Xemnas had said. But now, Saix could feel that void was partially full. Full of what? Full of - 

He doubled over in pain, clutching his chest. Axel leapt to his feet shouting, but Saix could not hear him over the pain. What had been done to him? What was inside him? He needed to be alone. “I’ll be fine,” he hissed between gritted teeth. “Go get Xemnas, Axel.” 

Despite the use of his new name, Axel reacted instantly and ran from the room, shouting “Don’t die before I get back!” over his shoulder.

In the past, Isa would have called “Already dead!” after Lea. But Saix was in too much pain and needed to think. Xemnas owed him an explanation. What would he ask?

“Can't be nobody for to lay down Fall on my knees and begin Can't be nobody for to turn me out”

Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division 

“When routine bites hard, And ambitions are low And resentment rides high, But emotions won't grow And we're changing our ways, Taking different roads  Love, love will tear us apart again”

Over the years, as puberty continued and finished, Saix learned at Xemnas’s right hand. He saw Axel less and less as the flame-haired boy trained in other areas, becoming a truly formidable fighter. It would have hurt Isa to not spend time with Lea, but not having true feelings made things easier for Saix. As Xemnas relied on him more, he felt stronger. He knew he’d be able to eventually find out where to find that girl... He could barely remember her face, but she had become a project to him, and Saix ALWAYS completed his projects.

For a few years, every night he made sure to draw the inverted triangles under Axel’s eyes for him. One night, Axel sat up at the end of it all and mumbled something about “never crying again” before kissing Saix. Saix knew he couldn’t really feel, but what was left of Isa in him was desperate to kiss more.

The triangles were fresh on Axel’s face, but Saix kissed them off that night even though part of his mind told him he shouldn’t, that it wouldn’t end well, that things had changed too much for this to be a good idea now. Given the chance to kiss Lea, Isa would choose it every time. Just hearing Axel moan “Isa” gave Saix a physical thrill like nothing else could.

“Love, love will tear us apart again Love, love will tear us apart again”

Cut - The Cure

“If only you'd never speak to me the way that you do If only you'd never speak like that, it's like listening to A breaking heart, A falling sky Fire go out and friendship die. I wish you felt the way that I still do.”

Their first time was desperate, inevitable, and awkward. Around a week later, they had gotten better at it. They had a few good years of hard work every day in their separate spheres and nights together before things changed. 

Saix thought that Axel, with his incredible prowess and perceived loyalty, would be the perfect guardian to Roxas, the newest member of Organization 13. For the same reason, he sent Axel to Castle Oblivion to take care of an internal dispute among the Organization’s members. Axel wouldn’t question, Axel wouldn’t question - Until he did.

Castle Oblivion was a disaster. Over a few weeks, Saix found their situation changed. Axel stopped seeking him out and began to complain in a serious way about Saix entering his room. Saix tried to give him space, but that only seemed to make things worse. Soon, they were exchanging curt words in hallways and only visiting each other when physically desperate. 

And all that time he wasn’t spending with Saix any more? Axel spent it with Roxas and that replica keyblade wielder Vexen made and named Xion. Saix would hear their laughter down hallways and from the common areas. He grew colder still, throwing himself into his work for Xemnas. It didn’t matter. He had things to do. Did Axel look hurt when Saix snapped at him or told him off? Good. Familiarity could only lead to more pain now. There would be time to fix things later. Now, with the keyblade wielders around, there was nothing but work to do. 

“If only you'd never look at me,The way that you do If only you'd never look like that when I look at you I see face like stone, Eyes of ice Mouth so sweetly telling lies, I wish you felt the way that I still do.”

Throat Full of Glass - Combichrist

“Like a disease, I'm always in the wrong And now the numbness wearing off Can't stand the pain. I get in line, I always do”

He’d never had such a lapse of judgement. If he’d had feelings, he’d be kicking himself. Wait - why would he be guilty of anything? Had he pushed Xion to run away to Castle Oblivion? No. Had he pushed Roxas to leave? No. Had he chased Axel away? Of course not. 

The three of them were gone, but had any of this ruined Xemnas’s plans? Not even! If anything, things were going better now the real keyblade wielder was back in action. That kid was easier to control than Roxas ever was. Thank goodness Roxas was gone. Saix knew he was doing a good job. Xemnas was happy. Kingdom Hearts was growing. Soon, it would be complete. And when it was complete... Nothing would matter any more, and Saix would be ready with Lunatic to put that keyblade wielder away for good. Roxas or Sora, it didn’t matter. That kid was trouble, and soon all troubles would be over. 

“Nothing left to break my rivals In a thousand pieces, million reasons Why should I keep myself away?”

Pictures of You - The Cure

“Remembering you fallen into my arms, Crying for the death of your heart You were stone white, so delicate, lost in the cold You were always so lost in the dark”

Saix never thought a keyblade would feel the way it did. It cut into his very essence, into his being, but pain? Where was the pain?

Isa would be screaming, but Isa was long gone. Soon, Saix would be gone too. As he tried desperately to hold his fading body up, all there was was numbness. Dying like this? He’d rather die like the first time, running with Lea’s hand in his own.

Lea? Where was Lea? Kingdom Hearts shone brightly overhead. The words tumbled from his lips. “Where is my heart?” His hand was empty as he crumpled to the ground and faded into nothing. 

“There was nothing in the world that I ever wanted more Than to feel you deep in my heart. There was nothing in the world that I ever wanted more Than to never feel the breaking apart All my pictures of you”

Night/Day - Mae

“There are things about me I just can't ignore I know I want to change when I see that door On the other side, daylight decides there will be war with sleeping in Oh, I know there'll be no more sleeping in, yeah”

Isa gained consciousness. He quickly opened his eyes and looked around himself. He was back in the house on the edge of Radiant Garden. The room was a mess of overturned furniture. The bodies of many people lay around him; it was the other people who had worked here, who had been part of Organization 13. And if they were here...

Lea! Lea’s body lay prone nearby. Isa dragged himself to Lea, resting his head on his chest. He breathed a sigh of relief; he could hear Lea’s heart beating. Good, he was alive. Perhaps he could drag the taller man out to safety. Surely he could be happy to see... Wait. No. In horror, Isa recoiled from Lea, a wave of disgust hitting him. What had he done? Isa was painfully aware of what Saix - no, he himself, had done. How would Lea forgive him for all that?

Then, footsteps. Braig. Isa was pulled to his feet. “You’re coming with me,” said the taller, stronger man. “Sorry, but Xemnas needs his vessels.”

For a moment, Isa felt desperation and the will to fight rise in him.Then, a cold anger descended. It was a comfortable feeling; Isa recognized it as how Saix had felt for a very long time. Saix had felt? Well, he must have. Anyway, this feeling was familiar. He almost felt himself smile. He could feel a plan beginning to stir in his mind. If he played his cards right, he could perhaps swing this messy situation to his advantage. Saix... Isa... Perhaps there wasn’t that much difference after all. And if there wasn’t, what was losing his heart once more going to mean as long as he could make things right? “Unhand me,” he said to Braig, his voice calm and icy as usual. “I understand, I’ll go with you. Let’s go before these useless ones wake up.”

Inside, he began to think hard.

“I've been putting off this purification A rebirth and regeneration inside of me And I've been saying no for far too long Even though something brand new is coming out of me.”

Everything + Where there is Light - VNV Nation

“Don't tell me it's the end of everything It always seems the darkest before the light So fragile and breaking apart Finding solace in the knowledge of what's right All that's holy, sacred and divine Guarding over all within its sight”

Guardian... That was what Lea apparently wanted to be now. Saix, or Isa, whatever, was amused. Of course Lea would want to be a keyblade wielder. Isa felt Lea would probably be quite good at it.

While Lea was busy out there, Isa was hard at work in the shadows. He and Vexen, whom he had re-recruited, brought the puppet Xion back to life together. Then, Vexen began to work on a replica body for Roxas while Isa trained the puppet - kindly, at that. This time, Lea wasn’t an obstacle between them, since both he and the puppet were working for the same end. In getting to know her, he came to think of her of a person in her own right. 

They worked very hard together, since Isa knew Lea was working hard too and the two of them would have to be better fighters than Lea to succeed. Finally, Isa found himself around the corner of the clock tower, where he knew Lea was. Xion had encouraged him to see Lea once before the final outcome of all their work was decided; what would he say? A long speech he was composing in his head was interrupted when Lea sighed deeply and mumbled to himself, causing Isa to notice the extra ice creams in his hand. It had been a long time since Isa had had ice cream. 

“Can you see the light As far as the eyes can see From this point above the world Where mortals dare their destiny As it radiates May I witness open-eyed Let me remain where there is light”

Gilgamesh - Gypsy and the Cat

“I feel the light, it cuts my face, I'm staring at the wall It won't be long til' we embrace, I'm knocking on your wall”

Isa welcomed the feeling of the keyblade plunging into his body. It cut into him and he fell with a grunt. The feeling of this existence fading was as unpleasant as it had been the first time, but when he looked up at Lea’s face, he felt calm. He didn’t know that Xion had started to tear up and that Roxas only half-understood what had happened, all he could do was look up at Lea and feel glad that this time, he’d not die alone or scared with Lea’s hand in his. This time Lea’s arms were both wrapped around him. His head leaned against Lea’s chest. He could smell Lea’s sweat, feel the warmth of his body, hear his heart pounding in his chest. Perhaps everything wasn’t forgiven yet, but it would be soon. Time to let go. 

“See you, Isa.”

“See you, Lea.”

“If I die, please don't cry I'll be there, by your side If I die, please don't cry I'll be there, inside your arms”

The Sun and Moon - Mae 

“Wasted time... I cannot say that I was ready for this, but When worlds collide, And all that I have is all that I want, The words seem to flow and the thoughts, they keep running, And all that I have is yours; All that I am is yours.”

Isa looked out over the sea. “Well, we’re going to need a new frisbee,” he said. 

Lea ruffled Ventus’s hair. “You have a throwing arm and a half on you, buddy,” he said, laughing. “Better than mine, haha. Hey, why don’t you go catch up with the others and see how the barbecue is going?”

As Ventus ran off to where Xion and Roxas were trying to light a barbecue, Lea wandered over to Isa and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Are you ok?” he asked.

“Never been better,” replied Isa. He pulled the frisbee out of his coat and tossed it aside. “But I wanted a moment with you.”

Lea grinned at him, stepping to face him. “Hey! That was pretty sneaky,” he scolded gently. 

Isa smiled back. “You know what they say. Once a villain...”

He didn’t finish his sentence before Lea’s mouth found his. Isa’s eyes closed and the words slipped away. This was all he had ever wanted. He was finally at peace.

“Painted skies... I've seen so many that cannot compare to Your ocean eyes. The pictures you took that cover your room, And it was just like the sun, but more like the moon -- A light that can reach it all -- So now I'm branded for taking the fall.

So when you say, "forever, " Can't you see?...You've already captured me.”