#on one hand people are coming around now that kh3 is out

[goldenchocobo]

Here’s what I’ve been working on, it’s taken a month, but I’ve finally completed it!

All 13 14 Organization XIII members with flowers!

I did reuse some flowers; but I’ve been wanting to redraw those portraits for a while now, so I can cross that off the list too

Under the KEEP READING are the flowers included, along with why I chose them for that Organization Member.

- You've clicked the 'Keep Reading', so you're in for the long-haul; 14 flower analyses in one! Better get snug!

I. Anemone flowers (also called wind flowers) have a lot of meanings, more negative than good ones; the ones I singled out for Xemnas was death and loss. Flower meanings require a lot of context- like sentences, so in this instance, I’ve used ‘loss’ to mean ‘loss’ in a general sense- Xemnas lost his heart, his comrades, his emotions; and by the end of KHIII; even his motivation; saying he doesn’t really care for his comrades’ demises, and that after he’s gained any kind of sensation back; it’s regret.

II. Knowing Xigbar is keeping all kinds of secrets, and knowing them is his business, Snapdragons are perfect. White and purple denote the spiritual and mystic. Them covering his mouth means that he knows something you don't, and he won't tell you anything.

III. We don’t know much about Xaldin- or Dilan. But with how I interpret him and his actions; he’s someone who has been scorned before- or at least has a lot of jealous dislike towards relationships and is sickened by how love makes people act. Hydrangeas are a flower both used for some wedding bouquets, as well as denoting jealousy, especially in their purple-blue colouration, as it's higher pH that causes the flowers to be that colour.

IV. Azeleas are flowers of two halves. They can mean Temperance and intelligence, but also temptation and caution. This is why I thought it was perfect for Vexen. Not only does he give into the temptation of his (immoral) research- more than once, but also ignored the dangers of it. When he's recompleted, we can see that he's gotten rid of these temptations (or at least I hope so). I made them orange to deeper the 'danger' and 'caution' theme as orange is a colour in nature that denotes it- like toxic amphibians and insects.

V. Lexaeus is a quiet man; so I don't really know much about him other than that he's strong and wants to protect Ienzo/Zexion; as such gladiolus- a symbol of such strength and protection is perfect for him.

VI. Zexion is interesting because I kind of see him as a tragic two-sided character. His scheming, 'throwing morals out the window and toying with people' Zexion in CoM side, and his more naïve, innocent and caring Ienzo side we see in KH3. I gave him Begonias for this reason; the purple in one hand representing mystique and curiosity, whilst white being for a more innocent side to him. I specifically chose Begonia pavonina leaves because they look weird and mystic and kind of match his shimmering hair.

VII. I've already used yellow roses for Siax/Isa, in the same configuration as well; and the meaning remains the same. Yellow roses can sometimes mean jealousy- especially towards friendships. Siax got too into his head about Axel making friends. That was when his jealousy took over, and he was lead by it.

VIII. Axel has had Alestromeas before- as they usually mean strong bonds of friendship; something Axel and Lea has shown over and over again. Like with Siax, I chose to make them a crown to show that, that friendship and keeping those friends safe is what drives him.

IX. It was kind of hard to come up with a flower for Demyx. originally I had him with Geraniums as they can represent folly; but instead, I went with Daisies; with the adage, 'Lazy Daisy'- for obvious reasons. Daisies- or asters- come in a large variety and specie. For Demyx, I chose two for aesthetic purposes; common daisy for around his head, and leucanthemum daisy for his neck- for their size.

X. Finding the right flower for Luxord was difficult. I did originally just have him with clovers, but felt that they didn’t suit. I chose poppies instead, as while they’re known for being symbolic of war & peace, fallen soldiers and death, there’s an under-current of time meaning; time being passed while we sleep, the time we remember the departed, and time marching on until the grave.

XI. For the longest time, Marluxia was going to have roses- it’s his whole motif; there’s rose iconography everywhere. But I chose Magnolias due to their symbolism of remembrance. While not fully aware until the very end, Marluxia was always searching for his sister, not believing that she had gone. The yellow Magnolias represent the joys he shared with her, whilst the purple imply the dignity of being a Union Leader, and Lord of Castle Oblivion.

XII. Marigolds are pretty, but their meaning is not... sometimes. Out of their meanings, I've chosen their meaning for Larxene to be one of cruelty and coldness. Because that's what she is to everyone.

XIII. Roxas keep his Dahlias from his original flower piece. The meaning remains the same; That- even in the face of hardship and despair, he will remain kind, friendly and cheerful.

XIV. I was going to reuse the obvious choice of Forget-Me-Nots for Xion; but honestly, I felt intimidated by how small they are, and- if you've paid attention, kept a strict number limit on my flowers; so that wasn't doable. Instead, I chose a Cornflower, which has a similar meaning of not being forgotten, as well as hope, devotion and love.

-

The stones inlayed in the frames have no real significance other than that they match the character's colour scheme; Here's what each stone is: Xemnas: Pearl Xigbar: Smokey Quartz Xaldin: Amethyst Vexen: Emerald Lexaeus: (orange) Agate Zexion: Lepidolite Siax: Moonstone Axel: Sunstone Demyx: Sapphire Luxord: Hematite Marluxia: Rose Quartz Larxene: Topaz Roxas: Snowflake Obsidian Xion: Obsidian

OK- I lied a little; there's some theming between characters, but nothing majorly deep; I haven't really looked into gemstones and their meanings.

If you've read this much, congratulations! Flower Count: Xemnas has 13. Xigbar has 3. Xaldin has 1. Vexen has 7. Lexaeus has 5. Zexion has 13. Siax has 7. Axel has 7 Demyx has 20 (13 common, 7 leucanthemum). Luxord has 7. Marluxia has 5. Larxene has 5. Roxas has 7. Xion has 13.

The only outlier is Xaldin; but Hydrangeas are hard to draw and only had the motivation to draw one.

[bluesylveon2]

I Walked with You Once Upon a Dream

Summary: Two souls find themselves in Dream World, a place with an endless sea and sky.

Note: royal au, fluff, cameos, and set after Lilia's fic. Dream World is based on Final World from KH3

Warning: not beta read, fem Yuu/reader, mini Book 7 spoiler, and possible ooc characters

Word Count: 2.2k

Masterlist: here, Series Masterlist: here

Yuu opened her eyes to find herself looking at a bright blue sky. 

"This is not my room," Yuu said as she tried to cover her eyes from the light. "What?!" She exclaimed as her fingers ran through the shallow water around her. It looked like she was not in a body of water as the water kept going as far as the eye could see. Despite being in the water, Yuu's clothes were not wet at all. 

"Hello?"

Yuu turned to find a silver star nearby. When did they get there? That star was not there earlier. 

"Who are you?" She asked, inspecting the star.  

"My name is Silver Vanrouge."

"I'm sorry I didn't catch that."

"I said my name is Silver."

Yuu shook her head, and her face turned grim. "I'm sorry I didn't get that. Your voice cut off at your name."" 

"What is your name then?"

"Yuu."

The star(?) shook side to side as if it were saying no. "I didn't get that either. I wonder why…"

The star stayed quiet while Yuu examined the bright floating star again. "You can talk?"

"Of course, I can talk. I'm a human, unlike you."

"What do you mean? You're literally a star." Yuu eyed the star suspiciously. How could something like this be a human? 

"Oh, that's what you look like to me…strange. It must be like that for everyone, then."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that other people, in people's perspectives, will look like stars. It must explain why we can't hear our names. But it seems like we are the only two people here."

Yuu looked left and right only to realize nothing living was around them. They were surrounded by the endless sea and sky. 

"Wait, does this mean we are stuck here?"

"I don't think so. It could only be a temporary thing. What were you doing before you woke up here?"

"I was sleeping."

"So was I. Maybe Father might know something about this place…" The star trailed off. Yuu stared at the star with interest. It had a crystal-like structure, and it reflected the sunlight. Yuu hesitantly reached her hand out to touch it. "Hey, what are you-" 

The moment her hand made contact with it, a bright light came out and blinded her. Yuu shielded her eyes with her arms until it was gone. 

When she opened her eyes, she was on her bed, and the sun was up. 

"Hey, you're back." the star greeted. A few days had passed since the first night, and everything looked the same as when she left. 

"It is nice to see you too. Maybe we can actually hear our names now?"

"Alright, my name is Silver Vanrouge."

"Silver," Yuu let his name roll out out her tongue. "I did not get your last name, but this is an improvement. In that case, I'm Yuu."

"Nice to meet you, Yuu." 

"Did your father ever figure out what this place is?" Yuu asked, looking around the same sky and sea as last night. 

Silver nodded. "My Father once read about it. He told me that it is a fixed place called the Dream World, meaning that the scenery cannot be changed, and only a few people can access it when they sleep."

"I see. I need to find a book about this place. I am only confused about why we are the ones here. Why is no one else here?"

"Father said it is unique to the two people who enter it. He was grinning while explaining it but did not explain why."

Yuu hummed in thought and sat down on the water. Her clothes showed no sign of being wet. "I see. So I guess if we want to reveal ourselves more, then we should start talking."

"I agree." Silver floated down next to Yuu. "We can start with telling something interesting about ourselves. My father, who adopted me as a baby, is a famous fae general."

"But aren't you a human?"

"Yes. I figured out we were different when I was a child, but we have come a long way. Now I have two parents, and they are both faces."

Yuu's mouth pressed together in a thin line. "I'm sorry if this sounds personal, but aren't you afraid of them outliving you."

"It's alright. I don't mind sharing." Silver's star had a red hue to it. "My father and I used to be worried about that. I often asked myself, how will Father handle me not being there when I go?" The star lightened up to a magenta color. "One day, he sat down with me and said, 'Silver, you cannot worry about the future. Focus on spending time with the people around you. You may not be with me one day, but you will live through memories.'"

Yuu smiled; her heart warmed up, thinking about Silver and his father. "Your father sounds like a wonderful person."

"I'm proud to be his son, now and forever." Silver's star went back to it's silver color. "So, what are your parents like?"

"My parents are human, unlike yours. I was born in Sunset Savanna but grew up in the Land of Scalding Sands."

Yuu did not know why, but she sensed that Silver was smiling. "I know someone from there. His name is Kalim."

Yuu's eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh, I know of him. I never met him, but his family plays an important role in Silk City. So, did you grow up in Briar Valley? I hear most fae come from there."

"I do. I live in the castle as a knight for the King."

Yuu's eyes widen in interest. Every story of Briar Valley she heard of made it sound like a mystery, where the King never stepped out of the country. However, she had heard rumors that the King once visited Silk City. "Really? What's it like?"

The King looks intimidating, but he is not. My father is his caretaker, and I see the King as a brother. He and another knight are like brothers to me." 

"That's sweet." Yuu smiled. "It looks like you have a loving family."

"I am glad to have met them." Silver nodded. "So what is the Scalding Sands like? I've been there a few times but did not see everything."

"Well, it's like-" Yuu's voice went up as she recalled her homeland with old stories and innovations. Meanwhile, Silver listened attentively, just as Yuu had done before. Yuu only wished she could see Silver's expression. "And then they have a festival called Al'ab Nariya. It uses fireworks to-" A flashing light appeared, and an invisible force was pulling at Yuu and Silver's bodies. "I never got to finish telling you everything!" Yuu exclaimed while holding her hands out to grab the star. 

"You can always tell me tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you. Yuu."

For a moment, Yuu swore she saw a smile on the star but must have been imagining it. Right?.

Yuu and Silver continued to meet in Dream World for many nights following that. The two spent hours talking about anything they desired. The more they talked, the more details were revealed of each other. First was the star, then an orb of light; now, it was a silhouette of his body. 

The two were currently sitting on the water like usual. Yuu finished retelling a story about her day while Silver was lying on her lap. Her fingers combed through his soft hair when Silver told her the news. 

"Did you know I'm going to be a big brother? My parents had told me before I went to sleep." Silver brought up one day. He had a bright smile and a sparkle in his eyes. 

Yuu turned to Silver in excitement. "Congratulations! Now you have someone to look over besides Sebek." Yuu giggled. Everything she heard of the infamous Sebek was secondhanded from Silver. Yuu was determined to meet him one day, even if he disliked humans. 

"Yes, but I don't know if I will be the best brother."

"What do you mean?"

Silver sighed and tapped his finger against the water, causing ripples around them. "I only know how to cook things that are good enough to eat, like chopped meats and vegetables."

"I see. Sadly, I'm not familiar with babies myself. I'm not much help." Yuu said, and her eyes lit up with an idea. "Why don't you ask your parents to help you cook? I'm sure they know what to feed a baby." 

"I can ask my mother. I will not ask my father." Silver said firmly, "He's really wise but a horrible cook. I recommend you don't eat his cooking if you value your life. He will find a way to jazz it up."

"Oh, can I visit Briar Valley one day?

Silver chuckled, and he looked at Yuu. "I want you to visit Briar Valley."

Yuu's mouth opened in an o, and her eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"I want you to come visit me one day. We always talk here, but we never met once in real life. I can even give you a tour when you come."

Yuu nodded. "I would love that, and I can give you a tour of the Scalding Sands if you decide to visit."

"I will, Yuu. I promise." The world around them turned bright like sunlight. The two were already familiar with what happened next. Yet, Yuu swore she saw auroral eyes staring back at her.  

Days passed.

Weeks passed.

Nothing happened. 

Yuu went to sleep and woke up like usual, like her meeting Silver was all a dream. 

It was ironic, in Yuu's opinion. 

Yuu looked everywhere for days to find anything about the Dream World. She looked through the libraries all across Silk City, only to come up empty. She was even desperate enough to go to Asim Palace to talk to Kalim, only to find out from his past retainer's sister that he was away on a trip. 

Luckily for Yuu, Najma took pity on her and helped her look through the Asim library. 

Again, they found nothing. Najma was kind enough to continue her search for her and would update her if she saw anything. 

Days had passed since then, and Yuu was thinking about Silver as she weaved through the bustling Camel Bazaar when she felt it. 

A man had casually walked past her, and it felt like the world slowed down around her; the local voices sounded like unintelligible noises, the familiar golden sands had a pink hue, and it all started when the man passed her. 

Yuu turned to find a man with silver hair and familiar auroral eyes staring at her with a mirrored expression. The silhouette of him did not do him justice. Silver was about her age, was slightly taller than her, and had lovely eyes. He looked like a prince straight out a fairytale. She felt a pull towards him that she could not describe. Despite that, the first thing that came out of her mouth was-

"Are you not sweating in that?" she pointed at the black and green leather outfit that would not help an average person in the desert heat. 

Silver shrugged with a smile on his face. "Not really, but I can change into something more appropriate if you are worried about me."

Yuu blushed. How could he say that so casually when they first met? She grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the shops. "I know a place that sells quality clothes, and we can grab something to eat after."

"Oh, like a date? Father mentioned how he used to go on one like these…" Silver said innocently, unaware of Yuu turning red like the color the Sorceror of Sands wore. 

"Wait, we need to get you something before discussing that!"

Silver stopped walking, took Yuu's hands, and looked into her eyes. "Yuu, I know this is the first time we met in person, but I felt something the moment you walked by. I once felt it when I met my mother because I knew she would be important to me. It sounds silly, but trust me. Let me court you properly once we settle this."

Yuu's heart swooned, ignoring the many eyes watching Silver's declaration in public, especially the gossiping aunts who give them a few hours and Yuu's parents would hear about the news. She was too focused on Silver to care. 

"Alright." She grasped Silver's hand and walked off. "This place gets more crowded at night, and I don't want you to get lost."

Silver smiled, making him look like a prince from the fairytales. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Excerpt taken from A Book About Soulmates (previously owned by Mallenoa Draconia)

Once upon a time, two souls fell into tragedy. However, before they died, they met an angel who gave them each a wish. One wished for happiness with the other. The other wanted to meet his loved one every 1000 years. The angel granted their wishes and set their souls to meet in the Dream World. Their bond was so strong and special that they would see each other whenever they slept. The only time they stop is when they start falling in love. After that, the two are bound to love each other for a lifetime. 

A/N: I might make a sequel to this once Book 7 comes out in the EN server

Disclaimer: I do not own Twisted Wonderland and its characters. Those belong to Aniplex, Walt Disney Japan, and Yana Toboso.

©: This story belongs to bluesylveon2 2020-23. DO NOT modify, republish, or plagiarize my work.

[mirror-to-the-past]

Hi. Boom. Here's long assorted sleep deprived thoughts I'm gonna be face palming at later about my current KH3 impressions.

Finished Olympus, Corona, now I'm on Toy Box.

PUNTING DONALD INTO ORBIT. And low key, Goofy, too. Like, on one hand, they're just Some Guys and also cartoon characters that make me giggle every cutscene they're in and they just try to lighten the mood or whatever. On the other hand, narratively, NOBODY is getting off Sora's case oh my god. Like, they've teased him before but it feels much more frequent and pointed this game towards the things Sora is insecure about. "Haha, you know Sora, our forgetful, stupid, careless, rash, powerless, weak, codependent idiot! We love him. <3" (exaggerated for comedy but they really don't stop with the punches and it's so uncalled for lol) And he either takes it or lightly goes "hey..." half the time. Donald keeps talking shit, Goofy just lets it happen and whenever there's actually disputes where Sora sasses back a 'lil then he steps in and it gives off vibes of "now don't make your mother angry." They're questionable guardian figures. Rehoming Sora to Supportive Dad Mickey Mouse real quick out of saltiness. That said, Goofy kind of laying a steadying hand on Sora on the Trinity Sled and when he was upset about Eugene's "death" in Corona is sweet.

The face of someone doing completely well who says "I can take it" twice in a row just to prove how well he's doing:

Bestie. You're fifteen years old and running around in a world where tripping acid on identity issues, amnesia, and listening to vague monologues from strange predatory darkness men is another Tuesday.

Sora keeps spacing out and giving thousand yard stares especially throughout this game, and when Ienzo told him "yeah, your heart's not entirely yours!" And Sora just stared blankly at the phone like "figures." I just laughed, lol. He's just constantly pivoting between being occupied by and amazed by the Wonder™ of the world/absorbed by the hype of meeting new people and the Horrors™ presented by the constant tumult of foreign emotions and memories running through his little head, clearly to such a degree that it's no surprise to be told that there's whole fuckin people within him. Teenage experience, honestly. Love coming of age narratives that are just crazy fucking magic bs manifesting in dissociation central. What a guy.

I was in tears laughing when Sora was hearing voices in Twilight Town and thought Hayner and co. were those same voices for a sec and very enthusiastically, as though to prove himself went: "See?? :DDD Voices!" SORA, HONEY.

In other news of AAA-

Way to the Dawn just fucking broke? Why was everyone so calm? Am I missing something? Riku's like "aha gives me an excuse to skill up and get a better one-" child, I am gripping you by the shoulders. This blade is manifested as an extension of your heart, they don't just BREAK. Should I be concerned about the integrity of your soul, brother?

THE SCENE WITH KAIRI AND LEA/AXEL WAS SO SWEET, I WANT MORE OF THEM. NEED MORE OF THEM, ACTUALLY. When Kairi was like ":3 hehe I'm gonna beat your ass in the ring," and when he started CRYING because he caught a glimpse of Xion in her. 😭 Her letter to Sora was so fucking sad I am heartbroken how she becomes more alienated from her friends as time goes on. She went from sending the letter as a waypoint in KH2, like "please come back, here I am" to "you know where I am, but I'm still here talking to myself anyway." I. 👏 NEED. 👏 CLOSURE. 👏 Preferably for Kairi with both Sora and Riku, but they'll probably do just Sora but I dunno I don't want to get my hopes up or down. I just... I dunno, even if things aren't necessarily the same with all of them, I'd just like there to be something affirming where they stand because like even though the care they have for each other is obviously there, you can see it with all three of them in KH1 and KH2 (drives me up the walls bonkers when Riku shielded her with his body and Sora caught her when they were flashbanged), it's also like that feeling of a dwindling group chat kind of scenario. "That's right, no more waiting for you to come back from your adventures..." Props to VA that line was delivered so laden with hollowness. I hold Kairi in hands. Devastated.

THE FOCUS ON SAVING ROXAS HAS ME EXCITED. THAT IS ALL. I WAS YELLING AT SCREEN FOR FOREVER LIKE "USE A REPLICA" and then Riku finally was like "🤔✨...Replica?" And I went and mentally hoisted him onto my shoulders for a little "hip hip hooray" because the dots are connecting with the characters, fellas. I might see at least one of my peoples, soon.

Riku's VA just sounds like he's given up for this game and it's killing me, lol. Voice direction just hasn't been in his favor so far.

Mickey Mouse and Riku bonding time in hell. Riku's like "wow, mouse dad, I feel less riddled with self doubt these days. It's pretty nice to feel like a go-getter, haha, wonder why tho?" And Mickey Mouse is like... "Well... 🏳️‍🌈...! :D" Riku goes: "🤔... 🏳️‍🌈👍." strength to protect what matters And then that's that. Back to reconnaissance mission for lost veteran. Cinematic perfection.

Sora is still a certified Disney princess, if anyone's curious. He got his dance number in for this game, and he had birds gently circle around him and land on his finger.

Marluxia: "Ah yes, we finally reunite." Sora: "who"

I still can't tell if anyone has debriefed Sora, Donald, and Goofy about what happened in Castle Oblivion yet in any way. I'm wondering why they're (writers) playing that particular plot line so close to their chest.

Adorable how well Sora and Rapunzel got along. While Sora is a friend to all and shit it's really sweet seeing how he still seems to have bonds where he personally clicks with some characters more than others. And all for good reasons- like matching with his traits. I imagine him, Rapunzel, Ariel, and Hercules get brunch at the Bistro now, and no one can take this from me. Also Hercules is such a Sora hypeman, cheering him on even when he's getting crushed by a building. He passes the vibe check 100%.

I manifested my gag attack concept from my BBS post halfway into being and I'm so happy about it, lol. Thank you Hercules from hit movie Hercules for swinging Sora around in a circle like a broadsword in your special attack. I think more people should use him as a broadsword for enrichment reasons.

THEY CUT OUT THE SNUGGLY DUCKLING FROM TANGLED. SO MUCH POTENTIAL HAS BEEN LOST FROM CANON. I WILL NEVER RECOVER.

"how do I get power of waking when it didn't work the normal way Hercules," "idk Sora maybe you've got to be in love like I am," "well shit. guess I should get me some of that love superpower. Oh btw how come happily married Mickey Mouse and my best friend Riku are the only dudes that have the power of waking I'm confused," "...idk Sora" "okay, bye herc" (can you see my sleep deprivation leaking yet, I'm connecting the dots though, I promise, trust my methods 🤣)

IT TOOK ME 7 TRIES TO CRACK A FUCKING EGG. Remy Ratatouille looks at me like a disappointed father

Weaponized amusement park ride powers are so badass actually. I love the teacups and wish I could inflict them on my enemies, too.

Sora now has GUN. "Shooting" Star, indeed.

Sora and Rapunzel splashing in da water. 💦🥰 So cute.

WHY DID THEY PUT THEIR WHOLE ASS INTO THE FAKE VIDEO GAME TRAILER IT LOOKED SO SICK. I was so confused though I saw the dude and was like... Riku?? Wtf you're HD, my guy! Wait, you've got heterochromia and are chasing after a girl, mistook you for someone else, my bad.

There is a dog on my gummi ship roof and he will stay there until I finish the game.

Twilight Town is gorgeous and I now know the answer for "if I could pick a video game place to live" that's not just Stardew or Pokemon or something.

"I can't computer so... do that." Me too, Sora. Helping him learn his phone by having him take a ton of pictures, though. I'd like to imagine he sends them to his buddies or is excited to show them later or something. That would be so <3

The Kingdom Hearts social media posts are so funny to me for some reason btw. You get surreal shit like Riku pain-posting "I wonder if I'm the reason Ansem looks the way he does :/" and. The sideway frown just sent me. No, I can't explain why. Just comedy gold. "Mfw when possession :/" "sometimes I think about when my friend was in a coma for a year :/" "y'know I wonder what my family felt when my home was overcome with darkness because of me. Did it hurt? Were they afraid? Well they're back now but I wonder that sometimes. :/"

Maleficent is me trying to track down Luxu and shake him for answers. I don't even care if it's bad she finds it, I need to know what's in the damn box.

Buzz Lightyear going "this plot sounds ridiculous and absurd. Of course you're acting like this is normal, pitiful JRPG character." Sora: ":'D"

GET IN THE ROBOT, SORA.

[lime-sketches114]

Ok so I've been scrolling on here and I was in a Kingdom Hearts mood so I thought. "Should I make a mini fic about Luxu/Xigbar? Should I do it with his wife Ayla? One of his kids?" Then I thought of a scenario based on the headcanons I saw about Luxu's possession tendencies. Then I was like... "Well Katherine has special dreams powers like Riku and the Power of Connection. Braig's body has been with her since the beginning before BBS happened so why not let her meet Braig? Through her dreams?"

So here we are. This is a platonic/parental mini fic so it's not the other kind of love. This also gives me an excuse to expand/mess around with the lore. I have so many ideas for my girl Katherine Hearts. I love her so much! Enjoy!

Was Always With You

A Xigbar/Luxu/Braig and Katherine Hearts mini fic

Father and daughter KH fanfic (Platonic/Parental NOT LOVEY DOVEY! I'm watching you...(⁠눈⁠‸⁠눈⁠))

Warnings: mostly mild, tooth rotting sweetness and AAAWWWWWW and WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DANG ONIONS!!!

(This fic takes a part after KH3/into KH4? it's an au-ish fic so yeah...)

★★★★★

One sunset evening at Radiant gardens, in the home of the Hearts family, a young woman that goes by the name Katherine Hearts was up. She fiddled with her locket and sighed. She sat in her old childhood bedroom, now redecorated to fit her size since she wasn't 5 years old anymore. It's been a while since she was back in this world. Ever since the astounding tribulations of 10+ years ago, during Birth by Sleep, bits and pieces of her memories were either lost or floating in her head, waiting to be pieced together.

She recovered most of her memories, especially the ones of her brother, Neon, and her father, Braig...or more over now called Luxu. Her mother, Ayla Hearts, told her of Luxu and how he used the power to steal the bodies of people just to live longer. She was told the same Luxu, his body at least, was not her father biologically. His went to her older brother who was born during the age of Fairytales. Katherine always wondered if Braig was ever there in her life before Luxu possessed him and possibly his heart being locked away or casted out into oblivion bc of the magical act.

Her thoughts made tears well up. Just when she thought she knew her real self, more intrusive thoughts kept replacing the questions she thought she answered. She hugged her knees and tried to well her tears.

Then there was a knock.

"Hey Sunshine, You alright?" Spoke a suave voice.

Katherine tried to dry her tears, "Y-Yeah! I'm fine dad!"

"you sure? I thought I heard crying...may I come in?" Luxu spoke in a caring way.

"...s-sure" Katherine said through a stifled sniffle.

When the door opened, Luxu saw his daughter distressed and crying like a leaky faucet. His eye widened a bit.

"Sunshine what's wrong? Did something happen?" Luxu sat on the bed.

"Yes and no...stupid thoughts keep on filling my head...it's about something said by mom...that You as Luxu...are not my biological father... And Neon is technically my half brother..." She looked at him.

Luxu froze a bit but sighed, "yeah...it's true body wise I didn't Father you, but that doesn't mean I'm not your dad. A Dad is someone you look up to and admire. A Father protects the ones he loves and cares for them. I barely ever felt those feelings in my own body when Neon was born"

"you didn't?"

"Nope, besides being a first time dad, I didn't know what to do. I was so focused on what my master said that I somewhat neglected your mother and brother. Your mother sacrificed so much to protect all of us. Even using the last of her original body's magic to seal your brother away to keep him safe. I did nothing..." Luxu looked at his right hand and clenched it.

"but what about me?" Katherine scooted to him on the bed.

"you were a surprise to me. Your Mother and I, we had a massive fight about the future of Neon. I pushed her away. She took your brother and moved here. I knew she still loved me but I was so stubborn and lustful to my duty that I didn't see it...at least not clearly. I knew she would move on...to protect Neon at least..." Luxu sighed.

"do you remember anything else?" Katherine looked up at him.

"not much...all I remember, in my old vessel, was finding out she was pregnant with you by another man. She told him about me and how we were separated for many years. Neon was older and I got so angry that I let precious moments slip away from me. Braig was the man with her, a fresh castle guardsman with a red scarf. All I remember was possessing him and your mother shielding you and Neon away from me. Your brother was never the same after that and always hated me."

"May I ask him?" Katherine tilted her head.

"Huh?"

"I have powers in the realm of sleep, I can reach sleeping hearts if he's still there. I can feel tension in your heart." Katherine looked determined, "My powers of Connection might be able to reach him. But we'll both have to sleep for it to work properly."

Luxu contemplated for a moment then sighed in defeat, "ok...you deserve to know his side of the story, if there's even a heart to tell the story..."

They both laid down on her big bed and got comfy. Katherine took off her locket, which was also her Keyblade keychain, and held it with Luxu. She focused her power as sleep soon took hold of their bodies. Katherine could feel the pull of something as she subconsciously followed it as her heart drifted in the dream world.

★★★★★

Her body was reformed in water. Water? Sounds like a fountain. She opened her eyes to see the blue sky filtering from above and darkness below her. She reached up to touch the surface but a white gloved hand reached in and pulled her up. Katherine coughed up water and shivered a bit before the summer sun dried her off. She wiped the sleep in her eyes and looked up and around.

"it's good to see you again...my Sunshine" a familiar voice, yet sounded less gruff/suave, spoke.

"Braig?" Katherine called out as her vision improved.

"I would say in the flesh but, I'm not free in my own body anymore...been nearly 20 years since I last saw you..." Braig smiled, he looked the same but kept the longer hair and had weird facial scars that looked faded and the eye that was supposed to be under the eye patch was still the brown color while the left was still yellow like in the waking world. "I missed you my little girl"

Katherine stood up but was in her normal height and casual clothing. She wondered if he wanted to see her as she was. She didn't mind but she used to her dream eater form like Riku. "Hi...Dad..." She said nervously. Braig quickly gave her a hug.

"You don't know how long I've waited to hold you in my arms again. Ever since you were a baby you never left my side. Always wanting me to hold you while you held my scarf." Braig laughed softly.

"so that habit was always with me...I still have that scarf..." Katherine smiled

"Yep, and you were the CUTEST baby on the block. Though you had a bit of quirk."

"A quirk?" Katherine looked at Braig.

"yeah, both me and your dad have space-like powers. He was more in tune with his but when you were about a month old you just teleported when you sneezed! Your mom and I looked everywhere for you until Neon called for us. You were cuddling your big brother."

"that quirk....barely left..." Katherine laughed nervously, "I still sometimes teleport when I sneeze..."

Braig laughed and grabbed her shoulders, "looks like it's more of a quirk than we thought! You are my daughter through n through!" He sighed happily before gripping her shoulders, "but you're not here just for a friendly chat are you?"

"no...I wanna know what happened...how you met my mom and why'd she have me with you and why Luxu took your body..." Katherine quivered a bit before Braig started walking with her as the dream world phased into Radiant gardens way back when.

"To start...your mom sought refuge with Master Ansem. Your brother was a frail baby and needed help. She did all she could with her newly formed body but...it wasn't enough and she was not her prime anymore. I was already working as a guardsman by that time and I was tasked to protect them. After Neon got a little better I brought them to my home. Neon was the sweetest baby, about a year or so old. Your mother did what she could to provide nourishment to him." Braig looked at the illusion of inside the house.

The scene was of a very fussy baby Neon and a very tired Ayla. She looked to be a shadow of her old self and what she looks like in present time. Braig was comforting her the best he could. Day after day, night after night.

"Eventually, she opened up to me and how she separated from Luxu. It was a shock to find out what she was. I didn't care, all I cared about was protecting them. We grew closer and closer as Neon grew older. About a year after I asked her to be my girlfriend, I asked her to marry me. She was scared to because of Luxu and his personality. I promised her I'd do what I could. Not long after we were blessed with you." Braig smiled as the scene changed.

The illusion showed Braig finding out and twirling Ayla around. Another was when she was farther along. Braig rubbed her stomach and spoke to it. They were happy.

"Before you were born, Neon relapsed and became sick. Your mom became stressed and worried for him. I did my best to calm her for your sake but you decided to come a little early. It was chaos. Everyone around the castle, maids, nurses, and even Master Ansem helped her. I was scared out of my mind. When I heard your cries I knew you were alright and she was too. I held you in my arms and saw your pretty little eyes and golden hair. It was like the world stopped. We showed you to Neon and he got better. It was like you were a miracle sent to help."

Katherine smiled at the memories. Tearing up even.

"all that happiness came to a stand still when Luxu found Ayla. That day, she raised her Keyblade to him for the first time. He got angry. He was mad that she moved on and had another child without him. She shed tears as she looked back at you and I. She told me to run with you two but a force field was put up and I couldn't teleport out with you..."

The scene unfolded in a park square, the force field looked strong and Ayla kept her Keyblade pointed at Luxu, who was in an older Bragi body, in his black coat. Luxu was seeing red. Katherine never saw either of them look this way. She felt sick to her stomach. Soon voices were heard.

~~~~~~~~~

"It doesn't have to be this way Luxu! I don't want to fight you! But if you hurt them then I'll have no choice!" Ayla screamed out as magical energy formed around her.

"You betrayed me! You moved on! What was our bond to you?! Did our love mean nothing?!" Luxu growled.

"it did mean something! But you broke my trust when you couldn't see past those stupid rose tinted glasses the Master put on you! And on top of all that on what you did back in Scala ad Caelum! I stayed with you because I didn't know what to do! Then my eyes opened when I laid eyes upon Neon again. He deserves a normal life! I won't drag him down the path that maniac carved for you!" Ayla cried out. "I still love you Luxu but not as it was before! I love my life with Braig!"

Luxu became furious, his eyes became red with fury and he summoned a Keyblade, "if that happiness died, then I shall seal the deal by taking away what started it!" He pointed maliciously at a 8-10 year old Neon. Neon gripped Braig's jacket.

Ayla gasped and looked back at Braig, "Take Neon! Run!"

Braig tried to teleport but the force field was too strong, he ran to see if he could force his way. Not dice. Luxu bolted to Braig and readied a swing. When he made contact it was Ayla who shielded them. Leaving a nasty scar on her. Luxu and Braig widened their eyes to make sense of what happened. Ayla dropped to her knees then collapsed.

"Mommy!? Mommy!!" Neon broke free of Braig's grip and ran to his mother. Shaking her somewhat conscious body with tears in his eyes.

Luxu looked at his hands then his Keyblade. He dropped the blade in disbelief. He promised he would never hurt her out of darkness in his heart. He broke it. Tears formed in his eyes. What had he done?!

"You...you..." Luxu sobbed as he looked at Braig.

"Do you want my happiness..." Braig said in a stern voice.

"what..." Luxu questioned.

"Take my happiness on one condition...you must never harm them again. You must love them and my daughter. I'll leave and never return. If I find out you broke that promise then I will come back to kill you" Braig looked him dead in the eyes.

Luxu stood up, "Deal..." Braig unaware of what he might do next.

Braig gave Katherine to Neon in her sling and kissed his and Katherine's heads, "I love you Kiddo. Be strong for Mama and baby sis"

"Daddy..." Neon cried and hugged him. Braig helped Ayla into his arms and held her tightly. She hugged him, she didn't want him to go. "Please don't do this..."

"I have to, he'll kill you if we stand against him. Neon and Katherine would be gone..." Braig said through tears. He was not a skilled fighter, at least not enough to beat Luxu. Braig stood up after giving her a kiss goodbye and started to walk away.

Luxu chuckled as Braig was a bit of distance away from him, "on second thought...I do need a new vessel" he pointed his finger and in the flash of an eye.

"LUXU DON'T-" Ayla yelled but was cut off.

A bright light shot at Braig and he collapsed. Luxu's old vessel faded into light. Luxu shot his heart into Braig's body.

"BRAIG!!!" Ayla screamed

"DADDY!!!!" Neon cried.

Braig's body was now in control of Luxu but the deal he made seal Luxu's fate. Was bc of something else at play? Then two golden lights was shown on a frozen part of the scene. One was Katherine and it connected to Braig's heart deep within his own body. Fighting against Luxu.

~~~~~

"I had the...Power of Connection...since day one..." Katherine was amazed. "My heart saved yours?"

"it would seem so...I felt a warm aura and I heard your giggles. It kept me going to try and change Luxu's heart for your sake. Looks like I somewhat succeeded. You also helped when you grew older. Even as a nobody, neither his or Xehanort's heart ever touched mine. When you remembered your past at the final battle and called us Dad, it gave me the push to let him show emotion, to push my love for you out through him! You're definitely a type of miracle, Sunshine. I'm proud of what you have become. A Keyblade master no less!"

Katherine smiled sincerely at him, "Thanks Dad...I'm glad to have you" she turned to see a black coated figure, "both of you as my dad"

The black coat revealed its face to be of original Luxu. Black hair and somewhat red brown eyes with a hit of yellow. He was crying.

"I'm so sorry...I took your happiness...I don't deserve..." He hiccuped. Then Katherine hugged him.

"it's ok...I forgive you..." Katherine smiled through her tears, "you were lost but now you are found."

Luxu hugged her but then stepped away, his own heart glowing, "guess now I have to make up for lost time..."

Katherine's heart soon glowed brightly then she started to float, Braig grabbed her hand with a smile as his heart glowed as well.

"I'm glad I got to see you Braig! I'm glad you were my father! I have so much to tell you!" Katherine smiled.

"I'm sure you do...thanks Kiddo" Braig's grip began to slip as the dream was about to sever. "I love you"

Katherine's grip slipped out of his and she screamed as she flew off, "I LOVE YOU TOO!"

★★★★★

Katherine woke up in her bed but she was the only one in it. Where did Luxu go? Maybe he went down to breakfast? Oh right it's daytime now...

Katherine yawned and dressed into different casual clothes. She fixed up her hair and went downstairs.

"Morning mom" Katherine yawned.

"Morning Honeysuckle, your father is upstairs, he'll be down in a few" Ayla smiled as she was finishing making breakfast.

"Old man taking his sweet time...been almost an hour..." Neon groaned, now in his late 20s.

Katherine seemed confused but happy. She got what she wanted and got answers. Ayla sets up the table with food and drinks as creaks come from the stairs. Katherine turned her head as she stacked her plate with pancakes. She saw that her dad was different somehow. His ponytail was now a long fluffy braid, he was wearing an old leather jacket with a white v neck and his scarf and some cool jeans and matching leather boots to the jacket.

"Morning Sunshine, Morning Kiddo" He spoke to Katherine and Neon.

"looks like the old man is being suave and snazzy today" Neon clicked his tongue

"I like it~" Ayla smiled.

"Thank you my Sapphire"

Ayla smiled but then had a confused surprised look on her face before looking at her husband. "Wait...Luxu doesn't call me Sapphire...he calls me Snowball"

"Guilty~" Braig smirked.

"Braig..." Ayla teared up and held his face, "but how...Luxu...he..."

Braig turned to Katherine who had a big smile on her face. "You can thank our daughter for that"

Ayla looked at Katherine and hugged her, sniffling into her daughter's shoulder. "Thank you my sweet girl...thank you..."

"do you still hate Luxu mom?"

It took a bit for Ayla to respond but she said, "not as much as before, I grew to accept...to stay strong for you and Neon."

"good... he's letting Braig take a turn... possibly for the rest of his years..." Katherine smiled. "Making up for lost time"

Ayla smiled gently at her daughter before Braig scooped her by the waist and dipped her a bit. "Oh my..."

"you have no idea how long I've waited to kiss you as me again, Sapphire" Braig smirked.

"me too Lover boy" she grabbed his jacket collar and kissed him sweetly as he embraced her.

"Get a room!" Neon chuckled.

"we could but you might end up with a baby sibling again Neon" Braig laughed.

"Dad's back" Neon laughed with him.

"a baby sibling would be nice~" Katherine smiled like a dork and everyone looked at her.

"I want a sister"

[magpiejay1234]

I will do over Days in a much, much later date now. We'll likely be moving to Tag Force 5.

****

Anyway, back to Days, due to BBS Volume 2 concept trailer, many people assumed Ventus moving away from his Chamber was him becoming Roxas. This is a particular pet horse of Frustrated Jacob, who very unambigiously dislikes the character, and everything he stands for. This is a common trope for KH1-primary fans, or as I like to call them, Genwunners of KH.

However, the game proper has the whole Shadow the Hedgehog style red herring of him being a replica, with the implication of Kairi's memories of Sora being the thing that allows him to leave the Org., so Nomura's original idea was something different, something we don't know, and probably never know, as many plot points in BBS V2 were repurposed in other games, primarily KH3.

So this is seemingly another case of Jacob forcing his interpretation, rather than Nomura's actual intention. Which is fair I guess, we end Xion's death with the whole Asuka hand to cheek pose in EoE, so a decent chunk of Days is meant to be up to interpretation.

Either way, it seems with the The Truth About Naminé thing, the whole ambiguity around Roxas seems to be intended by primarily by Kanemaki who wanted bring back her favourite character Naminé back, and since Xion is basically her OC, she needs to bring back the person she self-shipped herself with. And obviously as an easy out it is, the Replicas of characters without bodies is a consistent way to achieve this.

****

Since game crashed, I cannot say a full verdict about Days's storyline as I cannot get to the post-game stuff, but what I experienced so far up to Day 358 has been quite good, and gave me a similar experience to KH2 FM, despite Days having a more uneven script at parts. I consider the game version to be superior to movie version, due to added context for the rest of Org.

Do I consider this game deserves a remake? Sure.

Would I expect it to be as good? Not with current SE, and Nomura's current priorities (we would need add stuff to tease next game in MoM arc).

Would I expect this game to be remade over Re:Coded? Certainly not. As others noted, Re:Coded has a much better balanced gameplay, though I probably won't prefer it since it doesn't have the sheer power experience of the late-game Days has.

Considering the fandom's current disdain for the platforming, adventuring, and RPG aspects of KH over the character-action-combo gameplay against human bosses, I don't expect a game like Days to be ever made. Western Fandom really, really wants Final Fantasy franchise overall to become Devil May Cry with better writing, and that is nothing but a pure nightmare concept for me, and one that will further degenerate KH's plot structure for centuries.

Would I recommed this game? It will take a really long while you to get full hang of this game, since this game is the anti-Speedrun game due its visual novel structure, but if you are into visual novels over speedrunning action slashers, this game is the Kingdom Hearts game for you. Due to Kanemaki's influence, the story does better justice to the visual novel formula over BBS, and Coded's variants, not to mention there is tons of added context to KH2.

So yes, get a good setup, and play this game, and document every oddity here, since the stuff introduced here are the ones Nomura digs the least through, which means more people will be bamboozled when they come back.

Now we wait for the inevitable Strelitzia game, where you play as the Specter Nobody, playing the events of CoM from Marluxia's perspective. Just like CoM was partially based off SotN mixed with Castle of Illusions the Strelitzia game will be GBA Castlevania games with Soma Cruz mixed with the old DuckTales game.

[storm-driver]

i posted this at 1 am, but im more awake to expand on this.

the writers themselves said early on in kh3 that the only person who might be able to "make the dive" to save aqua would be someone who was close to her, which we all know is bullshit at this point. so i say fuck it, why wouldn't someone who isn't particularly close to ven be able to just wander into castle oblivion and wake him up?

(plus is gives credence to that one line in 358 where xion supposedly found the chamber of waking by complete accident)

the master's defender (eraqus' keyblade) can still wash up on the shore, but let sora recognise it off-handedly. let him stare at it and realise that it absolutely shouldn't be here, and something is wrong because it's not. let something stir in him, and tug him towards somewhere that he'd once wandered to before. with the singular thought in mind, that someone has to finally wake up.

let him find the castle, but not quite know what he's supposed to do there. let him recognise the walls and feel the fluttering memories come to the surface. let him recognise the trauma of being stuck in these walls and having the pages of his memories torn out of the bindings. let him recognise how much it hurts, yet feeling the nudge of the hearts within him, to keep his head up and feel their warmth and comfort.

the keyblade in his hand will tug him somewhere where it knows it needs to go, weaving through the rooms of aches and pains, and finally revealing a room that would only let someone of the same heart and mind enter. let him find the chamber of waking again, and be stunned by the comatose body he'd find inside. asking questions like why he looks like roxas, and feeling a warmth in his heart that's trying to answer.

let him release that heart at last, and feel the scales in his very soul shift as that light leaves him. let the boy wake up with the biggest aches in his limbs, and barely able to hold himself upright without help. let sora realise just how strange it is, especially now that there's a hollow feeling in his chest, where his heart must have been. let ventus wake up at last, and finally start on his road to recovery.

let sora ask questions about it all, and realise how empty he feels inside. let him try to cope by continuing his journey and moving forward with a can-do attitude. let him understand why things ended so screwed up, and let him feel the solace and comfort from the other two people still in his heart. let him process it all, and come to his own conclusions about how he's supposed to feel.

let ventus work at last to save his friend. let him spring back up as soon as sora comes back around to deliver any news, and insist they need to look for aqua after riku had gone missing. let them both realise they need to go after their friends, despite how unready they may both be. let them make that dive into the darkness and wade through it as both aqua and riku had to. let them finally talk to each other about everything that had happened. let ventus explain what happened 10 years ago. let sora express how odd it all seems to him. let them both slowly warm up to each other, as they realise they're more used to the other than they thought.

and finally, let ventus help to save aqua. in a way that's reminiscent of aqua's fight against vanitas 10 years ago, let ventus save aqua from the darkness possessing and corrupting her. let him be desperate and pleading, let him show the vulnerability he'd only ever show around someone he loved and cared for like his family. let aqua hear the voice of her friend, and realise she hadn't lost all hope. let her hear his desperate cries, his battered body, and even recognise his own keyblade. let them finally save each other.

bear with me, kh3 rewrite where sora is guided by eraqus' keyblade to castle oblivion early on in the game, and he stumbles his way into the chamber of waking to find ven, brings him back to everyone else to let him rest and recover for a couple disney worlds, and after a few worlds, he's ready to go save aqua, and a whole "world of darkness" world appears on the map, and ventus is your party member the whole way through the world. him and sora can have a proper conversation about their weird af situation, ventus can bear witness to The Horrors that is the worlds plunging into darkness for almost a dozen years. anti-aqua can be the final boss and ventus gets unique dialogue while fighting her.

just think about it.

[nekosandkeyblades]

((Blog Renovation- Check. For the most part.))

((Still not actually sure if I wanna bring this blog back from the dead fully or not, but at least i have a nice theme and a nice icon now.))

[nanakibh]

What’s in the box? An ominous sentient rock.

Cracking the last line of Demyx’s character file solves everything. (I think.)

“In that case, aren’t I more cut out for lugging stuff around? Oh yeah, what is it that person used to say all the time? Something about a guiding key? Come to think of it, wasn’t something guiding me?”

From the FF Wiki...

In the early Final Fantasy games being made a Warrior of Light by a crystal was shown in heroic light, but in the Fabula Nova Crystallis series the equivalent fate of a l'Cie reflects a more sinister state, calling the person's free will into question.

Final Fantasy Agito XIII is part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis like Final Fantasy Versus XIII, which Verum Rex is based on. In the Type-0/Agito series, the people believe that the Crystal will continue to guide them down the right path as long as they follow its divine will, so they tell each other “May the Crystal guide you.”

In KH3, Luxord says that he was told that the box contains “hope.” The Crystals are frequently referred to as “beacons of hope.” The Crystals are the embodiment of light and serve as symbols of hope to humanity.

In the Type-0/Agito series, the Crystals will choose someone with a “strong heart” to become a l’Cie in order to protect them. It communicates with the l’Cie telepathically and no one else can hear its voice, so it’s the l’Cie’s job to do as it instructs and convey the Crystal’s will to others.

The l’Cie stones offer a lot of insight into what it means to be a l’Cie. They’re all really interesting, imo.

A l'Cie Stone acquired in the Cetme District. Last Words: White Tiger l'Cie Theo For twenty years, I served my country as a soldier in the Militesi Army. At the age of 35, however, it dawned to me that I might better serve the empire by protecting our beacon of hope and thus ensuring its light may guide our nation forever more. Now cognizant of the truth about this world, though, I know our Crystal will only truly be safe from harm once all of Orience is united under the emblem of the White Tiger—and I believe I have found the one man who can accomplish such an incredible task. I have fulfilled my role, and the future of our world rests in his hands.

I like this one a lot because the “truth of the world” Theo was referring to is the fact that the war had ended the world before.

In the original concept of Agito XIII, anyone who attended Akademeia would have been able to make a “blood pact” with the Vermilion Bird Crystal to receive blessings such as weapons and powers. This is shown in the first Agito XIIi trailer when Ace enters the Crystal’s room and presses his thumb to a pedestal which lights up the gears around the room. A set of cards then appear on the pedestal for him to take.

A l’Cie’s Focus is called a “role” in Japanese. It’s the same word they use in Back Cover when the MoM assigns roles to all of his apprentices. One would assume that he had a role of his own.

Demyx's current state could be a result of him being away from the Crystal. L’Cie turn into Cie’th when they refuse or fail to follow their roles, so separating himself from the object he was supposed to protect could have had some type of degenerative effect on him. When Celestia went against the Azure Dragon Crystal in order to help Class Zero, she lost her sense of self and turned into a dragon.

Alternatively, he’s still connected to the Crystal. Even l’Cie who obey the Crystal will gradually lose their sense of self. Upon becoming a l’Cie, Machina had to constantly remind himself of his own past.

I mean, there are other explanations for how the MoM went from A to B, but these explanations came in the box, so they’re worth consideration.

The MoM’s clock tower in Daybreak Town was based on a design that comes from Akademeia in Type-0. (It was designed by Yusaku Nakaaki.) Here I’ve overlayed the concept art from the Type-0 design book with a screenshot from KHUX. Akademeia was the home of the Vermilion Bird Crystal. It was built to be its shrine. The Crystal is located underground, below Akademeia.

Demyx is nearly identical to Jack who attends Akademeia. Same face, same personality, same voice actor. Very important piece of info.

I don’t have trouble believing Demyx when he says that he’s on Riku’s side. But his theoretical Crystal overlord might have other thoughts that could later put them in conflict. With all of this in mind, it’s easy for me to understand how the MoM could end up starting a war and sacrificing a town full of children.

The Vermilion Bird Crystal told Caetuna that she should sacrifice the majority of Rubrum’s citizens to summon the Verboten Eidolon. She thought that sounded reasonable.

Khalia: You… You can’t be serious! You want to offer the lives of Dominion civilians?! Caetuna: Should half of the powerless be offered, the summon can be performed. Promptly begin the preparations. Arecia: …The Crystal is most rational, isn’t it? In a manner of speaking, to win the war, it chose the path with the least sacrifices. Arecia: No matter how many people die, it won’t subtract from the number of soldiers and cadets. It’s a strategy to massacre the Milites army while retaining the Rubrum army’s present strength.

This is an example of the relationship between a Crystal and its l’Cie at its most sinister. Caetuna is otherwise depicted as wise, graceful, and kind.

The Azure Dragon Crystal gave the queen of Concordia the power to see the future. (”If she could see the future, why didn’t she just stop the war and save the world herself?” 🤪)

Behold the extremely convenient built-in explanation for how the MoM obtained the Gazing Eye. No Crystal? No power. If the source of his power is in the box, then it just as easily explains why Demyx wouldn’t have the Gazing Eye.

During the Militesi Assault on Akademeia, the Imperial forces deployed two crystal jammers to suppress the Dominion's magic: one aboard a dreadnought, and another built into a Magitek Armor. Severed from their Crystal's blessing, Rubrum's cadets, legionaries, and l'Cie were left all but powerless.

"May your heart be your guiding key” feels like the opposite of “May the Crystal guide you.” If the MoM had no choice but to do what the Crystal instructed, then it may have benefited him to tell others to do what he couldn’t. It’s ironic. The guy who says it the most might not have been able to follow his own heart. :’)

Demyx believes that he joined the Organization because he wanted friends. What the Crystal wants can be totally separate from what a l’Cie wants, but a l’Cie can only do as the Crystal commands. The Darkness refer to themselves as the MoM’s friends, but he doesn’t seem to share their feelings. Unable to freely make friends as he pleased, they may have been the only “friends” he was able to have. I get the feeling that they thought they could use their pseudo-friendship as a bargaining chip to make him stay because they thought it was something he valued. (Oof... Rejected.)

Anyway, I maintain that if you know everything about the Agito series, it’ll probably be possible to arrange all of the information in a way that spells out exactly what’s up with the MoM. So, even if I’m not perfectly correct, I feel safe assuming that I’m at least very close.

[dusky-dancing]

An Unbreakable Connection - Chapter 2

Summary: Sora's time arrives to pay an unconventional visit to the friend he can't remember.

Rating: T

Length: ~2.5k words

Genre: Post-KH3, Romance, Hurt/Comfort

Pairing: Kairi/Sora

Continuation of SoKai Week - Day 7 - KH4/The Future

------------------------------------------------

Links for story navigation:

CH1 | Epilogue

------------------------------------------------

Sora had never considered himself an astronomer, but for the next several days he studied the night sky like his life depended on it. For all he knew, it did.

Strelitzia was wonderful company during the day, but evenings and nights spent alone in his apartment often released the loneliness that Sora had almost forgotten he'd felt. Every partially moonlit night that followed, he missed the comforting presence around him. There had been something special and soothing about it that had made him trust them immediately. He hoped he could give them the same feeling.

As the moon grew thinner and thinner, Sora waited anxiously, and on the night when it finally disappeared, he had to spend several minutes just trying to calm his nerves.

How much time he really had, Sora didn't know, but he couldn't stress about rushing and risk wasting more precious time. Eventually, his heartbeat slowed, though its rhythm could still be felt through his chest. He closed his eyes and narrowed his focus on the steady beating.

To focus on their connection, Sora had no voice or words to go off of, only the feeling they gave him and what little information he had. Hopefully it would be enough.

They're not in Quadratum.

They're a close friend.

They make me feel happy, safe.

They feel like home.

However long he ended up meditating, it only felt like a brief moment before that airy, weightless sensation returned. He thought that they'd instead come to visit him again, until he opened his eyes to a different room. The ceilings were still tall, yet they were angled and painted a dark blue. The space was smaller too, almost like a dorm room with a desk and chair nearby. A light fruity scent filled the air.

A gasp that wasn't his startled him, then a voice originating from himself.

"Hello, Sora."

A girl's voice, so soft, yet through it he could still hear her smiling. He wasn't in his own body anymore.

"I knew you'd find your way. You always have." She sounded so nice, Sora hated that he couldn't remember her. "Do you need a moment?"

Right, their method of communication from before. He breathed in deeply and focused on moving his—now her—index finger. Two taps would hopefully reassure her that he was ready. Sure enough, it worked, strange as it felt to control someone else.

"Good," she let out a small laugh. "I guess I should start with my name. I'm Kairi."

Kairi. What a pretty name. The kind that he couldn't picture himself saying without smiling.

"I hope you don't feel bad about losing your memories. It's probably just a weird effect of where you are. We'll find you soon, promise." She paused to take a breath. "Speaking of Quadratum, well…it's a long story how you got there." She spoke quietly, like there were people close by she didn't want to alert either. "Would you like to know?"

Yes, he answered quickly.

"Okay, long story short," she continued, "You stopped something really bad from destroying the worlds. You saved many lives, but in the process, you used powers that shouldn't have been used too much. The consequence was that you were…taken from us."

He could feel her voice shaking in her throat as she spoke, but it was the only thing keeping him anchored to reality with the paralyzing amount of information she'd given in just a few sentences.

"I'm sorry, I—" she choked, her breathing heavier. "I thought I'd be okay, but saying all of that, knowing you're here with me, it's…bringing up alot."

Hearing her cry was more painful than the challenges Sora had faced in Quadratum, and more than anything, he wanted to just wrap her in a big hug. Suddenly, the realization hit that she'd given up control of her hands, and he gently lifted one to wipe away her tears as best as he could. He couldn't see what she looked like, but her cheeks felt so soft and warm. Her hands were small and delicate compared to his too, emphasized with the bracelets on her wrists.

"Thank you," she said as her heartbeat calmed. "I know our time is limited, so I won't talk about myself for long, but…"

In truth, he wanted to hear her talk about herself. He'd sit here all night and listen if it made her feel better and he got to learn more about her.

"But one of the people you saved, Sora, was me. In fact, it was saving me that pushed you too far, so I just—I can't help but feel responsible."

Now he really wanted to hug her, to reassure her that she shouldn't blame herself. If he had his way, no one would have to end up in Quadratum, especially someone as nice as Kairi. Sora couldn't even remember her, and he found himself wanting to make her smile. He could only imagine what he'd do for her if he had all of his memories back.

He shifted her hand from her face to rest above her heart, in the same way that she'd comforted him so many nights ago.

"I know you'd tell me that it wasn't my fault, it's just hard not to feel that way, you know? But anyways, enough about me. There are alot of people trying to bring you home. Do you want to know their names?"

He tapped her collarbone once for yes.

"Well, there's me and Riku, our other childhood friend. The three of us all grew up on Destiny Islands together." She hadn't said how long they'd been friends until now, but it made more sense if they had this kind of connection. And since she'd mentioned it, relaxing on some tropical islands sounded really nice. "Riku actually left not too long ago to try and find you, so if you meet a tall boy with short silver hair and green eyes, that's him. He might give you a hard time, but he means well," she giggled.

"Then there are Donald and Goofy, two dear friends of yours who've gone with you everywhere, and they miss you alot. Their King, Mickey, is also a good friend."

Sadly, none of those names rang a bell, and guilt began to weigh more heavily on his heart again. He had to find his way out of Quadratum, and soon.

"There's Roxas, your former Nobody…do you know what that is?"

A…Nobody? Sora knew the term 'nobody' as an insult, but that didn't sound right in this context. He answered, No.

"Oh, oops," she giggled again, and Sora was beginning to discover his new favorite sound. "I guess it doesn't matter too much, but just know that you two are very close. Naminé was my Nobody, and she's helping too. She has magic over people's memories, so maybe she can help you recover yours! And oh! There's Xion too. She's also pretty special."

From how it sounded, all of these people were his closest friends. Saying that he was lucky before was an understatement.

Kairi continued, "Right now, I'm in a place called the Land of Departure. Here with me are Terra, Aqua, and Ventus. Do you still have the Keyblade?"

Yes. He took a moment to answer, too enraptured with the adorable way she rambled on about their friends.

"Well, they've been training with Keyblades of their own for a long time, since we were really little. We all didn't meet until later, but we've been connected all along. Aqua's a really powerful Keyblade Master, and she's training me so I can be of better help to you."

You're already helping me more than you know, he wanted to say. He made a mental note to say it to her next time she visited him.

"Oh yeah, Axel and Isa are helping too. They used to work against us—another long story—but they're both good now."

With each name added to the list of people trying to help him, Sora's heart grew heavier. At the very least, he wanted to remember them. If he dwelt on the negative emotions for too long, he feared he'd lose connection with Kairi. He tapped Kairi's finger twice.

She hummed. "Do you want me to stop? It's okay if you do."

Her voice didn't sound strained or hurt at all, so Sora felt less guilty about answering, Yes.

"I understand it's alot to take in. Now I know how you felt, only being able to ask 'yes' or 'no' questions and not knowing exactly what to say…"

Sora could listen to her speak all night; her voice was lovely. Yet a part of him itched to know what she looked like, besides her hands and arms. At the very least, seeing her might be able to trigger his memories.

Though partially covered by a sheet, a full-length mirror sat in the corner of her small room, right beside a tall window with thin purple curtains. Mustering up his resolve, he lifted her hand to gesture towards it.

She hummed inquisitively before following her hand. "Oh, would you like to see outside too?"

No, he lowered her hand and pointed more precisely.

"Then…the mirror? I don't see why—Oh," she said, her voice dropping lower. "I suppose you wouldn't remember…but that's alright. I suppose I look different from how you'd remember me anyways." A moment's breath, and she continued, "I trust you too, Sora, go ahead."

He hesitated, surprised at how quickly she'd trusted him. Sure, he'd done the same with her, but to be given so much control over someone he didn't even remember felt like being handed fine porcelain. More than anything, he wanted to be delicate.

Focusing further on her heart, so bright and steady and easy to follow, he slowly willed the rest of her body to move as if it were his own. First, she sat up straight and swung her legs off the side of her bed, bringing another wall of her room into his view. Pictures covered it, both drawn and photographed, with light ribbon and trinkets decorating the spaces between. If he had his memories, he'd probably recognize all of these people, yet none of them registered in his mind.

"Those are our friends," Kairi said when he paused for too long. "The people I told you about."

Hearing about them all had been one thing, but to see just how large his friend group was stirred more emotions than Sora was ready to bear. He steeled himself and stood Kairi to her feet. Though she had a smaller frame than him, he could tell she wasn't lacking for strength.

Steadily, and more easily than expected, he stepped towards the mirror.

"I uh—I should warn you," she said, and he stopped. "I wasn't exactly prepared to show myself to anyone tonight. I'm decent, promise, just not necessarily…presentable."

Sora couldn't bring himself to move further. Was he pushing a boundary too far? Or making her uncomfortable? Stranger or not, he couldn't live with himself if that was the case.

"It's okay," her voice softened with reassurance before clarifying, "I'm okay, Sora."

The way she spoke made her words difficult to ignore. He should be the one comforting her, yet he still found himself on the receiving end.

So he took a step forward, then another, and her room was so small that she was already standing in front of her covered mirror. Without another moment's hesitation, he lifted her hand and pulled the sheet from the mirror.

He'd figured she'd be pretty, but not this pretty.

A cascade of red hair ending just below her shoulders drew his attention first, before it drifted to the face it framed so elegantly. Soft blue eyes and a natural smile seemed to light up the room, despite the faint dark circles beneath her eyes. How much had she been working to help him, exactly, if she was losing sleep?

Speaking of sleep, her outfit did indeed look ready to wind down for the night—a simple white tank top and black shorts that barely covered her legs. Tousled hair in the back betrayed the fact that she'd been lying in bed for a while. Suddenly, he felt more guilty for keeping her from rest.

Otherwise, she looked healthy and active. And her skin looked so soft, he just wanted to wrap her in a big warm hug again. Instead, he just lifted her hand to run her fingers along the opposite forearm.

She giggled. "Told you I'm a little messy." Her gaze fell momentarily before asking, "Do you remember anything?"

No, Sora answered, honestly and painfully. He wanted to remember her, needed to. She was so kind and patient and beautiful, how could he forget someone like that? And all their friends pictured on her wall, how could he forget them?

"It's okay," she reassured him again. "We'll get you back no matter what. You don't remember, but we've made it through similar challenges before. Just keep being yourself, Sora, and have hope."

He squeezed her arm more tightly and crossed the other hand over to give her a little self-hug. That brought her smile back, but she was still visibly in thought.

"And about before," she said slowly, "when you asked if we were more than friends…"

Sora tried his best to remain calm. He'd have been lying if he said he hadn't thought over that question everyday since he'd first asked it. It hadn't been the right time or place yet, and he kicked himself mentally for putting her in an awkward position.

Regardless, she continued, "I didn't answer because, well, I didn't want to speak for you, especially since your memories are gone again."

Again?

"But I can speak for myself, Sora, and say that you're very dear to me."

Sincerity showed itself through her bashful smile and the newly resolute timbre to her voice. He believed her, and wanted more than anything to speak with her face to face. Even if his old memories never returned, he wouldn't mind being a part of her life.

Suddenly, his senses through her began to stutter. She must've noticed too, for her smile dimmed a moment.

"Thank you for visiting me, Sora, I've missed you."

He squeezed her arms around herself again.

"This won't be the last time we see each other, I promise. I'll come to you again when I can."

Sora relaxed, enjoying her presence for a few more moments before being shunting back into his own body. His eyes opened to his minimalist, high-ceiling room and immediately filled with tears. Sitting up, he buried his eyes in his palms and let the waves of emotions crash over him without resistance.

The weight threatened to pull him down, but he couldn't allow himself to drown in guilt and longing, not here. He needed to focus on getting back to his home, back to Kairi and his friends.

With a racing heartbeat, Sora shot up from his sofa and made his way to the balcony door. He placed his palm flat against the glass, staring out at the dark moonless night, and wondered if Kairi felt the same determination in that moment.

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading! The final chapter/epilogue will be out next week :)

[remmammie]

Hcs where good ol’ Flamesilocks (yay a third time, he’s becoming my second fav KH character already 😄) gets isekai’d into G/N Reader’s room [on Earth] and befriends them, eventually learning more about their world?

If you don’t know what that is, it’s basically an anime genre revolving around a person who is transported and surviving in another world; ex: fantasy, virtual, another planet, future/past time travel, or parallel universe

I have heard of isekai-ing! How could I not when so much fanfiction was based around it during my childhood hehe I'll try my best!

Lea getting isekai'd into Reader's world HCs

He...doesn't quite know how he got into this situation...sprawled out on the floor of your room in front of the TV. Last thing Lea remembers, he was trying to seal a Keyhole in some strange room that looked just like this one and now...you're staring at him with big old surprised eyes.

He tries to come off as calm about it because, really, he just thinks this is darkness messing with him or he's been transported to another world or something. So he greets you pretty calmly, telling you he's just a traveler. Then he turns around and sees your TV and it's...his friends? In the worlds he knows? And you've been controlling them with that strange device in your hands?

Okay. Now he's panicking a bit. He looks at you with these big crazy eyes and pretty much demands to know what you've done, but lets it go when he realises you have no idea and he's scaring you. Lea will back off and take a minute to compose himself, breathing and looking around curiously at all the new technology and foreign objects littering your room.

Both of you are trying to find a way to get him back into the game before Roxas and Xion panic too much (and Isa, though he doesn't show it) but Lea's taking the "free" time to find out more about your world. He's bewildered by the simplest things and it's really endearing. Lea'll pick up something like a tablet and stare at you, dumbfounded like "do you see this?"

Make sure to take him shopping for new clothes because, unfortunately, dressing like a Kingdom Hearts character in public will get you weird stares. It doesn't bother Lea as much, but if you wanna go anywhere with him without being gawked at, he needs more than just his post-KH3 outfit.

Please tell him not to make a scene out in public. No, Lea, it isn't normal here for people to have fire magic and to whip out big metallic weapons whenever they feel like it - that gets you put on a list for the government's inspection. And even that doesn't make sense to him because, wow, you have a group of people that make rules for so many other people? How does that work?

Let's not teach Lea about politics.

Discovering he's a game character doesn't come as too much of a shock to Lea as you might think, though. You might take him to a game shop and show him on box art, or google images of him and he'll be like "I knew my life was too crazy not to be something like this."

You can bet Lea wants to play it as well. Man becomes the Kingdom Hearts pro speedrunner of the decade. This is where it starts to get weird for Lea, though, because he's seeing parts of his own adventures that...well, he never saw before. And hearing people talk about him like he's not there (because he isn't) freaks him out majorly.

He does really want to get to know his "captor" though and will spend most of his time outside of his game talking to you about what your life is like: Lea does promise not to break any of this to his friends for sake of their sanity and some life-threatening 4th wall break. He wants to know what you study if you're in education, and what you do for a living if not.

[moved-to-void-kissed]

Split of Twin Flowers

After being rescued from the realm of darkness, Aria seeks a way to give Ves a chance at living her own life, while also continuing to survive in her own right. Aqua brings her to the scientists at Radiant Garden to see if they have a solution, and for Aria to explain her situation, but the only option available may carry some worrying implications.. (3937 words)

Takes place after the ending of KH3. Content warning for mentions of battle scars, talk of a character being possessed, an event comparable to an exorcism (it’s kind of hard to explain in non-series-specific terms, sorry), and rather a lot of self-insert-focused exposition.

(Comments on and reblogs of my work are always okay, and appreciated, but are by no means required. I recommend reading this piece on the original document, but if that doesn't work, a transcript has been copied and pasted under the readmore.)

tag list: @thatslikesometaldude | @garchompp | @beeon | @tex-treasures | @catake | @tartaglialovemail | @catcao | @lilacslovers | @kissofthemoonrabbit | @vilehusband | @dragonsmooch | @childrenofmeyneth | @kalliopi-ships | @blackbirdcrime | @strawberryshipz (to be tagged in what I make, please click here!)

This is a piece I have been working on for a long time, and am very proud of, so I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to read it. I hope it isn’t quite as heavy as the content warnings may possibly indicate. I’m also using it as my post for the twenty-ninth day of sapphic September; there’s just one more to go!

Document transcript:

The door to the laboratory opened halfway, and a young woman tentatively poked her head around it. Upon seeing that she was not interrupting anything, she smiled and emerged more properly, brushing a lock of blue hair from her face.

“Oh, Master Aqua!” The lone scientist in the room smiled warmly as he noticed her. “Thank you for coming. I’m glad to see you’re alright.”

“Thank you, Ienzo.” Aqua replied, even if she did still in fact look rather tired. The long battle to defeat Master Xehanort and the true Organisation still felt fresh in her mind, and although it was a fight that the light had eventually won, it had still taken quite a toll on her. Not only that, but she hadn’t had the same chance to rest as the others - though thoughts of locating Sora still weighed on everyone’s minds, Aqua had been more concerned with finding a way back into the realm of darkness in order to rescue Aria, her partner who she had so unwillingly abandoned..

Now that Aria was finally free as well, Aqua could let herself relax a bit more, and with that lowering of her guard came much contemplation of everything she had gone through.

“Um.. Master Aqua?”

“Ah!”

She’d been staring off into space again, judging by Ienzo’s worried expression half-visible under his hair.

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes, don’t worry!” she replied, slightly embarrassed at her lapse in concentration. The young scientist did not look entirely convinced, but he seemed content enough to continue.

“I’m the only one here at the moment, but I should still be able to help with what we talked about over the Gummiphone. Did you happen to bring Aria with you?”

At this, the half-open door Aqua had come through continued to swing open as if of its own accord, only to reveal another young woman entering the laboratory with a somewhat nervous expression. She had clearly been through a lot, and the realm of darkness she had reportedly been trapped in for aeons had definitely left its mark on her; several large patches of darkness could be seen spanning her face and body, with one reaching down her left eye like a melting wound.

“Yes, I’m here..”

Her catlike eyes flickered nervously around the room, and it soon became apparent that what Ienzo had thought was a cape were in fact a pair of black feathered wings, both subconsciously curling around her shoulders. It was only upon recognising that Ienzo was the only one present, and that his initial reaction to seeing her was not as negative as she was expecting, that she was able to relax slightly and explain herself from behind a now-steeled facade.

“My name is Aria.” she said, looking up at the scientist from under her messy blonde hair. “Aqua said you might be able to help me achieve something. Has she already.. told you about, well-”

“We’ve already spoken a little bit using the Gummiphone I was given before, but he said it was best for us to come and talk in person to try and get everything clear.” Aqua stepped in after sensing Aria’s hesitation and took her hand to support her partner. “It’s alright - you can trust him,” she whispered close to her ear.

Trusting only in her love’s reassurance, Aria started to explain her intentions to Ienzo, who seemed content to listen even considering the clear presence of darkness she had; this silent gesture of tolerance was greatly appreciated. She appeared hesitant to reveal much of her true nature as a Heartless, but she did what she could to inquire whether the young scientist knew any way for a heart to be released from its current body and inhabit a different one, allowing the dormant self within the original body to reawaken. Unfortunately, Ienzo remained pensive, even after she had said her part.

“So, you’re looking for a way for a heart to enter a new body? I’m sorry, but.. I’m not sure we’ll be able to help you. Any of the resources we could have used - which is to say, the replicas, they would have been perfect for this - were taken by Roxas, Xion, and Naminé’s hearts.”

“Oh. So, there is nothing you can do?” Aria persisted, but Ienzo shook his head.

Then came a flash of hesitant inspiration.

“Unless..” He trailed off and turned to look down one of the corridors leading away from the main lab space. “Could you two come with me, please?”

“Of course!” said Aqua brightly, as Aria nodded in assent.

==========

The three left the main hub of the laboratory to walk down the corridor, which felt as though it was turning downwards into a basement level of sorts. Once there, they came to a tall door which Ienzo unlocked with some sort of biometric scanner, and this opened out into yet another laboratory space with a similar layout to the first - however, this one seemed in a less presentable condition than the other, and its lack of windows seemed to be what was giving it a more foreboding presence. There was a distinct sense that something bad had happened here, once upon a time.

“After you and the other Guardians of Light helped to defeat Master Xehanort,” Ienzo was saying to Aqua, “we went back to the Keyblade Graveyard to see if there was anything to salvage from the battlefield, and we were able to bring this back with us.”

He gestured to a container at the far wall, in which the two Keyblade wielders could now see a strange white figure suspended inside, resembling a featureless mannequin. It appeared to be dressed in some kind of dark robes, of a dull purple colour inlaid with sharp red motifs, worn over pieces of tarnished metal armour. A number of scuffs and dents littered the otherwise-smooth surface, and Aria could sense traces of a dark presence seeping from the container, despite the blank nature of the figure itself.

“What is this..?”

“This is one of the replicas that Even created, back when he was still Vexen, and a member of the first Organisation.” Ienzo explained. “The first twelve were prototypes, initially abandoned as failures, since they were made before his assistant provided the data needed to perfect them, but.. From what I understand, the real Organisation - which Vexen was also a part of at the beginning - repurposed those twelve into vessels for Xehanort’s heart, as backups in case the people they brought through time fell in battle again.”

“That’s right, I remember fighting these now.” muttered Aqua. “But, didn’t they fuse into one form, eventually?”

“That’s what I thought, too, from your accounts of the situation.” replied the scientist. “I’m not sure if Sora defeating the replicas in battle made them all separate out again, since they weren’t really designed to be fused, or if this one was already too damaged to combine with the others in the first place. Regardless, it was the only one we recovered.”

He now turned to face the blank figure with a concerned expression. “We’ve been running some experiments to see whether it can be repurposed for anything, but.. There’s a lot of darkness still lingering within it, so it wouldn’t be safe for a heart of light to inhabit without risking it also being afflicted by that darkness. And we haven’t found a good way of destroying that darkness without compromising the replica, either.”

“I could sense the dark power when I saw it, so corruption would seem a likely outcome.” Aria mused. “This would also be darkness from Xehanort, so.. it isn’t that surprising that some part of it stuck around. Persistence did seem to be his only worthwhile trait.”

She had crossed her arms in contempt at this last part, but seemed satisfied enough to relax after studying the replica further. “It shouldn’t matter any more than he did in the long run, though.”

“Hmm..” Aqua seemed concerned about the prospect, but was trying to keep an open mind. “What do you make of it, Aria?”

“Well..” She took a moment to examine the figure with an unchanging expression. “The replica body itself has sustained some damage from the fight, but I don’t see why that would affect my ability to inhabit it - it’s just possible that those injuries would reflect in my new appearance, which is.. nothing I’m not accustomed to. And, if the heart within a replica determines its appearance, then maybe what’s left of my heart - or, I suppose, the heart that I once was - would be able to smooth over those gaps. Though, if it’s the latter, that could mean my appearance ends up changing, which.. is not what I want.”

Aqua tentatively nodded, but Ienzo seemed more visibly confused.

“I’m sorry to interject, but- what do you mean by “the heart that you once were”? You’re saying that that’s different to your heart, somehow?”

“..In a sense, yes. How do I explain this..?” There was a slight pause as Aria tried to gather her thoughts, and it was clear she was still trying to think by the hesitant nature of her words that followed. She had seen right through to the heart of the man standing before her, which glowed with a newly-restored lustre. It was a heart that sought to help people, and sought knowledge in order to do that, though there were visible flickers of a long-seated regret present as well. Still, it was a heart that she judged would not judge her, so she decided to provide it with the truth she hoped would sate it.

“Though I look mostly human to you, this- isn’t technically my body, however much I treated it as such. If I were to let go of this vessel, or be driven out from her, you would see me as I really am - a Heartless, a flowering thing. However, Heartless are created when a heart is consumed by darkness, so.. surely the appearance I would take if I were to possess a blank replica would be that of the person this heart - my heart - used to belong to. Only, I don’t- I don’t really see myself as him, or as Ves. I am different, I am my own- well, person, if I can even call myself that. Yet, when I imagine my appearance outside of this vessel, I can only see myself as a Heartless. Does that make any sense?”

“I think I follow..” the scientist mumbled, though his still-furrowed brow seemed to indicate otherwise. “So, you kept your memories of who you were, even after turning into a Heartless? Kairi had implied that the same thing happened to Sora, but.. I’d just attributed that to him turning the Keyblade of heart on himself to free her, so it wouldn’t have happened to anyone else.”

This claim caused Aria to shake her head. “To my knowledge, the method is irrelevant; what matters is the intention. The more willingly a person opens their heart to the darkness, the more of their mind they keep when their heart is consumed, and they become a Heartless. I believe this is what happened with Ansem, though he actively sought after darkness so strongly that he retained a human appearance as well as mind. The emblem on his chest was the only way an onlooker could tell his true nature. When it comes to my original self, he was a Keyblade wielder, very similar to what I know of Sora, but… though he certainly did not willingly or deliberately let his heart be consumed, he was able to accept his fate in his final moments, and that is what allowed the Heartless formed at his demise - so, in other words, me - to retain some semblance of mind and self. Just.. not as much of it.”

“Oh. Yes, I think that makes more sense now. Thank you for the clarification.” said Ienzo. He was writing something furiously in a book that seemed to appear out of nowhere, then became startled when he realised his blunder. In an instant, he opened his mouth to ask something, but closed it with relief when Aria’s expression reassured him she did not mind him making notes about her.

It was Aqua’s turn to speak up now. “It’s so interesting to hear about this from you, Aria - but, I can’t say I’ve seen that kind of behaviour in any of the Heartless I’ve fought before. Had you noticed it at any point while we were in the realm of darkness?”

“Not that I can recall.” she replied. “It isn't exactly that common of an occurrence, considering most people’s disdain for the darkness. And, not only that, but..” She turned away from the other two here, and her next words came much more reluctantly again.

“Before I took over Ves, I remember feeling that I was losing myself - all I was driven by was this desire to be complete again, to be human again, but that was fading away over time. Then, when I found her, I didn’t necessarily feel more human, but what sense of humanity I did have was no longer fading away. So, if I hadn’t found her or someone like her in time, I probably would have lost my sense of self completely, and become just as mindless as most other Heartless are. It’s only thanks to the type of Heartless I became that I was even able to possess her in the first place, and.. I didn’t start to truly feel more like a person until I met other Keyblade wielders, and they interacted with me.”

“I see, I see.. So you’re saying that, in those Heartless that retain a sense of who they were before becoming Heartless, the remnants of normal heart behaviour - of humanity, if you will - have to be nurtured by others in order to be sustained, and will just be lost to the darkness if not actively encouraged?”

“Yes.”

Ienzo paused to finish hastily scribbling this knowledge down in his notebook, then lifted his head in realisation once he had had some time to think. “I think I might remember something of that from the old Organisation, actually.. Though, the memory is very hazy..”

To stop his mind from wandering as it wanted to, he returned to address the matter at hand.

“From what you’ve said, Aria, it does sound like you’d be able to make use of this replica - and you may well be the only one who could. I don’t think there’s any other solution here for you, and.. I say there’s no better way to find out than by experimenting. Give me a moment to get everything ready, and then we’ll be set to see if it works!”

Aria nodded, content with the proposal, but Aqua reached out to take her hand with a worried expression.

“Aria, are you sure you want to do this..?”

“Of course I am, Aqua. This is why I came here.” she replied. Then she hesitated again. “..Why, is there something wrong?”

“Well, no, it’s just-” Aqua took a moment to settle her whirling thoughts, holding both of Aria’s hands in her own now. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when I use my Keyblade on you. I don’t want to hurt you, or even destroy you. And, if something happened with the darkness infecting the replica, then..”

Aria couldn’t bring herself to meet Aqua’s gaze, but it was clear she appreciated the consideration, and did her best to reassure her love. “If I could leave of my own accord, I would have done so by now, but.. we’ve become too intertwined for me to do that myself. And Ves is not quite strong enough to drive me out from within - it’s enough of an effort for her to stay existing in the first place. So.. an outside force seems to be the only way to separate us. And there isn’t anyone I’d trust to wield that force, other than you.”

Despite herself, Aqua couldn’t help but smile at the last admission, and she felt her normal confidence returning. “..Alright then. If you’re sure about this, then.. I’m happy to be able to help.”

The two embraced for a moment, then there was a pause of silence as Aria took a few steps back to stand in the middle of the room. Once Ienzo had brought the replica out of its container, he carried it around to the other end of the laboratory, closer to the other two. Aqua summoned her Brightcrest Keyblade, then slowly raised its tip to be level with the X on Aria’s outfit. She took a deep breath, then pointed the Keyblade directly at her partner, echoing the movement used to open the paths to new worlds.

Aria instinctively flinched when a thin beam of bright light shot forward from the tip of Aqua’s Keyblade, striking her directly in the chest. She was then forced down into a kneel as an aura of pink-tinted darkness began to escape from her body. Her expression was grim, as if she was in pain, but Aqua caught sight of a hint of a smile before the darkness now emanating much more rapidly from her form started rising up to create something above her. It almost completely engulfed her body as if to pull it upwards too, seeming particularly concentrated around her head and wings, before disconnecting entirely to drop a drained figure to the floor. This left a dense collection of dark pink wisps, amalgamating in the air.

Ienzo was now well off to the side, looking rather alarmed, but his expression was replaced with complete surprise when the amorphous cluster of darkness coalesced, giving way to what looked like a floating mass of pink petals. Eventually, it turned around to reveal a large jagged mouth and piercing yellow eyes, staring with an expression he found difficult to interpret. The Heartless stayed floating in place for a moment, as if disoriented, then suddenly appeared to notice Aqua, staring at her curiously.

“Aria..?”

Her tentative call was clearly recognised by the flowering monster, which began to float cautiously towards her. She still had her Keyblade summoned, and her hand was trembling ever-so-slightly - whether with nervousness, uncertainty, or something else entirely, it was impossible to tell. Then, Ienzo stepped between the two and lifted up the replica body, hoping that Aria still remembered the plan.

“Here!”

It seemed the Heartless remained aware, as she moved forwards more purposefully after this, and collided directly with the empty vessel’s centre. A few petals scattered from the force, but it took only a few moments for the Heartless’ form to disappear entirely, appearing to be absorbed into the replica body. This caused another aura of darkness to manifest, enveloping the blank surface of the replica and making Ienzo recoil from the body - but it caught itself as it fell from his grasp to end up kneeling on all fours. A few more moments passed, as the darkness engulfed the entire body in a shell, before gradually dissipating after a few gold sparks were seen being forced out of the system.

The figure that stood up was slightly smaller than the replica had looked in the container, with catlike ears now poking upwards from a fluffy head of golden blonde hair. As she lifted her head, a cluster of cute freckles were seen scattered across her face, though in what Aqua thought was a slightly different arrangement than before. There were other little differences here and there, as well - the shape of her face, the way her hair fell at the back, how she stood dressed in the unfamiliar clothes from the replica in the middle of the silent laboratory.

But all of Aqua’s worries disappeared when the girl standing before her opened her eyes. Neither the bright, empty yellow of the lesser, mindless Heartless, nor a piercing orange like the seeker of darkness, nor even the harsh cold shade between the two that Aria’s eyes had been before, but a warm and resolute amber was the colour that met Aqua’s gaze, and regarded her with a renewed sense of gratitude and love.

“Aria!”

The Keyblade Master ran across the room towards her partner and nearly knocked her over with the energy of her emotions. Aria was nervous, but comfortably allowed herself to melt into Aqua’s embrace, now able to feel the connection between the pair even more strongly than before. Something felt so much more tangible about her presence now, and the relief coursing through her new body was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

“Aqua, it really worked..!” she smiled, speaking in a quiet voice filled with gratitude.

“I’m so glad you’re alright!” exclaimed Aqua, who also had a few tears in her eyes. “How do you feel? Is everything okay?”

“Yes, it’s all fine, I promise.” she asserted. “The replica’s darkness was not organised; it was just remnants that my presence has removed. I feel.. different, but in the best possible way. I could never have done this without you here with me - thank you, so much, for being here..”

She trailed off, still smiling at her partner, and another wonderful moment came and went. Then, a movement from behind Aqua caused Aria’s expression to take on a slightly fearful quality, and she turned her head to see what was happening. The cause of this movement was the figure left behind when Aqua set Aria free, who was slowly trying to get to her feet, her heart’s light flickering nervously. A bright green eye could be seen darting anxiously around the room from under her hair, but she was too weak to properly move, and quickly fell back to the ground again. Ienzo stepped in to support her, and his assistance was clearly welcomed as she was just about able to stand.

“Please take her somewhere she can recover.” Aria requested hurriedly. “After everything I put her through, she needs every opportunity she can to rest and adjust to being herself again..”

“Don’t worry. We have good facilities here.” Ienzo assured her. “Everything will be fine.”

This did little to ease Aria’s guilt, but the gesture was nevertheless appreciated. “Thank you, Ienzo.”

The scientist nodded, and then slowly helped the girl walk to the corridor. She appeared to be very shaken, and was glancing at everything with apprehension and unfamiliarity, but as she turned the corner of the corridor, she looked back at the couple still standing side-by-side, and met the eyes of both her saviour and her prison.

(For all that you have done to me, I know why you do not deserve forgiveness.

But, this is not the first time we have seen each other face-to-face since that day, thanks to that mirror you found in the darkness.

And ever since that moment, you have sought a way to free yourself from me. To let me live the life you once denied me. To break the hold that any other being you’d call your kind would do everything to strengthen.

You calculated the risks, but you still took them - the risk you would lose everything and the one person you cared for, for the sake of me getting to “get rid of you”.

So, who am I to judge a person - the person you have become - by the actions of the creature you once were..?)

A ghost of a smile flickered over her face, and the long-held vessel finally free again spoke of her own accord for the first time since the age of ancient fairytales.

“Thank you, Aria..”

[whyarewecalledtheshipname]

kh3, recoded spoilers:

another part to my data boys as gummiphone assistants crack lol. Basic concept: Data Sora and Data Riku get sent to Riku's phone to accompany him on his ventures through unreality.

in this installment: Riku realizes his kh munny doesn't work in Unreality, so Data Riku pulls some bs in order to help Riku win prize money in a motorcycle race.

warnings: some cussing, ig, crack

___

“That’ll be $25.03.”

Riku blinks. He looks down at his munny. He doesn’t know how to divide a single munny into “point three” munny. He’s never needed to do that back home.

He does the next best thing, and holds out twenty-six munny.

The cashier reflexively reaches out his hand, then pulls away. He stares at Riku’s hand, then glares at Riku’s face.

Riku pulls his munny back just an inch. “...I’m sorry, I only have twenty-six.”

The cashier squints, then glares again. “Is this a joke or something?”

Riku’s phone rings in his pocket, but Riku feels himself growing confused, and doesn’t want to add the data kids to the mess. “I don’t understand. What’s wrong? Is it the total?”

The cashier looks to the side, as if attempting to take a mental break from the situation, before turning back to Riku. “Dude, stop with the prank. You already ordered your food, just—”

“What is it?” someone calls from within the kitchen of the restaurant.

“Hold the food,” the cashier calls back. “This guy’s trying to pay in marbles or something.”

“What the fuck?”

Riku blinks. What did that mean? The word, the marbles, the prank, all of it?

“I’m sorry,” Riku apologizes again, and he knows Data Sora is going to give him a talking to for it. “I’m—Cancel my order, I—”

The cashier sighs, and taps on the monitor of the register. “Alright, man, just—don’t do this kinda stuff; no one watches prank videos anymore.”

Riku nods, despite not understanding a word being said, and ducks out of the restaurant, munny in hand.

He wanders the streets for a good while, until his confusion and embarrassment simmer down. Only then does he finally answer his phone, which hasn’t stopped ringing incessantly.

“Hellooo?!”

Riku braces himself. “What is it, Sora—”

“Riku! What was that? What happened? Why didn’t you answer? And what did I tell you about over-apologizing?”

“I was busy,” Riku quickly answers, if only because otherwise, Data Sora would keep asking questions.

“Busy not eating! And right when you finally decided to! Go back!”

Riku thinks about the munny he’d stuffed back in his pocket, and feels his earlier frustration returning. “And what? They wouldn’t take my munny, and I don’t think it’s because of something I did.”

Data Riku scoffs, and it’s the first sound he’s made this whole time. “That’s why I was calling you. Was there a weird “S” looking symbol on the menu?”

Riku doesn’t have to think twice. It had stood out to him instantly. “Yeah.”

“I thought so. That symbol represents the currency here. Your munny from home is different, and it won’t work here.”

“Then why didn’t you warn him?” Data Sora chides, lightly smacking Data Riku's elbow.

“I didn’t check until just a while ago, okay?”

Data Sora gasps, his mild anger seemingly vanishing. “Riku? Not planning ahead?”

Data Riku rolls his eyes, but Data Sora’s antics instantly improve Riku’s mood.

“So now what?” Riku asks, and now there’s less tension in his voice. “I haven’t run into any monsters here, and who’s to say they’d drop munny anyway?”

Data Sora crosses his arms into his usual thinking pose, humming. Data Riku, on the other hand, raises an eyebrow at Riku. The little smirk is back, and Riku can’t believe he used to do such a thing.

“I think I found something,” is all Data Riku says.

Data Sora’s arms fling out beside him in surprise. “Huh?”

Data Riku answers by strolling over to his beloved keyboard, and calling up a holographic display.

Riku blinks, and Data Sora gasps.

“So,” Data Riku asks cheekily, “do you remember how to ride?”

~<~>~

“How did you know about that?” Riku asks as he follows the gps on his phone. He glances up to read a street sign, then looks down at his phone again.

Data Riku scoffs. “Come on. If there’s one adventure of yours I have data of, it’s your time in The Grid.”

“That makes sense.”

Data Sora is turning from one Riku to the other, eyes wide. “Huh? Adventure? Grid? What’re you guys talking about?”

Data Riku points at the hologram in the middle of the room, and Data Sora is transfixed on it once more.

“What I understand so far is that you have to sign up for these things in advance,” Data Riku explains. “Because it’s an official event, which is the only kind that will even give you a chance at winning prize money.”

“Prize munny?” Data Sora asks. “I thought munny was no good here.”

“Currency,” Data Riku clarifies. “Money, different from ours. Or at least this world’s equivalent of munny.”

Riku turns a corner, and suddenly he hears the echoes of squealing tires. It sends a rush of excitement through Riku’s veins.

An obvious hole in their plan then makes itself known.

“How am I supposed to race? I don’t have a bike.”

Riku’s words cause Data Sora to turn back to the hologram from before, and he practically drools over the flickering image of a motorcycle. “Biiike…”

Data Riku keeps typing without missing a beat. “I was going to focus on the process of registering you for the races in the first place, first. But—” and Riku’s screen suddenly shows a different display “it’s done. Almost. Basically.”

Riku scans the webpage on his screen, slightly distracted by the increasing sounds of revving engines and the smell of burning rubber.

“This is the login screen for current racers,” Data Riku’s voice explains. “This will serve as a pathway between the gummiphone and the servers housing the roster data. I’ll do some tweaking, and if all goes well, you should appear on the roster as if you’ve been entered the whole time.”

Something about this situation feels vaguely familiar to Riku, but’s it’s a barely-there sensation that’s interrupted by the sound of Data Sora snoring in the background. Riku smiles. “What do you need me to do?”

The gummiphone screen switches back to the room in the datascape. “Here? Nothing,” Data Riku answers. “What I do want you to do is find me a vessel.”

Riku stops walking midstep. “What?!”

Again, Data Riku doesn’t even blink at his monitor. “It’s not for me. It’s for you. Or, more accurately, your bike.”

At this, Data Sora wakes up from his standing nap. “Bike? What bike?”

Both Riku’s smile.

“Exactly,” Data Riku says. “I can’t just make a bike out of nowhere, not out there. The code needs to exist within something tangible, preferably something which’s code I can simply rewrite.”

Riku nods, and looks around. “Alright. What exactly could you use as this ‘something’?”

The display on Riku’s phone screen changes, flickering between various images of different types of electronics.

“Any smart device should work. They’re like your gummiphone, devices that can be personalized and connect and interact with you as its user and other compatible devices.”

Riku commits the appearance of said devices to memory, and resumes his search. “Where could I find one?”

“...Go into that restaurant.”

Riku looks at his phone to see what Data Riku is referring to. Across the street is what looks like a fast food place, but Riku doesn’t understand.

“Why? I can’t buy anything there. That’s the whole reason we’re going through all this trouble to win prize money at the races.”

Data Riku is grinning, and it’s unsettling. “Just go in.”

Against his better judgement, Riku listens.

Once inside the restaurant, Data Riku instructs Riku to approach one of the booths labeled “self-checkout”. In the booth is a large tablet fixed in place, where it seems customers can place their order themselves without the need for a cashier.

Riku is about to experimentally tap at the display, when suddenly, the tablet starts to seemingly leak pixels—

—until it disappears in a shower of code.

“Oop—”

“Okay, leave the building,” Data Riku instructs.

Riku blinks. “What—Where did the screen go?”

“Don’t worry about it, just leave.”

Riku gapes at his phone. “Are you—Are you stealing?”

“Mind not announcing it to everyone here?” Data Riku’s arms are crossed. “And don’t forget we’re the same person. If I’m stealing, you’re stealing. Now let’s go.”

“Excuse me?” a voice calls, and Riku spots a woman in a uniform walking toward him. “Sir, do you need any—?”

Of course, this is the moment Data Sora decides to join the fun. “We’re stealing?! Awesome!” His voice rings clear from the phone speakers, and the woman balks.

Riku panics for a second, then bolts out the door. Behind him, he hears a voice shout, “What the fuck?”

He isn’t of a mind to ponder the word meaning this time.

On his phone screen, Data Sora is cackling, throwing his arm over Data Riku’s shoulder, who’s having way too much fun at Riku’s expense.

“I can’t believe you just stole a whole tablet,” Riku grunts as he flees the scene.

“Thanks for the vessel,” Data Riku answers, sounding unusually cheerful. “Hurry and get to the track.”

“I’d get there a lot faster with that bike you promised. It’s the least you can do after stealing from that restaurant. I can’t believe—”

Data Sora is still having the time of his life. “Way to go, Riku!” And Data Riku looks way too proud of himself at the praise.

Riku rolls his eyes after glancing over his shoulder for any pursuers. “Teenagers.”

“Alright, jump!”

“What—”

“Jump!”

Riku sees the pixels up ahead, glittering and reforming into a familiar shape.

He jumps.

And he lands on something solid just as the pixels settle into their new form.

People, cars, and buildings all flash past Riku as he crashes down the street, toward his original destination. Data Sora is absolutely losing it as he watches from the gummiphone (which Riku had docked on the console), and looks like he might pass out when Data Riku emulates the scene within their world, with the two of them cruising on a shared bike.

“Wait,” Riku shouts over the wind, and the engine. “Couldn’t I just sell this thing for money?”

“You’d really sell something that you stole?” Data Riku calls back, grinning when Data Sora wraps his arms around his waist.

Riku would swerve into a post if he could focus on the gummiphone for more than a split second at a time. “I didn’t steal anything; that was all you.”

“You keep telling yourself that.”

___

i didn't even get to write him actually racing lol oops. and there's a whole other side to this i'm imagining where sora drags yozora to the very same races riku is about to pop up in, sort of a rapunzel/eugene vibe lmao. yozora really doesn't know why tf his heart tells him to put up with sora's shit but he does it anyway. my poor amnesiac boys.

i also know i didn't really explain my bs logic for how data riku turns a tablet into a motorcycle (i never even mentioned the motorcycle once it appeared either LMAO). i would have, in data riku fashion, but it would've made for a block of text full of made up nonsense lol

[bluerosesburnblue]

I hope you don't mind this ask, but... Any theories / speculations about the most recent story update for KHUX?

Oh, I don’t mind at all! I’m glad you asked, actually, because I’ve had some thoughts, though not many new theories of my own, unfortunately. That being said, I can definitely go over how some of my old theories and some of the fandom’s hold up and my thoughts on a few of the new theories I’ve seen floating around

One thing that I’m consistently proud of is how my old guesses about Darkness’s true nature just keep ending up almost right barring some slight details. I made the claim back when Re:Mind first came out that Darkness could be a hive mind of entities that plant bits of themselves in others, and then refined that back in July of 2020 by likening it to a parasite that worms its way into people’s hearts and incorporates itself into them to control them. This past update confirmed that the Darkness we’re fighting is one part of the hive mind that wormed its way into Ven to force him to act out, and that by doing so it detached itself from that hive mind and became incorporated into Ven’s being (which Ven can then shape). So I gotta say I’m pretty pleased about that part

All that’s left to be seen from the July post is if Darkness has a connection to Verum Rex/Quadratum, but I doubt that that will be touched on by the KHUx finale. Though I will say that it’s pretty interesting that the Master of Masters tells Darkness about “a world [he] can’t even conceive,” which seems like it could easily be referring to Quadratum, which also means that Darkness knows about it

That’s pretty much all I have to say on the Ventus/Darkness/Vanitas connection, but there’s still more to cover in this update

One thing that I’ve been trying to figure out is who the cloaked figure right at the start of the update is, Luxu or the MoM. Measuring the sizes and my old guess based on the KH3 Secret Reports both say Luxu, but this brings into question “when,” exactly, the True Dandelion scene takes place as it doesn’t have the dark haze around the edges that they give flashbacks, but is clearly the real-world set of pods as they’re not destroyed AND it’s missing the pod that Maleficent already used. The True Dandelion scene has a lot to unpack, but this scene at the start does make me wonder if Luxu and/or the Master have a way in and out of the datascape that doesn’t involve the pods, otherwise the numbers don’t add up

Also related to the post of mine I just linked is the idea that the Black Box is the datascape. I believe that this might still hold true. It’s interesting to note that they show the scene from Back Cover where Luxu is given the box in the first place just prior to the reveal that using the lifeboats to escape starts the process to seal it off and have the real Daybreak Town fall to darkness, and the Master’s “hint” to Luxu involves this very process. Why would Luxu be forbidden to open the box? Quite possibly because it contains the infected datascape meant to seal off the vast majority of the Darkness hive mind. And several Dandelions. It is both the “hope” mentioned in KH3 through those Dandelions, as well as a trap to keep Darkness out of being able to interfere for quite a long time

Now, the questions that I’m sure are on everyone’s minds are “who is the True Dandelion,” and “who are the ones who use the lifeboats?” Let’s start with the True Dandelion, as there’s far less moving pieces involved in that one

I won’t take credit for coming up with any of these options, I’m just going to discuss the logistics of them. So the candidates for the True Dandelion in, what is in my opinion, the least likely option to the most likely option, are:

Kairi: I’ve seen this one floating around and... honestly don’t believe it at all due to the sheer amount of logical contortions that you have to do to make it work. To wit:

Where the hell would she even come from if it was Kairi? As can be clearly seen with Ven, is stated to be true with Subject X, and is implied to be true of Lauriam/Elrena, those who travel to the future using the pods will regenerate their bodies at the age they were when they used the pods. Which would make Kairi at the oldest a four-year-old. Four years prior to KHUx was when Brain was told that he was a Union Leader. So she either would have been just born immediately prior to the war and was just... stolen or something? And we never saw? Or just after the war, where she would probably have to be the child of a Dandelion that got teen pregnant because they’re supposed to be both kids and the only survivors? Or Luxu and Ava’s kid somehow? Like, what? The timeline is just insane with that

If she was born before the war... you would assume that the True Dandelion would be, you know, a Dandelion. Which would mean that Ava handed a Keyblade to and recruited a literal toddler. This would also retcon Aqua being the one to accidentally pass the ability to wield a Keyblade down to Kairi and I refuse to make theories predicated on “the author will retcon this.” You just open up a huge can of worms doing that

The body wrapped in white looked a hell of a lot bigger than a four-year-old to me

I am sick to death of “this character was secretly from the Age of Fairytales~” being employed by the narrative. It’s happened at least three times already (four if you count Luxu). Enough already

Ventus: Ven has some hints, though some notable contradictions to it being him

On the one had, the sheet that the True Dandelion is wrapped in is extremely similar to the one that Xehanort wrapped him in when planning to leave him on Destiny Islands in BBS and there’s a possibility that Xehanort may have found him in that very sheet if he regenerated wearing it

On the other hand: Ventus might not have even been a Dandelion in the first place (he definitely wasn’t a Union Leader, but I don’t know if it was ever said whether he was selected as a regular Dandelion or not), and there’s the timing of the scene that I mentioned above. It’s definitely after Maleficent used her lifeboat but before anyone else used theirs (when you would expect Ven to remain with his friends) and, since the scene doesn’t have the flashback effect, it’s implied to be happening concurrently with everything else, so Ven should still be fighting Darkness in the datascape while it’s happening and eliminating him from being this particular person

Strelitzia: Oh, boy, have we got some nice old hints to Strelitzia, but still a few logical contortions, just like Ven

The white sheet is coming back up again. Namely, the fact that we still have an unexplained scene where Strelitzia appears to Lauriam in a dream wrapped in a white cloak, though it’s of a different style than the one that the True Dandelion is in. That scene also featured flower petals being blown into the wind, much like a dandelion seed (though, notably, the petals that are blown aren’t Dandelion seeds)

The question is, yet again, one of timing. How would Luxu get her body? While she was only introduced in KHUx, her scenes are all flashbacks to before the war, so we know that she was struck down in the real world, not the datascape. We see her body dissolve into light and her heart be released. Now, technically you only need a heart to time travel (actually, a heart is the only thing that can time travel), but Luxu is clearly seen putting a body into the machine. A machine that only allows for time travel because it destroys the body. If he had her heart, he wouldn’t need to use the lifeboat because she’s already in a state to time-travel on her own and this eliminates the possibility of him putting her Nobody into the machine, because without a heart it would just evaporate her body leaving... absolutely no heart to go to the future with

Now, Luxu theoretically could have grabbed her heart. We know that he was hanging around Daybreak Town at the time while observing thanks to his fight with Ava, but Strelitzia is struck down just after the fight with Ava starts so it’s very likely that Luxu was too preoccupied to retrieve her heart before it was gone. Speaking of Luxu’s fight with Ava...

Ava is my current top pick for the True Dandelion candidate due to the sheer number of questions it answers and how few it raises

Ever since KH3 came out, the question of “where the heck is Ava?” has been buzzing around as a major mystery. Her last chronological point of appearance is the same as the other Foretellers: the Keyblade War itself, where she’s shown leading her Union to battle. Notably, she seems resigned to her part in this, and this is the first and only time we see her after her battle with Luxu where he reveals to her the Master’s true plans. Melody of Memory seems to imply that the other Foretellers managed to skip to the future by going to another world, Quadratum (or at least this is the most likely explanation as there’s not enough pods to send all four of the other Foretellers AND the characters that we know end up in the future to their destination). However, Ava isn’t with them and Luxu knows what happened to her

It would be easy to write this off as them trying to drop Ava from the narrative or her not being important, but her chess piece is included in the “Eraqus and Xehanort foreshadow the next saga” chess game on the far right of the board and Nomura confirms that they represent the Master’s six apprentices, i.e. the five Foretellers + Luxu. So, Ava is necessary in the upcoming saga and yet, she didn’t get to the future the same way as any of the Master’s other apprentices leaving her open to get there via a lifeboat

Ava is the very founder of the Dandelions, who all of the others look up to and defer to and was spoken of heavily in the scene just prior to the True Dandelion reveal. That’s grounds for being called the True Dandelion if I’ve ever seen one

Luxu would very easily be able to ensure that Ava would be able to make it to the future. Just like with the Master of Masters, he already has the memories necessary for her to use to regenerate a body, and either her Keyblade or her mask would make for effective mediums that wouldn’t be too difficult for Luxu to take. If he put her in the white cloth, he probably took her mask off already

Ava hasn’t been around for the events of KHUx, so there’s no timeline discrepancies if it’s her

So, now that we have an idea of who the True Dandelion could be, let’s talk about the rest of the lifeboats and how they might fit together. For the purposes of this discussion, let’s assume that the True Dandelion can’t be one of the Union Leaders and that their battle with Darkness is taking place at the same time as Luxu is sending off the True Dandelion. I’ll be referencing an old theory of mine, while making additions now that it’s clear that there’s two sets of lifeboats: the Data Set and the Real Set

Right now, there’s an equal number of Real Pods and Data Pods: 5 each. For the Data Pods, of the seven that we started with, one was used by Maleficent and one was damaged in the battle between Maleficent and Lauriam. As for the Real Pods, one has been used by Maleficent, and one has been used by the True Dandelion. This leaves us with five each.

We can narrow this down further by eliminating people that we know end up in the future. These are:

Ventus

Subject X, who is most likely Skuld based on her description

Lauriam

Elrena* (of note with Elrena is that we actually have no idea where the hell she is at the moment or how she’s going to get into the pods. Furthermore, while every other lifeboat user sans Maleficent has been shown to have amnesia upon waking and Lauriam/Marluxia directly indicates as such applies to him, too, in KH3, Elrena/Larxene’s KH3 scene and character file short story both indicate that she recalls Lauriam and possibly Strelitzia, though she also seems surprised at the idea that she’s part of an ancient Keyblade legacy. I won’t deny that there’s a possibility that she doesn’t use a lifeboat and ends up in the future by other means based on the discrepancies)

So with three confirmed cases, we’re left with one ambiguous case in Elrena and three more possible candidates: Ephemer, Brain, and Player. Four people, and two pods

I want to make it clear that despite what I brought up against Elrena, I do think that she’ll be using one of the lifeboats if only so that KHUx has narrative consistency. They introduced Elrena, they made her part of the investigation on Strelitzia’s whereabouts, so it only makes sense that they need to show us where she ended up for a satisfying conclusion. So let’s slot Elrena in for one of the lifeboats. That leaves one between Player, Ephemer, and Brain

My best guess is that Player won’t be using a lifeboat at all. Not only are they a create-a-character that would be a HUGE pain to try and incorporate into future entries in the series without making a “canon” version and thus ruining their appeal as an avatar, but we haven’t seen or heard mention of them at all in the games set in the present-day. There’s zero indication that they made it, which makes them the most easily eliminated as a lifeboat user

That leaves Ephemer and Brain, and I still believe that Ephemer will be the final lifeboat user, and for the same reasons as stated in the theory I linked at the start of this section. Not only does Brain have the same facial sprite as Eraqus, but he wields the Master’s Defender which will be later passed down to Eraqus and I believe that this eliminates him as a time traveler, despite the fandom’s popular opinion that it confirms it

Because I don’t believe that Brain is Eraqus’s grandfather, but rather his distant ancestor who inherited the No Name and passed down both Keyblades through the ages

So let’s resolve some plot threads taking everything I’ve stated and linked to above into account

My Big Guess for the KHUx Finale

Ventus will use the fact that Darkness is tied to his heart now to give it a physical, but still mostly amorphous form that he, the Union Leaders, and Player can finally take down. Darkness will be sealed inside Ven’s heart, where it will lie dormant until he reaches the future. Eventually, Xehanort will extract it in the form of Vanitas and it will follow Vanitas’s life cycle, ending in him being reabsorbed into Ven at the end of BBS. Darkness, now back in Ven’s heart, will make brief contact with Sora during the events of Re:Mind

Lauriam, upon learning that the world will be sealed with the use of the lifeboats, will attempt to rescue his partner, Elrena. Both will take lifeboats out of the datascape and into the future, whereupon they will be recruited into Organization XIII by Luxu’s current incarnation, Xigbar, likely to keep an eye on them. I believe there might be a squabble among Ephemer, Skuld, Brain, and Player among who will use the final lifeboats (each person nominating others besides themselves), but ultimately they will settle on Ephemer and Skuld

Skuld will wind up amnesiac in the future Radiant Garden and is discovered by Ansem the Wise and his apprentices and dubbed Subject X. She becomes Xehanort’s favorite test subject due to the similarities in their amnesia and possibly some lingering memories that he has that don’t quite belong to him (KHDR Xehanort certainly seems to want to meet his “old friends” very badly)

Ephemer’s heart will wind up in the Keyblade Graveyard as I mentioned in an old theory, unable to manifest a body due to the lack of a medium present. Through this state of being just a heart (and possibly related to those old talks about him being “unchained”), he will be able to enact the Light of the Past moment from KH3, and may very well be revived for future events in the series

This leaves Brain and Player behind in the datascape. However, you may remember one detail that I brought up, but neglected to fully expand on until now. There is a difference between the Data Pods and the Real Pods. While all of the Real Pods have been used up at the time of my proposed sequence of events, the Data Pods have not been. One was never used, only damaged. This leaves open the possibility that it can also be repaired (Also, I’m just gonna say it. Player’s met someone recently who has a magic hammer that can repair anything... might not come back but also totally could). Brain and Player could then repair the final pod and, in a callback to when Player was sent to Game Central Station, have them both agree once again that Player is the more expendable person in the scenario. Brain will take the repaired pod, leaving no way out of the datascape for anyone else, while Player stays behind to be sealed away for the time being (this could also be a callback to the original KHx, where Player also stayed behind to take part in the war instead of fleeing with the Dandelions, as they refused to leave their party behind)

When Brain escapes, however, he will be met with a Daybreak Town with no Real Pods left, as Luxu used one on the True Dandelion. Now that the seven pods have all been used up and the real Daybreak Town is falling to darkness, Luxu will take a corridor out as the Master instructed, but bring the newly appeared Brain along with him (either that or Brain emerges after Daybreak Town falls, either is possible) and bequeaths the No Name onto him. Brain, stranded in the past while all of his friends have been sent to the future, will be Luxu’s new apprentice and rebuild the fallen Daybreak Town as Scala ad Caelum, then pass down both of his Keyblades: Master’s Defender to his biological descendants, and No Name to his apprentices

As for the Master of Masters? I think he’s already taken an eighth lifeboat (you’ll note that there’s space right in the center of the cluster where one more could theoretically fit) and had done so before the start of the original KHx. He’ll be revived at some point in Xehanort’s young adult life to goad him into his insane plans as seen in Re:Mind, then duck into Quadratum to hang out until the next arc in the franchise, as hinted at with his appearance in the KH3 Secret Movie

(He is most definitely not Sora. He’s clearly bound to the same rules of time travel as everyone else which means that Sora couldn’t go back in time to become him as that would be long before the point in time where Sora was born and that breaks KH time travel rules. Not to mention that the Master talks about Quadratum in this update like he’s never seen it before until it came up in the No Name’s range of vision. Sora is literally in Quadratum right now, he’d definitely know what it was already if he was the Master)

And I do believe that should cover everyone’s whereabouts by the end of the game and into the next arc of Kingdom Hearts with minimal plot holes

This is just my best guess, putting together details that I’ve been accumulating for the past year and a half or so into what sounds like a coherent sequence of events that bridge the gap between KHUx and KH3 and beyond. There may be some details I get wrong, obviously. Nomura has been known to be... unpredictable. But I think, based on the evidence we have at hand, that this is the most logical series of events to end the game on and I’m really interested to see how close this gets to the actual finale we see

[psianabel-writes]

Union Leaders & Ava - Reunion

Post KH3 reunion idea, written for day 7 of khuxweek!

[AO3]

______________________________________

Skuld was the first to arrive.

Her journey - long and confusing, but her feet took her here, into this barren, vast land. Red dust got caught in her black coat and long tousled hair, and she had to shield her eyes here and there from the harsh wind howling. 

Her eyes wandered to the rusted keys stuck into the ground. It clenched her heart in a way she couldn’t explain - 

Somewhere deep down lay a calm sea of memories, waiting for the floodgates to open. Yet only droplets managed to gush through, it's been years since she attempted to make sense of it. 

Four friends and a key. That was all.

She reached a crossroad and stopped her walking, taking the sight in. There was something eerie about it, lifeless and barren -

Why was she here, why did her heart tell her to come here? Her mind was always riddled with questions she found no answers to.

And yet she couldn’t shake off the feeling of a deja vu, haunting her, yelling at her she had to remember.

So close. So close, someone just needed the right tool to unlock the gates.

Confused she sat down, holding onto her bent legs as she placed her forehead onto her knees. 

It had to make sense, eventually.

_____________________________________

Ventus hesitated with each step he made.

"Do we really have to be here?" He said nervously, looking around the area before he eventually looked down to Chirithy hopping in front of him.

"Yes. Well, it is the Fated Place after all. It has to be here." Chirithy answered him, continuing to walk straight forward.

Ventus sighed, but he trusted Chirithy and continued as well, though all his senses were on high alert. 

There weren’t many good memories about this place, safe for one after the defeat of Xehanort he couldn't remember anything good about it. This place held too much pain, sadness, and fear - 

It was the place he faced destiny and lost his friends, gave up his life to prevent the X-Blade from coming to action. More than a decade later the keys watched him again fight for destiny, yet this time the outcome was a better one.

He started to wonder what else they saw.

"Oh!" 

Ventus almost tripped over Chirithy as it stopped in its tracks, making him look into the distance when it pointed forward.

"Someone's here!" Chirithy sprinted off and Ventus had to act quickly to run after it.

He slowed down again when he came closer to the young woman sitting on the ground. She flinched, unwrapping her arms from her legs and almost stumbled away from the spot if it weren’t for Chirithy to indicate to calm down.

"Woah sorry, sorry, I didn’t want to startle you…" Ventus pleaded, holding his hands up to confirm his innocence. "My name is Ventus! Call me Ven."

The woman still looked uneasy but slowly lifted herself up and nodded.

"You two know each other." Chirithy said and both looked down to it, confused.

"We … do?" 

"Yes." It gestured with its tiny arms. "You just forgot."

"Oh, huh."

It still felt so unreal to Ventus. This whole thing about a forgotten past. … But his heart felt good about it, and Chirithy was there, too. … It had to be true, right?

"I don't … remember. Not even my name." The woman looked at the ground again. Her expression became sad - and Ventus walked up to her with a small smile.

"Hey, it's okay! We can be friends now."

Immediately her expression softened. A stir of hidden memories let her believe this was the right decision.

"Once the others are here, it will make more sense." 

Chirithy didn’t say more, leaving the two confused as they waited for the time to pass.

________________________________

To say that Elrena was annoyed being here was an understatement. Never ever she wanted to be here, but Lauriam insisted. Insisted to the point that if she didn't want to come with him, she could just leave.

Harsh words to hear for someone who had to live with a heart now she didn't want.

It was confusing, overwhelming. And combined with those hazy memories that started to appear - where else should she go, as to follow Lauriam to make sense of what was going on in her head.

And he was there in those memories. To give up this connection now would be pointless.

"You sure we're supposed to be here?" She asked, having her hands tucked behind her head. "This place is dead."

"The connection." Lauriam mumbled. He didn't spare her a look and continued walking through the red dust. "We've been through this."

"Yeah, yeah."

Elrena simply waved in annoyance. She just wanted to get over with this, the faster they were the quicker she could be gone again. 

Completely disregarding what was happening as her gaze wandered over the lifeless keyblades, she almost didn't notice how Lauriam halted.

"What's now?" She squinted and tilted her head, looking into the distance where Lauriam was looking as well. "Huh? Isn't that the kid from the Organisation?"

Lauriam shook his head. "No, but this is interesting."

He picked up his pace again and Elrena followed right after him, keeping herself short on words for once.

The blond boy and the black haired woman noticed the two newcomers immediately and both were startled by their sudden appearance. Though Ventus was a bit more interested, he hesitated regardless.

"Fate must have brought you here, too." Lauriam started to break the ice, holding his hands to the side to offer peace, just in the right moment before Elrena could have said anything.

Ventus wasn’t convinced. He placed himself in front of his new friend and made himself ready to fight, squinting his eyes. "You're … you're from the Organisation!"

"Yeah and you're one of the Guardians of Light, thanks for the introduction." 

Elrena hissed from behind Lauriam, but he put his arm up to calm her down again, having her let out an annoying sigh. He really didn't want any trouble and did his best to show it. 

He placed his hand over his heart, taking a deep breath. "We're here because our hearts told us to. And you're here, too, so there must be a connection."

Ventus gritted his teeth. He wouldn't allow the Organisation to harm any more - but his eyes fell onto Chirithy, who ended up tucking on his trousers to get its attention.

"Easy. You, too, know each other."

"Huh?" Both Lauriam and Ventus held their gaze.

There was a connection, they could feel it. Somewhere faint down inside them, a bond they couldn't put their fingers on.

They were sure it would make sense eventually.

Skuld stayed silent. Nothing made sense, but if these people came here for the same reason as her, then … 

"Only a few more." Chirithy mumbled, leaving the others in the dark again.

__________________________________

Brain was silent as he stared at the old keyblade stuck into the ground.

It was deliberately put here, he figured as much, and he wanted to question why. Though the words never escaped him, he was sure he would find out in one way or another. 

But … it was his.

The star-shaped ornaments fell off as he grabbed the blade, a faint glowing starting to appear as life filled it once again. A smile played on Brain's face as he inspected his old weapon, feeling the familiar weight and shape in his hands.

After all this time Master's Defender returned back to his first owner.

"Ready?" A voice sounded behind him and Brain glanced over his shoulder to see Master Ava standing there. He sighed and took one last look into the distance before he turned around to her, nodding.

"It will be nice to see everyone again."

Ava twitched her lips, staying silent as she turned around and waved with her hand in front of her, a portal appearing in front of them.

"Then, let's meet them."

Together they stepped into the portal.

__________________________________

All of them shielded their eyes as a bright portal appeared in the very middle of them. Brain and Master Ava stepped out of it before it disappeared as quick as it appeared.

One good look around them made Ava smile, her heart warm as she saw them again. Her eyes landed on Chirithy, nodding to it as it bowed in front of her.

Though, one more was missing. 

"Who … are you?" Ventus was the first to speak, as no one else dared to say something. 

But Brain stepped forward to speak for Master Ava, smiling as he held his arms out. "Don't worry, Ven. It will make sense soon."

"... Huh?" 

With an open mouth he stared at the two, even more confused than before. Though that didn’t last long, as another bright portal appeared to their side and a boy with grey hair stepped through it, his lips forming a bright smile as he laid his eyes onto the group in front of them.

"Made it!" He exclaimed and both Master Ava and Brain shared his enthusiasm.

In between all this, Elrena stepped forward and gestured with her hands her confusion. "Now what the -" Yet before she could finish, Lauriam held her off, urging her to stay silent.

"Ephemer, Brain, Ventus, Lauriam, Skuld, and even Elrena -" Ava looked into the round as she listed each name, interestingly looking at Skuld as she heard her name for the very first time again. The woman held onto her head as memories slowly gushed through, the barrier unable to stop it anymore.

Taking a deep breath, Ava looked at them again, determination in her eyes under her mask.

"It is time for your final role."

[drazavonia]

She will no longer "Embrace Destiny"

Destiny is more often that not a goal or fate one's life is chained to. If destiny is a force of the universe, no one can "control" destiny so to speak. However someone of a higher power, domain or "providence" can change the destiny of one with lesser power, control and/or knowledge (of their own destiny).

Kairi was only four years old when Apprentice Xehanort took her, experimented on her and shipped her off of her world for two purposes apparently:

1) For her "Heart of Pure Light" to resonate with the "key bearer" and lead Xehanort to them.

2) As of Melody of Memory, apparently Apprentice Xehanort also wanted Kairi to arrive in a world of neither light or darkness which could possibly be The Final World. Ironically, this would mean he was successful on both accounts by the end of this game.

However, it's clear up above Kairi is upset and that line of "You're the one who keeps messing with my fate" implies much like how Aqua finally figured out in Kh3/Remind that Xehanort possessed Terra, Kairi will finally find out how and why she was ripped away from her grandma and home of Radiant Garden. Not only that, but it shows us she never really had a choice in how her fate was twisted and manipulated to whichever way the Xehanorts needed at the time:

- Apprentice Xehanort shipping Kairi off to Sora and Riku

- Ansem SOD/Riku sacrificing Destiny Islands causing Kairi's heart to take refuge in Sora's heart.

-Xemnas and Xehanort taking Kairi to crystalize her heart to use as a final gambit to open Kingdom Hearts.

The next lines "If it weren't for you Sora and everyone would be safe...I won't let you walk away" indicate for Sora, her friends and herself, she will no longer allow anyone control over her destiny. She has the strength and determination now to make her own destiny and fight against anyone who messes with her fate again.

This is the reason I can see Kairi getting a new keyblade.

A lot of the main characters' keyblades are symbolic of their hearts and roles within the series, as well as how they've grown and evolved over the course of their journeys.

The most obvious case being Riku.

Riku

Kingdom Key> Soul Eater

The Kingdom Key was originally meant for Riku, as he was the keyblade's chosen. But when he chose to give in to the darkness the keyblade went to Sora instead, and of course Soul Eater was a weapon of darkness given to him by Maleficent to signify his alignment with her.

Soul Eater> Way to Dawn

It's in the name.

But seriously Way to Dawn is a perfect symbol of Riku's journey of acceptance of his darkness and redemption from kh1 to kh2. The keychain is the dark heart on his "Dark Riku" form which signified his complete fall to darkness. But from the keychain upwards we see the "Gazing Eye" encircled by an angel wing and demon wing, symbolizing Riku's decision against alignment with light or darkness. Afterwards majority of the blade is the demon wing from Soul Eater largely because Riku's role within kh2 is him working from the shadows undercover as Ansem and doing his best to distance himself from his friends who walk the path of light. However at the very end, an angel wing meets the large demon wing which is symbolic of us teaming up with Riku finally, as he showcases his mastery of light and darkness alongside Sora and friends.

Way to Dawn> Braveheart

In DDD, Riku materializes Soul Eater and questions his worthiness as a keyblade wielder. He still has doubts but still continues to hold on to his true motivations being to protect Sora. Riku accepts that he can use the power of darkness while standing firmly on the side of light to protect his friends. He no longer needs to find or follow the way to dawn, because by the end of DDD came the Dawn of Riku, a Keyblade Master and Guardian of Light.

And "Braveheart" is pretty simple. Riku found the strength to protect what matters, and it's perfectly symbolized by Riku's sacrifice for Sora.

"I'm ready now, I'm in control now."

Terra and Aqua (technically Ven as well) have never left home by the beginning of BBS and throughout the game they experience trials and tribulations that challenge their friendship and we see by their Keyblades at the end the results of these trials.

Terra

Earthshaker> Ends of the Earth

Strong and powerful, after hearing Riku's motivation for strength being his friends he bestowed upon him the keyblade which reignited his devotion to his friends. This is also symbolized with Lingering Will, as that's the keyblade he's left with. He'll go to the ends of the earth to save his friends and right his wrongs.

Ends of the Earth> Chaos Ripper

Terra's devotion to protect his friends turns into rage against Xehanort for killing Eraqus, taking his home and manipulating him. Allowing darkness to further consume his heart.

Aqua

Rainfell> Stormfall

Aqua's journey mostly consist with things happening around her and to her friends. Aqua being the only master of the three and worried for their safety, Aqua does her best to assume responsibility and watch over them. Much like rain, it was a light and simple task. But Xehanort's manipulations and temptations with both Terra and Ven, increased Aqua's worry and need to have control over her friends to keep them out of danger. Unfortunately certain seeds had already been planted amongst them, causing Aqua's worry and concern to come off as patronizing and distrustful of her friends. This weakened the trust in the bonds they share making her job to protect them even more difficult and adding to the weight of responsibility she carries.

Stormfall> Brightcrest

Terra and Ventus have both lost their hearts to darkness. With Venuts sleeping in Castle Oblivion and Terra taken over by Xehanort, Aqua was their only chance of ever coming back. She was the only one who knew how to find Ventus and the only one left to defeat Xehanort once and for all. She stood tall and was willing to risk it all for her friends, she was their "light in the darkness".

Ventus

Wayward Wind + Lost Memory

Ventus' keyblade is the only one that doesn't evolve or change throughout the game. Instead Lost Memory is gained when Vanitas forces Ventus to remember how he came to be. Ventus gains a newfound acceptance for his fate with this knowledge and only cares if his friends are safe.

Axel/Lea (Dark Rescue)

Flame Liberator

Axel betrayed the organization. Axel did everything he could to keep Roxas and Xion unaware of the truth so they could live in blissful ignorance (or be happy). He saved Sora at the last minute in DDD and made it his mission in KH3 to get Roxas back. He even declared to Saix that he would bring him home as well. His keyblade represents his determination to save and free his friends from a cruel fate.

Destiny's Embrace also tells a story for Kairi, but much like how she got it, the symbolism isn't representative of her personal journey.

- The keychain of Destiny's Embrace is funny enough, a popular fruit. When two people share paopu fruits, their destinies become intertwined.

- The chain, unlike many others is a red thread in knots, most likely representative of the Red String of Destiny. The "Destiny Knot" (pokemon references ftw) is what ties two people together romantically or what ties two destinies together.

- The hilt of the keyblade is the King chess piece. The king in this case referring to Sora (Crown, Throne, Holds his keyblade like King Arthur in artwork). To me this is symbolic of how Kairi has literally held Sora's fate or destiny in her hands at certain points in the series.

• In kh1, Kairi reverts Sora back from a heartless/the darkness after sacrificing himself to restore her heart.

• In khcom, in order for Sora to regain his memories, he has to focus on his "light in the darkness".

• In kh2, it's not until after reading Kairi's letter to him that the Door to Light opens the way for Sora and Riku to return to Destiny Islands in the realm of light.

• In kh3, it's Kairi's light that keeps Sora from fading away within the demon tide and holds him together so he can save the other guardians.

- Surrounding the grip is a heart with half of it having a sea/ocean/wave aesthetic. It could be representative of Kairi's heart and the heart of her nobody counterpart Namine, whose name means wave.

- Half of the heart with the vine extending down the blade is identical to the keychains of Sora's Ultima Weapons in kh1,2,DDD,3.

The crown connects to the heart which belongs to both Kairi and Namine which makes sense because Sora and Kairi together created Namine.

- I'm not sure what the blade symbolizes aside from maybe fire because of her entanglement with Axel (doubt) or more likely the fires of Kairi's determination to improve, so she can stand by Sora and Riku.

- The flowers at the end with "logo" heart of course represents Radiant Garden. I think Nomura always planned to explore Kairi's past at some point especially with how connected it is to Union X, and that Kairi as well her grandma would be the bridge connecting the past and the present.

However, because of kh3 and most likely M.O.M, I think Kairi will quite literally be freed from "Destiny's Embrace", both Xehanort and the keyblade.

Like I said before, a lot of the symbolism for Destiny's Embrace is externally based. Mostly because Kairi never gets the chance to shine nor do we get to see what's going on inside of her head. Some of this is also because of Kairi's reluctance to bring up her past trauma when asked about it.

• Sora is gone, no need to be a plot device/motivation for him. Instead it's the other way around.

• Namine is her own person now.

• Melody of Memory will finally tackle and resolve Kairi's past.

Everything Destiny's Embrace represents will be resolved by the end of Melody of Memory. So just like how Riku completed his Darkness character arc by the end of DDD and got Way to Dawn replaced by Braveheart as a symbol of his newfound growth, either by the end of M.O.M or in KH4 Kairi will be rid off all of the things holding her character back from truly growing on a narrative and meta level and the keyblade that symbolizes all of those things:

Destiny's Embrace

*This is the other part of the Melody of Memory sticker post.

(Credit to Hartmann-lionhart for their Destiny's Embrace/Ultima Weapon Analysis)

[xdestiny-doodlesx]

Day 5- loyalty, Formal Event and Special connections

~Formal Event~

Estelle has never really been fan of massive parties or balls at all, her anxiety goes through the roof if there's to many people, but she has always wanted to own a Ballgown. So out of the blue one day she has an invitation from Belle for a party to celebrate Sora, her, Donald and Goofy for saving her and beast in KH1 and KH2. she the three kind fairies gift her this beautiful Ballgown and she loves it to pieces and it probably the most treasured piece of clothing she's ever been gifted next to certain Hat with a Red feather (But that's for you all to find out later).

~loyalty~

(Sadly for next two prompts I wasn't able to finish the detailed images but I'll post them somepoint soon)

Estelle Loyalty has always been questioned to her over the course of her life after the end of KH1 becasue nobody really knows who she is, where she comes from and why is she so important to the point where it confused Xeahonort himself, But during her one to one fight with Terranort with lingering will at herside, Terranort tries to get into her head asking her if she really knows what she is and were her loyalty lies and this starts to really really get on Estelle Nevers and after knocking out Terranort she walks over to him with her keyblade in hand and says "My loyalty lies with my friends, Nobody else, so don't you dare get in my head again and say I have none...IVE LOST MORE THAN YOU KNOW AND GAINED PEOPLE AND FRIENDS I DONT DESERVE AND ITS MY JOB AS THEIR FRIEND AND PROTECTOR TO KEEP THEM SAFE..until my very last breath... Xeahonort"

~Speical Connections~

Estelle special connections is kinda hard to pin down due to her begin important to everyone but I give you 3, 1 Disney world connection and 2 of keyblade welders connections.

Rapunzel- (Kingdom of Carona, KH3)

Rapunzel and Estelle friendship blossoms over the whole time they are in this world exploring, this is first world Estelle goes to after hearing Mickey say there's no way to get Aqua back from the Dark World and kinda has a full on breakdown and estelle has became numb to emotions, she won't smile or talk full sentences, But Rapunzel helps start to light her way home, with stories, games and there shared interested of finding out what the Lanterns are.

2- Terra (Birth by Sleep and KH3 + Remind)

As I have explained before Terra and Estelle friendship is very sibling like, Terra was the first one to help Estelle escape out of her shell, and he does everything he can to make her feel welcome in the land of departure, Terra is her driving force to be a keyblade welder...but of course after a certain incident in BBS she forgets who everyone is so Estelle has always wanted to know and thank the person who made her be who she is. My favourite thing about these two is the cute nickname Terra gave Estelle which is Bunny, Why he names her this is because well Estelle doesn't like standing still for two seconds, shes always wanted to move around quickly and explore new thing and she's a bit ditzy as well.

3- Ventus (Union cross, BBS and KH3 + Remind)

Now this were estelle past comes into play, Superise Estelle is from the Time of Union cross, so out of Everyone she knows Ventus the longest sort of....it's confusing I'll explain later, But during BBS Her and Ventus are alot like each other, wide eyed children looking to explore the world and help the people in them, So Estelle basically looks up to him and wants to be like him to the point she sort of holds her keyblade backwards doing Wind attacks, One of my favourite things I've headcanned for them both is that ventus reads Estelle bedtime stories and they both fall asleep on accident and don't move fro Estelle's window bay but somehow when they wake up a certain blue haired friend of theirs has placed a blanket over them hehe.

@khoc-week