#kh rewrite

[crosbyce]

How I would reboot KH (another rant)

KH1: Sora's story; worlds and events based on friendship, trust, and mutuality.

-Sora is briefly reunited with Kairi during his adventure. The two work together on their adventure and dives more into Riku's change in mood.

-Riku is irritated by his isolation and develops his twisted motivation to save Kairi, more to separate her from Sora in revenge.

-The overall plot is every similar to original KH.

KH2: Kairi's story: worlds and events based on mistrust, betrayal, and negative feelings.

-Kairi goes on adventure with Daisy and Minnie who are finding whereabouts of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy

-Organization XIII disguises under private militia to fight against heartless swarming worlds, while fulfilling their own agenda. Kairi works with them to be betrayed near the end.

-Kairi is frustrated by extreme events, betrayals, and constant needs to fend for herself without proper helps. This develops mistrust and frustration toward her peers and allies. Her need for independence foils Sora's stance, inserting polarity and opposition between the two's opinion on friendship.

-Kairi rescues Sora and reunites with Riku. She sends the two to safety, but mostly out of inability to rely on them. She is victorious against Xemnas but becomes stranded in Realm of Darkness on her own.

**That's all I got for now. I'll probably make part 2 later on. Thanks for reading my rant/idea.

[currantlee]

KH3 could have been a perfect ending to a beloved series...

It’s hard to tell when a series jumps the shark, but I feel like Kingdom Hearts — or at least Sora’s story — has missed a big opportunity to go out with a bang. The ending of KH3 is a diamond in the rough, and by that I mean, there are only a few things that I would change about it (but I would keep the basic structure). But even if you didn't change anything, it would still be a really great ending to me.

Imagine that. The entire game, Sora has been giving people second chances. Perhaps it was Naminé, Roxas and Xion who inspired him to do so. Perhaps he's just that good of a person. KH3 really shows off Sora's personality to a degree we've never seen before, and it really lets you, the player, bond with him as a character. This could have been even better IMO if we got to take other characters such as Riku to the Disney worlds as party members. It would have fleshed out his relationships with the others even more.

One of these characters is Kairi. Whether you agree with the assessment that she is Sora's love interest or not, the game doesn't necessarily do the greatest job at conveying why you should care about her (and many people don't as a result). This is probably the biggest change I'd make tbh. Like, you don't know what to do with Kairi? Fine, maybe she doesn't know what to do with herself either, that could be her defining character trait. But make me care about her. Show me why Sora cares about her. And... Make her arc a tragic one, one where she dies before she gets the chance to do whatever she figures out she wants to do. Maybe she tells Sora what she wants to do. He smiles at her, tells her he thinks it's a great idea and gives her a thumbsup. Do they still share the Paopu Fruit in this version? Well, does it matter? Let's keep it in because I feel like in this scenario, it really doesn't take anything away, although it may not add much either.

Everybody still goes into limbo, but Sora brings them back, just like Roxas, Xion and Naminé did for him back in KH2. I feel like their stories would be more impactful if they didn't return in KH3 tbh, also because that would make Sora understanding the consequences of his actions even more real. So yes, I would probably not bring the three of them back.

Kairi still dies. Specifically, she dies before she can accomplish what she figured out she wanted to do. Hopefully you care about her in this alternate version, because it might make her death more impactful, and hopefully you understand why Sora cares about her so much because if would make his reaction more relatable.

But just like you may think it's unfair, why her — Sora may think so too. He's pretty much done anything he ever wanted at this point, except for returning home. Maybe his life is already running out. He did save all the others after all. And then you have Kairi, who... Didn't get to have a fulfilled life. Sora cares about her, clearly. So he makes one final choice. He chooses to give her a second chance too, just like he gave pretty much the entire cast, except Roxas, Xion and Naminé, and that's because he was literally unable to. But he would have if he could.

The time that remains for him, he decides to make the best of it, as he always does. So he decides to spend it in the best way possible: by going home alongside his friends, and having a blast with them for one last time. Yes, I would make it less shippy. The whole date thing and why only Kairi is with him when he fades away never made sense for his character IMO. In the words of someone else, Sora is not that horny. So let him fade away in the middle of his friends instead of alone with Kairi sitting in a tree. The sun sets just as he's gone, but a new day is sure to come again... Soon. After a long, dark night. But eventually, the sun will rise again, and until then, you know they're going to make it.

...

Hold on, I'm not done yet. There's still a secret ending, which I would make even harder to see (remember the days when games had secrets? Like, actually? Yeah, that level of hard to see. Maybe you'd even need multiple playthroughs 😛). You see two feet in motion, walking an unfamiliar street in an unfamiliar place. Maybe heaven, maybe the (far) future, or maybe Quadratum somewhere entirely else. We're not told. The camera pans back, and we see what we might have already been able to deduce: it's Sora, carrying a bag of groceries. He's smiling, and the message is clear: whereever he is, he is well.

The End.

... buuut of course, that didn't happen. Because of course, someone couldn't let it end there and had to extend Sora's story, potentially past it's prime 😒

(I say that with love. I love Sora as a character. But sometimes, to love means to let go. I'm open to get my mind changed by KH4, but I'm not excited for it, lol)

[smovs]

barret breakthrough: the trick is to paint his scalp under the buzz cut as if it were bare skin, then paint his stubble over top. the highlights & roundness of his head's gotta show through the buzzed hair 🌠

[holleighgram]

So, go easy on me. This is my first time singing/recording/editing/mixing anything-- let alone posting it, but I really wanted to participate in March Caprice this year. I wouldn't have been able to even do this much without the incredible @projectdestati lending me their sensational talent for the accompaniment.

I hope one day to re:record this piece sometime down the road when I've got a few more collaborators (and can afford a decent microphone), Hopfully by then, I'll learn how to mix, or can afford to pay someone to mix it into an actual track. For now, there are 2 versions-- one with lots of nerdy call backs and the other that's a little more simple and .... tidy.

All that to say,

I rewrote the lyrics to Hikari to reflect the themes of Kingdom Hearts a bit better. Hikari has always hit a bit different than Simple and Clean, for me and I just wanted to sing along, so I made these lyrics. Hope you enjoy :)

Lyrics:

Been having dreams, At least it seems That way… How much is real Of what I feel And say?

Was I reckless diving in so deep and believing you would follow me, And dive in after? Was I wrong all along ? You and me weren't meant to be :( How can I face what lies ahead? How is this the path that my heart led?

And now dawn is breaking and soon you’ll be waking This that path I am taking Will lead me back to you. Hearing the dark call, I’ll fight it with my all Keep shining bright, Cause you’re my guiding light.

~Break~

Now back to back, We walk our paths, my friend But when we meet My hearts will beat again

Never thought that it would end like this-- With you and me facing the great abyss Though doors are closing Pick a side, you and I, we’ll get by Cause you’re next to me, we are the key we always were. Take my hand, And we’ll go together

~Break~

And now dawn is breaking and soon you’ll be waking This promise we are making Is like the one we made while Watching the stars fall-- I promised you my all. I’ll stand and fight For you, my guiding light

Slowly, The pieces come falling into place, and we’ve landed standing hand in hand. Regardless of heartless, I know that we’re prepared for this fight. You’re my guiding light.

Slowly, The pieces come falling into place, and we’ve landed standing hand in hand. Regardless of Darkness, I know one day we'll set this all right. You’re my guiding light.

[kairithemang0]

Can I just say that it is a CRIME that Sora isn't on Riku's station of awakening but ANSEM IS???? Nomura the next to we see it we gotta have 1 an updated Riku design on it and 2 Sora front and center on there

[tsukikoayanosuke]

One's Dazzling Light - Ruikasa Week 2024

Day4: Fantasy

Rui always thought that the world was cruel. That happiness doesn't exist in his play of life. The curtain rose to reveal a dark wood where he lived since he was born. A poor peasant couple; the toy maker husband and the housewife. In a world where magic surrounded the air, what could a pair of magicless humans do? 

Neither of them could raise a child of magic. Not just any magic; the Pure Darkness. A magic of jinx and curse. A magic that could bring ruin to the world. 

A magic bestowed on the only son of the poor Kamishiro family. 

His parents tried their best. They did. They loved him more than anything in the world and he lived him back. His father taught him about crafts and his mother taught him about flowers. 

But Rui was a child. A lone child who only wants friends. 

And yet no children his age wanted to step onto his stage. They shun him for having the cursed magic. He could count on one hand the children who eventually accept him the way he is; a shy mermaid named Nene who accidentally swam too close to the beach when he was practicing and a knight-in-training named Mizuki who had been outcasted for being too feminine. 

Those four people are the people Rui kept close to his heart.

And the world decided to take them away almost immediately.

"I got accepted!" Nene said to him, happy tears streaming down her cheeks. "Phoenix Orchestra. I get to sing and travel the world."

He didn't have the heart to beg her to stay.

"I'm going to the Knight Academy next year," Mizuki said to him. "Do you want to join in as well?"

He just shook his head, knowing he had no place there.

"We'll be home in just a week, okay kiddo?" His father ruffled his hair.

"Don't forget that we love you." His mother kissed his forehead.

They never came home. Their carriage was attacked. It was not an accident, Rui knew that. The punishment of being the parent of a cursed child. 

They tried to kill him as well, but a burning house could never hurt him. He sent it back to them, burning them to the bone. After all, Pure Darkness magic could increase misfortune. Perhaps he accidentally cast it upon himself. But he no longer cares. 

If the world tries to kill him, then he'll destroy them first with his own hand. 

"I understand you," the spotlight shone upon a lady in black with pink hair who smelled like death. She offered a hand toward him. "There are many who seek justice, to restart the world with a blank canvas. With your power, we shall bring salvation to those who seek." 

"What must I do?" 

"There are people who are the opposite of you; four people hold the power of Pure Light. Find them, bring them to me, and with the power of Pure Darkness, we shall create a Utopia." 

Rui, who has nothing left to lose and a desire to see the world crumble, took the hand. 

The title 'Alchemist' was bestowed upon him.

The world trembled before his title despite never seeing his true appearance for his illusion magic. In his search for those Pure Light, he brought judgment upon evil. Those who commit crimes will receive punishment from him. Those who wish for revenge upon their enemies, he shall fulfill it. The true Utopia may not come sooner, but he shall bring a little salvation to the people.

*****

In the small provincial town of Phenny, Rui had found one of the Lights. He had sensed a shift in magic the moment he stepped into the town. It was warm, inviting, peaceful... It was everything that Rui wasn't. A Pure Light, such presence they had.

It brought him to an inn. Rather crowded this late in the evening, filled with drunkards and knights off-shift. Rui schruched up hin nose. Could the Light possibly be here in this lowly place?

"Rui? Is that you?"

Rui turned toward the voice and saw a familiar pinknette, now dressed in a silver uniform. "Mizuki..."

"Hey, man!" Mizuki ran toward him, not hesitating to hug him. "It has been a while!"

"I thought you were still studying at the Knight Academy."

"I am. I'm in my final year, so we had a one-year service thing."

"Who are you servicing to?"

"Oh, just some guy." Mizuki didn't look at him as they waved their hand nonchalantly. A gesture of avoidance. They were hiding something and Rui had his guesses.

"Mizuki!"

There it was. A Pure Light walking toward them. Taking a figure of a young man dressed in simple, yet elegant, clothes at the same time; a suit, blue hat, a bow as a tie, and a coat over its shoulder with constellations. Hair as gold as sunset and eyes that shine with innocence.

The Light widened its eyes. "O-Oh. Hello! Are you a friend of Mizuki?"

"You can say that." Rui smiled just for pleasantry. "I'm Kamishiro Rui. And who might you be?"

"Tenma Tsukasa. But you can call me Tsukasa." It offered its hand and Rui took it. Such power radiated from that hand, sending shivers down their spines. "Are you a traveler?"

"You can say that."

It smiled. "Well, I hope we see each other around."

For a prey to invite its predator into its nest, perhaps the Light was more gullible than Rui thought it was.

*****

Passing Akito's room, he could hear the sound of him humming. It wasn't an unusual occurrence, the Wanderer is often one who announces his presence with either a whistle or a caw of his eagle. 

This melody, however, sounded more cheerful, more passionate, and filled with excitement.

"What are you humming about?"

Akito raised his eyebrow from his spot on his bed. Book perched on a thigh and a pencil in his hand. "Why do you care?"

"Just curious."

Akito rolled his eyes and looked back to his book before writing something. When Rui thought he had decided to ignore him, Akito said, "It's just something Kohane taught me."

"Kohane?"

He paused. His gaze shifted to avoid Rui. "I mean, the Light."

Rui chuckled. "Oh, aren't you getting too chummy with it?"

"Shut up. It just happens we have the same interest."

He jumped off his bed and pulled his hood. "Where are you going?" Rui asked when Akito walked past him.

"Meeting-" He stopped himself. "I mean, keeping an eye on Kohane."

"Sure you are."

For a Darkness and Light to be friends... 

How ridiculous.

*****

Phoenix Orchestra arrived at Phenny. It was said that this small town was the birthplace of the most well-known orchestra in the entire country. The same orchestra that Nene joined. Thus their reunion happened in Phenny.

"Rui!" Nene was never one with physical contact, but she leaped into his arms. Even in his cold heart, Rui couldn't deny returning it. "It has been too long."

"I'm glad I can see you again."

"Me too." Nene pulled back. "Oh! I need to introduce you to someone!" She pulled him toward a small pinknette with a smile so wide. "This is Emu. She's the daughter of the head orchestra."

"Hello!" Emu took Rui's hands and shook them hard. "It's nice to meet you! Nene told me a lot about you!"

"She did?"

"Yup! I would love to get to know you!"

Rui couldn't help but chuckle. "Likewise."

"Oh! Oh! Now it's my turn to introduce you to my friend!" She pulled them toward the inn where Rui was now staying. And upon entering, he could hear the sound of a piano. A beautiful melody; soft and inviting. The Light sat there, eyes closed and smiling softly. Fingers glided down the keys, foot pressed the pedal to a ringing tone. A harmony that left Rui speechless. 

"It's just something Kohane taught me."

Was this what Akito felt when he met his Light? To hold a melody close to his heart and cause a change of heart.

When the piano stopped, Rui craved for more.

"Tsukasa!" Emu leaped into Tsukasa's arms, almost causing him to fall from his seat. 

"Emu! I didn't know you were coming back."

"We'll be here for a couple of months! Keisuke is thinking of holding another audition soon. You should try in." 

Light smiled and patted Emu's head. "I'll think about it."

"But you always said that!" Emu pouted.

"It's a hard decision, Emu."

"And why is that? If I may ask," Rui asked.

Light looked at him. His gaze softened and sighed. "I have a personal reason. I don't want to be a bother."

"You'll never be a bother," Emu said again. "Everyone will love you. I just know it! You'll be a star! Don't you want that?"

"I did." He sighed again. "But that was just a phase, Emu."

Emu stared at him with a slight sadness and Rui was curious about that answer.

Thus, when one night came as Emu, Nene, and Mizuki hung around at one table, Rui walked up to the piano where Light was playing once again. Even after a couple of times listening, Rui could say that he was quickly attached to Light's playing.

"What do you mean 'it was just a phase' last time?"

Light smiled. There was a hint of melancholy in his gaze. "I always know my time is limited. I can't let myself indulge in dreams." He glanced at him. "Aren't you here to take it away quicker from me?"

Rui hummed. "So, you know."

"Pure Light and Pure Darkness always resonate with each other. I've never met with you fellow, but I had sensed you the moment you arrived here."

"Are you going to fight me for your life?"

Light paused his playing. "Tell me, Rui." He fully looked at him. "Do you know what it means to bring salvation to the world?"

Rui didn't answer. The question haunted him in his sleep.

*****

"Rui, do you think we're doing the right thing?" Shizuku had asked him one day.

Rui turned to her. "What do you mean?"

Among the four of them, Shizuku had always been the most compassionate. She loves humanity, which includes her sister who she hadn't seen for a long time. The secret of her being the Pure Darkness was spoken and the guilt of leaving her sister behind always burdens her. 

"Minori told me," Minori was the name of the Light assigned to her, wasn't it? "that maybe we're heading to a decision that we couldn't go back anymore." 

"We are aiming for a Utopia. It's only normal that once the world is rewritten, everything won't be the same."

"I know that." She looked at her hand as Pure Darkness danced between her fingertips. "But still." She brought up her hand to her chest and smiled. It wasn't like the cold smile of the Songstress who charmed her victims. But it was Shizuku's smile; a smile filled with warmth. "I think I want to try to live in this world with her for now."

*****

The Light - Tsukasa - stood in the middle of the plaza, surrounded by children. There was a hint of jealousy blooming in Rui's heart. How funny that he hates the sight of children playing around him. He had gotten close these few days under a self-reassurance of building trust. His conversations with Tsukasa about their daily days were pleasant. In the evening, Tsukasa would play at the bar for his part-time job. Rui had asked once why he even bothered to have a job. Tsukasa just answered with, "I just want to experience life."

That was also a thing that Rui was confused about: the desire to live. Rui had given up on life for he had nothing else to do other than wait for salvation Lady Death would bring. Watching Tsukasa going on with his daily life (buying cute stuff for Mizuki with his own money, attending Nene and Emu's rehearsal, inviting Rui for stargazing), Rui wondered if he could do this as well in the new world. Perhaps, if he ever met Tsukasa again, they could live together and experience it.

...

What was that thought again?

"Do the magic, Big Brother Tsukasa!" One of the kids cheered. "Do the magic!"

Tsukasa giggled. "Alright, alright." Tsukasa looked up to Rui, smiling and offering a hand. "Come and give me a hand, Rui."

Rui frowned. "Me?"

"Yeah, come on." Tsukasa skipped to pull Tsukasa into the circle.

"Is he magic too?" One of the kids asked.

Tsukasa nodded. "Yeah, and a great one." He turned to Rui, still smiling at him.

"Are you sure?" Rui whispered. "Pure Darkness brings destruction."

"And Pure Light brings creation." Tsukasa opened his palm and Rui's keen eyes could see magic dancing on his palm. "When combine..." Tsukasa brought Rui's hand closer. "A miracle can be created."

Their hands joined together and Rui could feel their magic intertwined. It felt so right. The wind picked up underneath their feet, fluttering Tsukasa's coat and Rui's robe, carrying white and black feathers. The children cheered from the spectacles. When they reached for the feather, it burst into fireworks and bubbles. 

It was beautiful...

A feather landed on Tsukasa's head and it burst into bubbles. Tsukasa giggled and Rui's heart skipped a beat.

*****

"Luka, I don't want to do this anymore." 

Lady Death didn't even look surprised when Mafuyu stood up from her seat. The table felt so empty after Akito and Shizuku's departure, leaving only a pot of a single black lily in their seat. 

"Kanade had told me everything. You lied to us." 

"You trust the Light more than me?" Luka commented. 

"You never told us anything about sacrificing us all!" 

"What?" Rui looked between the two. "Mafuyu what are you talking about?" 

Mafuyu turned to him. The Marionette had always been emotionless, but at the moment Rui could see the great anguish in Mafuyu's eyes. "In order to create a new world, you need to destroy the first world before creating the new one. If Pure Light is the power of creation, what is needed for the destruction?"

"Darkness? We already know that Mafuyu-"

"The Pure Darkness is tied with our own soul. The same goes for the Pure Light to Kanade's. Once magic tied with one's soul, it became harder to extract." She turned back to Luka, glaring at her. "Any attempt of extracting Pure Darkness or Pure Light won't only result in death, but also the erasure of our existence."

What?

"What... What are you saying?"

"We won't be able to enjoy this Utopia is we disappear for good!" Mafuyu curled her fingers into a fist. "The only one winning here is Luka! She's just using us to get all the Pure Light and later killing us to get the Pure Darkness!"

No...

"Luka..." Rui stared at her. "Tell me this is not true... We're not going to die, right?"

Luka never answered them. But her silence was enough.

"I don't want to die..." Mafuyu lowered her head. Rui couldn't see her face, but he knew the devastation feeling she felt. "I don't want to leave Kanade... She's the only one I have..."

*****

"Sacrifices need to be made to reach one seemingly impossible goal," Tsukasa said as they stared into the sunset from the hill of white lilies. It was a secret place that even Mizuki wasn't told about. And yet Tsukasa showed it to Rui out of all people. "Four Light. Four Darkness. For one utopia that we won't be able to enjoy. Is it worth it?"

Rui turned to look at him. "Are you saying it's better just to let evil roam around this Earth?"

"No." Tsukasa shook his head. "Evil can't roam freely if law and order exist is being held up high." He looked up to the orange sky. "If a Utopia is a paraside where people can do whatever they want, then what's stopping them from doing evil again? Light and Darkness, good and evil, will always be there. One cannot be there without the other. How can one judge that something is evil if good doesn't exist? How can you say you've done a good deed if you don't know what evil doings are?"

"So, what do you suggest?"

"It's a tough question." He reached to snap a lily of its stem, bringing it closer to his nose to smell the scent. "But I don't think bringing the end of the world is a good solution." He giggled. "I still love this world and the people in it."

Tsukasa looked at him with a smile as soft as the sunset as he tucked the lily behind Rui's ear. His fingers lingered on his cheeks for a second too long. Rui caught his fingers, pressing Tsukasa's palm onto his cheek as he kissed it.

"I don't want to die," Tsukasa whispered.

"I won't let you," Rui answered. He leaned into Tsukasa's face and pressed their lips together.

He understood now. He understood why Akito resonated with Kohane's music, why Shizuku wanted to live together with Minori, and why even the thought of leaving Kanade brought Mafuyu to tears.

Rui always thought that the world was cruel. But the simple action from Tsukasa, his Light, made him want to stay in this world together with him.

*****

The city was empty when Rui arrived and immediately he felt dread.

Luka is here.

No no no no no.

Rui ran.

She wasn't supposed to be here. She wasn't supposed to be here!

The inn was empty when he barged in. Not even the sound of the creaking window. The bartender who usually already working on his order, was nowhere to be seen. Rui could feel the darkness coming from upstairs inviting him, challenging him.

Rui ran up and slammed the door open.

There, under the moonlight that shone through the window, Luka stood in the middle of the room. With an unconscious Tsukasa in her arms.

"You really think I would let walk out of our deal that easily?" She smiled at him. "Out of all the Pure Darkness, you were the last person I expected to betray me. I guess all those big talks about hating the world are just for shows."

"Luka..." Rui knew he had the power and yet he felt utterly hopeless under the gaze of Lady Death herself. "Let him go."

"Didn't I tell you?" Luka glanced down at Tsukasa, eyes gleaming with greed. "We need the Pure Light if we ever going to create Utopia."

"But you also need us Pure Darkness."

"That's true. But you'll come." She stepped back, separating Tsukasa from Rui even further. And Rui couldn't even lift a finger. "You will all come. All of you are attached to those Lights. And I'll be taking everything."

A portal appeared as the wind picked up again. Rui could feel the world shift, returning to its original form before being visited by death herself.

And Tsukasa slowly opened his eyes, dazed. He didn't even register that he had been captured. All he knew was that Rui was standing there, just a few feet away from him. "Rui..."

He reached out for him. And Rui snapped as if a freezing spell was finally being lifted from him.

"TSUKASA!" He ran toward the pair, arm stretched to reach his Light. But before he could even graze a finger, Tsukasa was gone.

He's gone.

Tsukasa's gone.

Luka caught him.

He's going to die.

All because of Rui.

"Rui!" He didn't even realize Nene was there, clutching his shoulder and shaking him, because Tsukasa was gone. Luka has Tsukasa. He's gone. Rui couldn't stop her. She's gone with Tsukasa.

"We'll find him." Nene clasped his cheeks, grounding him. "We'll bring Tsukasa back."

Bring Tsukasa back...?

"We'll bring him back." Mizuki knelt beside him, hand on his shoulder. Emu gave him a determined nod. "Not just to stop the end of the world."

Right. They can Tsukasa back.

Rui looked at his hand. A hand that could bring disaster with his magic. But Tsukasa believes that he's a good person, even if his hand is cursed.

Rui would believe him. He clenched his fingers into a fist, feeling Pure Darkness flowing in him.

"Wait for me, Tsukasa…"

[jellyfishvibes]

The urge i have to buy the kh ultimania and get it rebound to look like jiminy's journal

[sillywebz]

me and the physical manifestation of my abandonment issues

[cq-studios]

Would you like to share anything from or about your Ventus (& Strelitzia) fic ?

Sure, I’m in the midst of rewriting it right now (doing that technique where you write it again but only the parts you remember) and the original fic was never finished but I can give some snippets.

Untitled “everyone thinks Ventus has a crush on Strelitzia but he actually can’t stop thinking about her because he killed her” WIP below the cut

Sora had finally made it back. After a whole year of searching, Riku was able to guide him back to the Realm of Light. Ven, like the rest of them, was smiling so wide his cheeks hurt.

The thing was, they weren’t alone.

A girl stepped out of the portal behind them. She wore a white dress and red bows in her hair. Something in his heart itched.

She scanned the people surrounding her, giving everyone a glance. Then her eyes landed on Ven. And on Ven her eyes stayed, alight with fear.

Ven’s stomach sank with familiarity. His breathing quickened. The itch turned to a jackhammer, rattling his core.

He took a step back. Then another. Then another.

It’s her.

Who’s her?

He broke eye contact.

“Are you alright?” Xion looked up at him with earnesty.

Through the fading dread, Ven managed a shaky grin and a nod. The girl’s brow furrowed but, thankfully, she didn’t push. He wondered if he and Roxas made similar faces when they lied.

“Come on, introduce yourself,”

“H-hello, I’m Strelitzia”.

Strelitzia.

The name rang in his head like bells. A cacophony just like the end. Like a new beginning.

It’s all my fault.

What is?

“Aren’t you going to say hi, Ven?” Aqua asked, concern not even hidden as she passed by.

Everyone seemed to be introducing themselves now. Strelitzia looked a little overwhelmed by all the attention.

“Uh, maybe… I don’t want to be rude but she, uh… makes me feel” he grappled for a word, “weird”.

“Weird?”

He wasn’t sure that was a good enough word.

“Nervous?”

That didn’t feel right either.

Aqua paused for a moment, Ven could see the gears turning in her head.

“Alright”

———

And then here’s a couple of scenes from the older version

———

(This is a scene that takes place after poor Ven digs himself deeper into a hole lol)

Terra and Aqua shared a knowing look and big amused smiles.

“Wha-? What’s that look for?”

“It's just cute”

“Huh?”

“You like her, don’t you?”

“I-I guess,” why is this important? “She seems nice, bu-” He paused mid sentence when he realized his friends’ smiles were growing even wider, “wait. You mean-” his cheeks were on fire in an instant, hands flying to cover his face, “Ahh! No! Gross guys”.

“You are around that age,” “Past it even”.

“Lalala! Not listening,”

“‘I can’t stop thinking about her’,”

“Guys, seriously, stop. It’s not a crush!” His confidence faltered, “At least… I-I don’t think it is”.

Maybe crushes did feel this way. He wouldn’t know, he’d never had one. But if they were supposed to feel like this he couldn’t imagine why anyone would want the feeling. It was just so... so suffocating.

———

“Kairi?”

“Hm?” The girl turned her head and eyed him expectantly.

Ven’s mouth suddenly felt like a desert. Was he really going to ask this? Was he even close enough with her to ask this? It’s a personal question. Maybe he shouldn’t bother.

No. He- He had to know.

He steeled his nerves and the question fell from his mouth, “do you have a- a crush on someone?”

The other wielder blinked in surprise and awkwardly, almost sympathetically replied, “Uh, yes, I do… why”

Ven felt so incredibly sheepish. In a voice barely louder than a whisper he asked, “What does it feel like?”

“Oh,” Something that resembled relief flashed in her expression, leaving Ven to wonder what she thought he was going to say, “(she’s supposed to describe it here but I don’t know how and I felt too awkward to ask someone lol)”

“So you don’t feel sick?”

“Feel sick?”

“That’s how I feel around Strelitzia…” “Aqua and Terra think I have a crush on her but-”

“But you aren’t sure”.

Ven shook his head

“Well, everyone’s different, but that doesn’t sound like a crush to me”

[gala-xyzz]

all i'm saying is i never thought my kingdom hearts au would get so complicated that i now have to write up a document to keep everything in order. what happened. am i becoming the next nomura. somebody either stop me or help me

[robotsafari]

thinking about “my homunculus wont stop printing these fucking soyjack edits of me” but its apprentice xehanort and the homunculus is ansemsod

[crosbyce]

Okay... I'm feeling inspired to get my ideas of re-written KH story out here. More details coming soon...

[furiaae]

since most of asteria's verses have a certain similar theme-

i'm thinking of rearranging/re-editing the ones that don't have similarities just because it's gonna annoy my brain a lil that they don't HAHA

i promise they shouldn't be THAAAAT different but we'll see lmao

[nyctoheart]

This is a very cool website that lets you practice typing SYMBOLS as well as letters and numbers

[quillfulwriter]

[lizzzardwizard]

👀

ienzo/riku fanfic revamp