The Chasers: Darkness' Fold

[Reno]

Roxas watched Axel leave wordlessly and he sighed shutting his eyes. He stayed like that for the next few minutes until he heard several pairs of feet coming back into the room. He opened his eyes, smiling a little as Axel lifted their little son onto the bed.

He hummed appreciatively as the robe was placed over him, slipping his arms through and tying it easily. At his son;s inquiry he reached down, ruffling his hair fondly. "Yeah Roxel... I'm okay." He leant down giving him a soft kiss on the forehead before straightening and taking the proffered ice cream.

If he ever needed comfort food... it was definitenitly now.

They ate their ice cream in silence and Roxas didn't speak until his ice cream was all licked up. Slowly he looked from Axel, to Xio to Roxel, and repeated the same words Axel had once told him long ago when Riku died for the first time. "At least we're still here - as a family. We're here to give each other support and warmth." He swallowed hard. "And love."


Terra rasied his hand that was around Ven's waist, running it soothingly through the blonde's hair. "Ven... you need to get some more rest." He murmured softly. "You took a lot of damage back there."

Tensai looked up at them both quietly, seeing that the two were a lot calmer now that they were together, and reached up with a grabby hand. It was time to address a huge problem of his own. He was able snatch up some of the the Atterian's brown strands. He tugged on the hair roughly.

Terra winced a little - how did Sora and Riku deal with this? - and looked at the boy. "Yeah?"

"I'm hungwy!!" The toodler complained. He had grown so used to Terra taking care of him that he automatically knew to go to him for his needs.

"Um... o-ok." Terra said.


Tidus sighed as they pulled down another wall of their house. It felt so terrible... he and Riku had put up these houses all alone - and now alone he was watching them come down. There would be no after 'building' surfing together any longer. There would be no more get togethers on the beach or bonfires on the old playisland. There would be no more sheepish Sora with a little Tensai in tow knocking at their door and asking if Namine could come play. No more smiles, no more laughs, no more spars. Sora and Riku had been some of his very best friends - ever since he was a kid - and now it was hard to think... that they were gone.

And what was worse was it didn't seem like Tensai would be staying either. Terra had, in all honestly, kidnapped the kid after all. He wasnlt even sure if Sora and Riku had given the kid godparents anyways...

Little details like that always got lost.

Bryna sighed, tears in her eyes as she looked at the two plots of land that would be for her son and son-in-law. Beside her the carbuncle whimpered in sympathy, rubbing against her leg. Bryna rubbed the top of the pets head. the poor dear had been depressed as she - and spent most of her time just laying out on the carpet of their home or sitting in front of the window - as if she expected Sora or Riku to come by any second to pick her up.

After losing Ven and having him returned to her, Bryna never thought she'd have to deal with the pain of losing a son again - why was it the fates just loved to prove her wrong? She never... never imagined that such a thing could happen to her first born boy. He had lived through so much and against so many odds...

And to think the last thing she had to remember being said to the two boys she loved so dearly was for them to get out. Sora never desereved something so cruel or hurtful - not with the heart he had...

And Riku - who she had come to look as a son herself (afterall she made them both enough sandwoches and supervised enough sleepovers) - was gone with him. That was the only positive - the boys would not have to suffer without the other. Theyw ere togehter... wherever they were.

[Rikugurl]

Axel blinked as he heard Roxas, savoring his last bit of ice cream on his own stick. He smiled softly as he kissed the blonde, nodding softly. Now that Roxas was the master... he didn't know how much longer they would be... safe as a family.

He ignored that thought though as he took the extra ice cream and unwrapped it, handing it to Roxas as he took the empty stick.
Roxel looked up, watching his blonde father as he sucked on his stick. He wouldn't asked him to share tonight... it looked like daddy needed it.


Ven sighed softly, his head aching every time Terra ran a finger over it. His eyelids were extremely heavy but.... he didn't want to let go of Tensai. There was just this need... to make sure he was safe.

He looked down, seeing the boy tug on some hairs and smiled. Looked like he would have to let go...



The day was sunny like always, calm clouds passing by over head and a tropical breeze in the air.
The edge of the Kilika district was blocked off as most of the two houses were down. For the time being, they stayed at a inn room for free until they could find another home.

The old cemetery had more people in it than ever before, it seemed to be bursting from all the people who were all wearing black.
At the only opening were two coffins, side by side. On top of them both was a beautiful display of Phoenix Stars and Lilies. In the middle of each display was a picture, one of Sora when he was a child, and the other of Riku when he was a child.

The same pictures were placed next to engraved stones, also baring potted flowers and small charms.
In front of the stones were two large holes, ready to be filled.

Xio whimpered as he laid next to Vi, their tails wrapped around each others in comfort.
Axel didn't have a hard time finding something black to wear seeing that most of his clothes were that color to begin with. His hand wrapped around Roxas as Roxel sat on their lap, looking around curiously. This gathering wasn't as happy as the last one. Would he be able to dance with Tensai again?

Fuu sighed softly as she held Aqua's hand, sitting down in the chairs provided. Like everyone else, they found out about this horrible tragedy by phone. They too, like the others, couldn't believe it. They only had one real day of peace... the rest of their honeymoon was to grieve.

Saix sighed softly as he rubbed the blonde's back that was sitting next to him. Demyx didn't take the news very well.
Saix felt a bit cold hearted... growing up with people dying all around him made him prone to the news... but even this shocked him a little.

Leon patted the ninja who was balling her eyes out. It just seemed like it was NEVER going to end...

Goofy sniffed as he sat next to the king, slowly wiping tears from his eyes.
Minnie too had tears in her eyes as she held onto her husband's hand.

Kairi sniffled, shaking her head in disbelief as an angry face ran over Namine's features.

Carina... looked absolutely horrible. Her eyes were red from crying... and she would of still been crying if she didn't use up all her tears already.
She sat next to Bryna who had Tensai on her lap... and next to her was a man how looked so run down that any minute he would collapse.

Gunnar sighed as he looked up, seeing tears run down his mother's face. This was his first funeral... and he NEVER wanted to go to one ever again...

Ventus's eyes were heavy as he sat next to Terra. Most of his wounds had healed and scared... though the track of Darkness was back into his body one again. He could feel it swift around his heart, seeing if it could take it once more.

[Reno]

Roxas licked the second ice cream quietly, smiling a little. It was already a little melted from being out of the freezer for so long - and he could see his son staring up at him quietly, a stick in his hand and his eyes on the blue ice cream.

He smiled softly, holding out the ice cream suddenly. His son gave him a confused look. "It's okay have a lick." He murmured. When his son did, he raised it to Axel and didn't even have to give the command. the red-head licked some up as well.


Terra smiled a little seeing Ven's reluctance. He kissed the other softly and murmured, "Don't worry Ven, he'll be here when you wake up. I promise."

He helped the blonde lay down on the bed and Tensai waved to him. "Night night Wenny!!"


A perfect day - of course Destiny rarely saw others. There had only ever been two types of weather for the islands. Sunny and stormy. Roxas was well acquainted with both.

Sunny was a warm sky, a sparkling ocean, fluffy clouds dotting the sky, perfect waves, whispering palms and way, way, way too much paradise.

Stormy came with falling trees, heavy waves, freezing rain, stunning lightning, booming thunder and way, way too many unstable houses.

At his and Axel's feet he heard Vi whimpering and his eyes grew sadder. He didn't know what was going to happen to Tensai or Invidia at this point.

The green-furred carbuncle's ears flattened more as she placed her head atop one of Xio's paws, already missing her two masters immensely. No more games or pets or brushings or sneaking food or sleeping at the foot of the bed. They wouldn't even get to see her pups she was so proud of...

Roxas laid his head on his husbands shoulders, looking at the flowers that decorated the two's caskets quietly. Pheonix Stars and lilies... he couldn't but wish they could have gotten some flowers from Akbar to decorate Sora's with as well...

Aqua's fingers clenched around fuujin, looking down at the floor silently. The news... had stunned her. She had known in her heart Sora was gone - had heard his goodbye - but hearing Terra's confirmation of the fact AND that Riku was gone to... it was hard. After she had 'run out' on the Chasers she still rememebred how warmly the two had welcomed her and had been willing to forgive her. She was worried about Ven though, he was probably taking it so terribly.

Demyx had his head buried in Saix's neck, sniffling a little. It would be his first funeral too. Death back on Lincintia was not handled with such extremes. The body was buried and the ground blessed and parting music was played - but... the sharing of memories, the saying the last goodbyes... it really hurt. And it was sad to see such a pair go. He and Sora had really started to make a good friendsip too...

Yuffie couldn't stop crying. She'd know Sora since she was a kid herself! She could still remember all the matches they had and all the stuff she stole from him and how much fun it had been to tease Riku when he came into the picture. She could never get enough of their little pairing. And now... there would be no more.

Cloud sighed a little, sitting between both Tifa and Aerith. The pink-clad girl beside him had started to pray. Tifa was wiping away tears. Death was nothing knew to him either - but hell the kid... he reminded him a lot of Zack. The same spirit and energy and hope in his eyes. He had taken to sora really easily - and when the brunette had finally gotten together with Riku he could still remember how happy he seemed toc arry himself whenever he visited.

The martial artist sighed, bowing her head in good-bye. She knew this would not be the last time she would have to say goodbye to a friend... yet it still hurt to know she was saying goodbye to two that were so young.

Mickey held his wife's hand quietly, looking at the two caskets with sorrow. His ears and tails were limp with sadness. This time it was a real good-bye. Riku had been one of his very clsoe friends - he told him all the things he knew, shared all his secrets with, and offered all his wisedom to. He was still proud of that day when Riku offered him the position as best man. And Sora - well he was sure no one could hate Sora. The loss of both... was great.

Tidus frowned, wrapping his arm around his wife, looking down at Namine in worry. They... they would have to appoint new godfathers. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine Riku and Sora dying before him or Kairi. He wasn;t sure why... it was just they seemed so immortal... they were so strong - yet something had just swooped down, interuppeted their lifes and ended them without so much as a warning.

Bryna didn't look much better. Her shoulders were slumped and eyes red-rimmed. She had beened spending the last few hours going through old photobooks - and found herself shocked at how many memories she could recall and how many picture had Riku in them as well. They had had such a happy life - and still had so many years left they should have been given. If those cursed keyblades hadn't found her sons...

Tensai was looking at the caskets in confusion. Terra and Ven, both unable to explain what had happened to his fathers, had sadly left Bryna up to the job. She was experienced at telling young children that they had lost something close - so unknowingly Tensai had gotten the same speech that Sora had gotten after losing Ven. Except to him... it made even less sense. Death.. had no meaning to him yet. What he did know was that his dads were sitting in boxes and were sleeping and Bryna told him theyw ere going to be buried. It reminded him of when they would bury daddy Sora in the sand...

Seifer had had immense trouble finding black clothing. He was a white-clothing guy. Unlike Axel. Yet he managed. His arm was wrapped around his wife comfortingly. It still seemed impossible. He had SEEN both of them fight... how? How could ANYTHING of gotten them?

Lucina was quietly sitting next to Gunnar, looking at the floor sadly. She didn't like this funeral thing. It was way, way too sad. Nothing like a wedding.

Terra glanced at Ven from the corner of his eye before wrapping an arm around his shoulders. He caught the blonde's eye before they looked away and towards the caskets again. He knew what the darkness was doing inside of Ven. He didn't know what strength he had left to offer the blonde however - he didn't want that darkness to take him again. He didn't think he could take losing him again.

The preacher, an old man who had been doing his job for many, many years slowly stood in front of the caskets. He recognized the boy in the casket quite well - both of them in fact. Riku, the boy with a mother who had helped found the town. And Sora - he rememebred Sora from when they had been giving the burial for their brother many many years ago. He had been a rather young preacher - and that funeral had been his first on this world. Now, ironically, he was retiring tommorrow. Sora's would be his last.

He looked out on all the sad faces, not surprised the two boys, famous for being one of the first gay homosexuals on Destiny, had found so many companions. From the morgue he;d foten see the bubbly brunette rushing off down the street with kids, making friends easily. And Riku, thought a little aloof and never going to school, never had problems making close friends. Sora had been first. And now all that was left for the two boys... was what was salavaged from their broken home, and the name of the old play island given in Riku's name. Not even the paopu fruit were left.

The only things they would be buried with were their necklaces and earrings - nothing else of value had been found in their house, but nothing else was really needed.

The preacher took a deep breath and let it out before speaking. "Before we lower them to their final resting place, is their any last words from anyone?" He was aware that most of the words had been spoken in the morgue - that almost everyone had gotten up to speak and share stories and say good-bye. But he always asked twice. He wanted to try and leave no one with regrets.

"I do." A few heads turned in surprise as a blonde handed over his son to Axel, carefully side-stepped the two pets and walked over to the caskets. Roxas... had been the only close family member who hadn't gotten up to speak back at the morgue - even after Axel tried to urge him too.

Roxas took a deep breath, staring at the caskets and Sora and Riku's peaceful faces - before slowly turning and staring at the crowd that had gathered for the occasion. The nibbled on his lips in nervousness, then sighed. "You know..." He said suddenly looking around at all the faces suddenly looking at him. "I could stand up here for hours and tell you how much I owe Sora for giving me my own life, or how much I owe Riku for keeping my brother safe and loved for so long or how great of friends they both were but I don't think... these are things that need to be said. We all saw that without a doubt..."

Roxas shifted nervously. "I'm not Sora, I'm only his Nobody but... I think I could imagine what he'd say. He'd say: 'Loss happens. Sometimes you can see it coming and other times it just sort of jumps out at you from the middle of nowhere. The pain of that loss... can be crippling and there's no shame in missing that those gone. But if you allow yourself to keep thinking of what is gone and not what can be gained from that loss, you'll never be able to heal.'"

He offered everyone a small smile. "Sora and Riku - they'd hate for us to be sad or to blame each other - because it;s no one;s fault this happened. Besides Riku would probably tell us he's the only one allowed to be emo, and Sora would just say 'How can you be so sad when I was always so happy?' I know for a fact... Sora knew he wouldn't live a full life - thats why he lived every moment like it was his last. And Riku was always real brave and unafraid, they always tried anything. They lived their lives to the fullest even if it was cut short so soon... and I think they're only wish now is for us to be happy... and for Invidia and Tensai to find a place where they will be cared for and loved like they desereve."

He glanced at the other's once more and his smile widened even as he felt tears beginning to well in his eyes. It would be the first time he cried. "They believed in the heart like it was a religion you know? And that's something we all need to learn from them. They might not be alive but that doesn't mean they have to be 'dead' either. In our hearts... are the memories we share with them. Those are things that should never be forgotten or never ceased to be shared. In that way our hearts can still remember they life they did have when they were here, and to remember them is giving Sora and Riku... a different sort of life." He smiled at everyone final time before turning around placing a hand on both caskets and bowing his head. Two thin trails of tears were dripping down his cheeks.

"Goodbye... Sora... Riku." He whispered softly before turning back around and walking back to his husband's side sitting down next to him.

[Rikugurl]

Blue eyes watered as they looked down. It would all be over soon... and then what...?
They pack up and go... chasing after keyblades like they always do... risking their lives to keep people safe...
Going after Darkness when it showed its evil head...
Watching Lucina and Gunnar grow into Chasers so they can do the same... and maybe even their children...

The blue eyes slowly looked at Carnia across the way, seeing how... empty she looked.
Her whole life was taken away from her... her husband... her only child. What was left for her? Why was fate so cruel to that woman...?

The eyes moved to Tensai. The little boy with soft back hair and amber eyes.
Cast out to sea by people who have never been found... only to be adopted into a loving family that treated him like a king. Now no one knew what to do with him...
So many options...
Would he become Bryna's and Sirocco's?
Would he become Carina's?
Would be become Kairi's and Tidus's?

His eyes moved to the green fox under his brother's and brother-in-law's feet.
She too was brought into a loving family. Sora sneaked her treats and Riku knew how to brush her just right.
Where would she go now?

The eyes moved to a small group of children from the world. Sora's students. Sad faces covered them all, some with tears and some hiding their face. They lost someone so special...

"I do."
He blinked, slowly looking up with everyone else to watched his twin walk up. His eyes were fixed, watching and listening.
His face twisted a bit, feeling water at the rims of his eyes.
Why.... why did it have to hurt so much?
No one taught him how to death with death...

He remembered that time when he was young... and they were back on Akbar... and they brought in a worm, showing it to their mother asking her why it wasn't moving. Their mother just said he turned into a rock and both boys tried to turn him back to a worm until their mother came around and told them to wash their hands.
That night, they stayed awake in bed, talking about the worm rock. They came to the conclusion that the rock would turn into something else soon.
The next day, Soran pointed at a butterfly.
"Hey! I bet that was the rock!"

Then he remembered the second time he encountered death.
It was when he and Terra were still venturing alone. He came across a dead bird and picked it up as if it was some fragile thing. He brought it to Terra who was scouting the place, asking what was wrong with it. Terra rolled his eyes and bluntly announced that it was dead.
"So... does that mean he'll turn into something else?"
"No, that means he's gone for good... and into our stomachs."

Gone for good...

They all watched as the two caskets were placed down into the holes carefully, silent tears united them all.

When the dirt was settled over the two, people got up and some paid their respects one last time. Ven stood, watching the people who walked to both Sora and Riku's new grave. He slowly looked over, seeing his own gravestone. It was unnerving... but he only sighed softly.


Everyone left the cemetery, most of them heading home.
Some people stayed at the base, talking to those who they rarely saw. But most importantly... the situation on Tensai and Vi.

Fuu had Aqua's hand in hers as she talked to Axel and Roxas. Fuu explained what had happened that night... that Vi and Xio had mated. Axel was shocked, looking down at the two and slapped his forehead. No wonder Xio refused! Moombas only mated once per season!

He leaned down, looking at Vi and smiled. "Well... I'm guessing you'll be having a new kind of breed. Ummm..... Moombuncles!" He laughed at the name and nodded, smiling more. "I wonder what they'll be like." He looked back at Xio who seemed to give him happy eyes, his tail wagging.
He looked back at Vi and smiled. "I guess you want to stay with the father of your pups, huh?" He stood, looking down at her. "You're welcome to come home with us little lady.... someone was actually interested in buying Maxie.... so she won't bother you any."

Roxel smiled for the first time today and let Roxas's hand go, walking over to Vi and wrapping his arms around her. "Yay, Vi come wiwv us!" He blinked though as he heard some cooing. He looked back, seeing Bryna holding Tensai as she talked to Kairi with Carina by her side. He looked up at Axel and Roxas. "Ten come wiwv us too?"

Axel bit his lip, looking down at Roxas and then over his shoulder to see the women talking.
"I don't think that's up to us Roxel..."


Kairi nodded as she rubbed her arm. "He's your grandson Bryna... Carina ... I don't want to separate him from family..." Bryna had commented on the fact that Sora and Riku were Namine's godparents... and that she was certain that Riku and Sora would trust their little boy in Kairi's and Tidus's hand. Unfortunately as well... Sirocco had stopped talking... and his health was failing him...

Carina admitted that she was too old to raise a child of his age. When he was going to be 13... she would be well in her late 70's. She wouldn't be able to run after him and play like she did Riku... and if anything were to ever happen to him... she wouldn't be able to take it...

Kairi sighed, feeling bad about the situation.... but nodded. She agreed to take Tensai when she and Tidus found a new place. After she did, she couldn't help but notice something up on the hill. Two people.
Ventus and Terra.
If it hadn't been for them.... Tensai wouldn't be here...


Ven stood over his brother's grave, looking down the the engraved blessing and name. Slowly he reached into his jacket, his hands reaching into an inside pocket.
Slowly he pulled out something red in its original.
The red balloon lollipop.

He slowly raised it to the sky, watching it contrast against the blue sky and white clouds.
He slowly closed his eyes, tears slowly forming as the wind blue through his hair.
In his head he could hear the laughter that they once shared... on that stone wall as they raised their lollipops in the sky.

"One day... we'll fly together."

The blonde fell to his knees, slowly opening his eyes and leaning the lollipop on the stone.
His hands dug into the grass as he started to cry. His shoulders shook as tears fell of his face.
"Why.....? Why....!?"
His shoulders shook more as he lead down to the ground as he cried soundly.

[Reno]

Once all was said and done and everyone started to serperate and talk amongst one another, a little grouping found themseleves finding the solution to one sad pet's depression.

Aqua smiled a little as Fuujin gave the story on how she had found the two - she just always had a run of bad luck regarding that didn't she? - watching the reactions pass about the family and pets.

"Moombacles?!" Roxas cried icnreduloudly, then he rolled his eyes and sighed, smiling fondly. This was his lover, nothing really surprised him anymore. He looked down at Invidia as she was offered the place to stay.

And the change was instant. Invidia sat up, her head tilting at the question and she barked. When Roxel hugged her, her tail started to wag happily and she gave the boy a lick on the cheek. Suddenly Roxas knew what had been missing just as it came back. The light in the ruby embedded on her forehead seemed to come back. It wasn't like a glow - but a hidden swirling magic, similar to the 'materia' he remembered Reno showing him and Axel on one of their trips to Midgar.

He blinked however at the question and he also glanced at Axel, then backwards towarsds where the other's where talking. He sighed a little and looked down at Roxel. Handling him as it was was a handful. He leant down, ruffling the boys hair and smiled. "Even if he can't come with us Roxel, we'll visit him as much as we can, okay?"


Bryna smiled softly as Kairi agreed and sighed. "Thank you Kairi." She didn;t know what was going to happen in the next few years - but she was afraid for her husband. The loss of their son had driven his health downhill and she knew why. It was guilt. He was blaming himself and hating himself for what happened on that day - the last day they ever saw their son.

She had a feeling though... that if Sora had still been alive, he could have turned around the next day come home and tried to talk to his father again because he always hated it when people were mad at him - and even madder when they didnl;t let him say his part.

She sighed sadly, her thoughts become considerably darker - when Tensai started to squirm in her arms. "What is it Ten?" she asked.

"Down!" The boy said.

Bryna frowned, but slowly, her bones more weak with age, she bent over and set him down.

Tensai looked around at the tall people surronding him. Then back towards the group with Roxel in it. At first he considered going over to them - but he had a mission! He turned away. Before, everyone had been upset and he was much to little for a job so big. Now... now he knew someone he could help.


Terra frowned watching Ven bestow the lollipop down at the grave, but his heart grew sadder still as he watched his lover break to pieces. Tears filled his own eyes.

He slowly kneeled down, placing his hand on the blonde's back and rubbing it. "Ven..." He whispered chokingly. "Ven..." But what could he say?

A human funeral was much much worse then an Atterians. For them all they did was throw in the body, place a stone to rememebr where it was, and move on. There was no words, no love... yet ever since Riku first died he had gotten a taste of what a real wedding was like. They were painful. Yet they would lead to healing.

Terra shut his eyes continuing to rub his lover's back. He had every right to cry. This was what losing someone you dearly loved felt like. "I know it hurts." He whispered, "But-"

"Tensai!"

Terra looked up and glanced back, seeing a familar black-haired boy climbing the hill, a determined look on his chubby face. He blinked in surprise as the boy managed to reach them - and all by himself too. What in the world had Sora and Riku been teaching him?!

'You won't believe it! He can recite the WHOLE story of hw we found him - stop laughing Ven I'm not joking! And he can sing over a dozen lullaby's AND he knows his ABC's! Go on Ten show them!"
"Ah, bay, cee, dah, eh, efff- daddy why are they laughing at me?"
"Laugh at my son one more time and i'll shove Twilight up your guy's asses!"

Oh right. EVERYTHING.

Funny how he hadn't yet learned how to read. Tensai was an overly bright kid for his age.

Tensai walked around the two until he stood in front of Ven and did something that surprised them both. He reached up, patting at Ven's cheeks and pouted. "No mowe wa-wa! Daddy Sowa and Daddy Wiku are vewy happy! Just vewy tiwed! Now you be happy Uncle Wenny!"

"I'm serious guys I was crying over the ending to this movie for like twenty seconds and suddenly Ten was there and trying to cheer me up! He started patting at my hands and hugging me and stuff. It was like he could... feel I was sad. He's done it for Riku too! and - why do you guys think everything my son does is funny?! Damn it Riku get your keyblade!"
"Got it!"

Tensai pouted then looked towards Terra and pointed. "You too!"

[Rikugurl]

Axel sighed bit looked back, blinking as he saw Xio walked over to Vi and licked her neck.
He tilted his head, wondering what interesting creatures these 'Moombuncles' would be like. He wondered if they would be foxes... or lions. If they would be red or green... or a mix between both. If it would like fire or be able to have the majick Vi possessed.

Either way, he could make a fortune off them seeing that it was a new breed! Then he could get that hot tub he and Roxas always wanted... and a swing set for Roxel!
He grinned happily as she swung his hips, forgetting about the gloom of the funeral.


The red head nodded but blinked when the little boy was placed down. She watched him as he looked around, seeming like he was looking for someone.
"Oh!" She covered her mouth as he suddenly walked away, heading back towards the hill. She frowned, wondering if Ten was going to the graves. She gave a look to Bryna and they slowly followed him, just watching him to make sure he was ok.

Namine frowned as she looked out at the ocean. She still had an angry look on her face. She heard some steps behind her, knowing who it was.
"How could they do this, dad?"


"Tensai!" Kairi called as she lost sight of the boy who had climbed all the way up to the hill. She quickly followed him but stopped as she saw Terra and Ven at the site. She stopped and helped Bryna walk up the hill.

Ven blinked, slowly looking up to see the amber eyes looking down at him. Then he pointed at Terra. Tears continued to drip down, but no new ones formed. He smiled as sat on his knees, looking down at the toddler.
Very happy huh?
He smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "O-ok little guy..."

[Reno]

Roxas glanced back at Axel, suddenly feeling a shot of happiness and raised an eyebrow, seeing his lover had drifted off into la-la land where everything was sweet and full of flames. He shook his head, whacking the red-head upside the head playfully. "Axel, what ARE you thinking?"

"Probably on how to best burn the town down." Aqua said cheerfully. "Hey look - they even did half the work for you! It's all flammable!!"


Bryna frowned as Kairi helped her up the hill, sighing a bit. "Thank you." She was a lot older then she thought... it was hard sometimes when your body was brittled with age yet your mind thought so young...


Tidus frowned a bit at his daughter's words, walking up next to her. "Do what sweetheart?" He murmured softly.


Terra blinked as he got pointed at. "H-Hey don't blame me!" He sniffed indignantly and turned his head away, brushing away the tears vigorously.

Tensai smiled as he got the ruffled and then he climbed into Ven's lap and hugged him the best his little arms could. "Now a hug to make evewy bettew!"

[Rikugurl]

Axel pouted as he was brought out of his la-la land. "H-hey!" He crossed his arms but smiled. "Just thinking of lots of munny and big smiles!" He nodded happily, a proud smile on his face.


Namine looked up at Tidus and sighed. "The Darkness.... they killed Riku and Sora.... how....how could they just do that!?" She stomped, tears of frustration appearing in her eyes.


Ven blinked even more but smiled, hugging the boy back. Oddly enough... he just felt compete with the boy like this... ever since that day... he always thought he was missing something.

He slowly pulled away as he heard footsteps though. He looked up, seeing Kairi and Bryna smiling down at him.
Ven stood, bring Tensai with him as he turned to them.
Kairi smiled as she looked... slightly up at the blonde. "I've decided to take care of Tensai when we find a new home.... I... hope that's ok with you?"

Ven blinked, frowning a bit as he felt small hairs tickle his cheek.

"Sora and Riku were Namine's godparents... so I'm guessing he'd ask the same from us too..."

Ven looked down but nodded slowly, handing Tensai back to the woman. "Yea... just... make sure you take... real good care of him." Kairi just smiled and nodded. "Nothing less."

[Reno]

Tidus frowned more, leaning down and placing a hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Because Namine... that's what the darkness is. It takes and takes things we care about without any regard to how people will feel about it. And Sora and Riku... have been fighting since they were teenagers." He sighed a bit. "but thats why it's important to have people in the light... people who will fight on the other side. Because... we don't want stuff like what happened to us to ever happen to anyone else."


Tensai snuggled in the hug some. It reminded him of... his Daddy Riku's hugs. A little cold at the edges but no less loving because of it.

He looked up however as the adults had an exchange, not truly understanding it. He pouted a little as he was handed over to Kairi but he looked down at Ven, seeing he was much happier now and smiled.

Terra looked over as Kairi and Ven talked and slowly stood as well. He sighed a bit, looking at Tensai's slightly confused face. He probably hadn't realized quite yet how much had changed. He didn't understand what was going on - he knew that feeling... and he felt terrible for it having to happen to someone he not only knew but would soon be related too.

He could still remember walking in his first 'new' home and not understanding why he couldn't go back to his. But at least he understood that death at that point meant something that never returned. Ten didn't even have that luxury.

Bryna looked past the two men and her eyes caught sight of the red lollipop and her eyes widened a little. She glanced at Ven, who was still talking to Kairi, then back to the lollipop. "Oh Ventus..." she whispered softly. After all this time he still remembered...

[Rikugurl]

Namine sighed as her shoulders slumped. She blinked though as her father continued and looked up at him, a small smile on her face as she wiped away the tears. "Then I want to fight it too! Where do I sign up?"


Ven blinked as he heard his mother whisper something. He frowned and slowly looked back to what she was looking at. He saw the balloon lollipop that Terra had given him then back at his mother. Was she shocked that... he still remembered?

He smiled as he walked to her, slowly wrapping his arms around the woman and pulling her close. "I'll never forget it, ma. You know how much I loved the festival..." He pulled away and looked at Terra, smiling proudly. "Terra brought me up in an air balloon for the first time... and he got us all lollipops... "



Sigurd moved silently through space, passing the last world in Connection 3.
Inside the computers whirled soundly as the crew within waited around. They were in casual, but nice clothes. Terra didn't want everyone to go all out.

In the spare room, a large cloth was placed on the floor. The front part was pulled up and ties were pulled back, being knotted up to secure the band. The back of the fabric was pulled up, the ties coming in the front and made a bow in the front. They were very... large pants... and the first time they were worn. They were loose and comfortable...

The man wearing them turned, looking in the mirror. He couldn't help but chuckle, knowing what his blue haired friend would say about them. Ivory Hakama pants.
They made his blue eyes stand out.
He sighed softly as he grabbed a black string and reached back, tying up his small, low ponytail.

He blinked when he heard a beeping from his watch.
It found the world...

[Reno]

Tidus blinked then laughed nervously. "Um... with your mom!" He said with a wide grin. He reached up, ruffling her hair. "And probably a few years of waiting... but since your so interested..." He tilted his head and grinned. "I guess there wouldn't be any harm in teaching you some moves."


Bryna smiled softly at the hug, embracing him back with all the strength she had. She chuckled at his words. "Of course I remember how much you loved them..." Those were what even she missed most about Akbar. The festival was the most beautiful time of year...

Her eyes widened however when Ven continued, telling her about what Terra had done. She looked up at the suddenly bashful Atterian in shock. He had... helped one of her sons recognize his dream? "You... did that for my boy?"

"Um..." He fidgeted. "Y-Yeah?"

"Well I hope you took ALL the safety precautions!" She said in a motherly tone.

The wolf blinked in shock, and waved his hands. "Of course, of course!"

Bryna laughed suddenly, softly and she broke away from her son to bestow a hug to the wolf. One he'd strangely had never really refused.

Terra blinked then sighed. "This is just gonna keep happening huh?"

"Yep, because Holani's are huggers."

He chuckled. "Don't I know it..."


Terra sighed smiling at his reflection. He tugged down his shirt, a pale gold, tugging up his old 'skirt' pants - after this he's probably be saying goodbye to them forever - not only had they gotten tight but they were sure to get bloody. He had a feeling if his world had had 'flags' like Disney Castle or London, it would have been brown and gold with the old Atterian symbol on it.

Dressing wasn't NEARLY as important as it was for human weddings - dead GOD did they have a lot of rules - but it had it;s own significance to wear pale colors or colors of white, gold or brown. White jsut simply because it showed the color of blood so well. Of course that was only important for Ven.

He reached up, brushing a comb through his hair quickly, tiding it up like it was any normal day.

The door opened. "Is that all you're wearing?"

Terra glanced back, smirking. "What were you expecting Aqua?"

"Well... a blouse to go with the skirt?" She teased.

Terra laughed good-naturedly, which seemed to surprise the other. "Please. This ceremony isn't about looks. It's about equality." He reached out picking up something else from the desk. It was a braclet and ring assorment. It didn't look like much. It was made of silver with a circle of black onyx as it's ornament and then a chain made of the same rock, before it ended with the ring also with a rounded circle of onyx at the end.

Aqua tilted her head, watching Terra place the ornament on his left hand. "What's that?"

"Just something the male mate has to wear during the ceremony."

"Why?"

"Uh-huh no telling. It's supposed to be a surprise."

"You mean Ven doesn't even know?"

Terra grinned. "Nope." He turned towards her. "Well, I'm ready. See that was ten tiems quicker then your five-hundred hour struggle."

"Oh shut up!!" She said, snatching off her shoe and chucking it at him.

"Ow! What happened to being nice to the groom-to-be?!"

[Rikugurl]

Ven nodded softly to himself before walking to the dresser and taking the bowl gently. It seemed weird not having the lollipop in it anymore... but he wanted his brother to have it. He could always make Terra order him a new custom one.

He slowly grabbed the watch and wrapped it around his wrist. He would take it off when they got there.

He walked out of the room and down the hall to the Pilot Lounge where everyone was waiting.
He blinked when he heard a giggle and looked over.
"Venny is wearing a skirt." Gunnar giggled as he looked at Ven.
"Yea, yea..." He blinked as he heard more giggled and gave a dull look.

"Will everyone just shut the fuck up? We need to get moving now before I lose the signal."
He looked down at his watch, finding the coordinates.
Aerith smiled as she watched. Finally she would be able to see this world with the healing waters...

Everyone stopped though as they saw Terra and Aqua come into the room.

Ven looked back and smiled, feeling a bit funny in this attire...
He shook his head though, Transcendent Oath appearing in his hand. The coordinates blended with the keyblade as he slashed out, making a computerized portal.

[Reno]

"Gosh another girly man." Seifer grumbled under hios breath, smirking.

Lucina covered her mouth, giggling. If Ven wanted to wear a skirt she could of let him borrow some of hers! She had some really cute ones!! Like the one with the pink bunnies!


"Well we better go." Aqua said. "You're bride is waiting."

"Mate." He corrected, snatching up the gold knife with the same design and decoration as the bowl Ven would be carrying. Each piece had its purpose. He turned and followed Aqua out the door, his pants whispering softly as he walked.

Terra brushed a hand through his hair as he walked up into the pilot's lounge, Aqua by his side - teasing him still. He easily caught sight of Ven in the white clothing and smiled. Something about being able to share his culture with Ven... made him happy. It was... odd.

Terra walked up to Ven as he cut the portal and smirked, looking around at the other Chasers. "Alright everyone, fucking move out!" He and Ven stepped through the portal together, and behind them, soon Seifer and Olette's family, Aerith and the new brides follwoed after. The portal snapped closed behind them, leaving Sigurd unguarded yet not unprotected. Seifer had a special communication system installed with the ship long ago, and like Ven he wore a watch that connected with the system. If the alarm went off, he would know.


Terra opened his eyes to the world, smiling brighter as lights danced past his nose and curled up from the ground, dancing around the trees and blue rocks. Like before this world had a sense of silence and peace around it that left anyone who stumbled upon it feel completely tranquil within. Behidn him he could ehar some gasps and exclmations.

"Wow!" Lucina giggled, eached out for one of the lights, trying to poke it. Was it a firefly?

Seifer stared around and humphed, looking away, trying not to admit the little world was definitely very beautiful.

Aqua gasped a bit looking around at the lights that feel like little shooting stars yet danced around like... fairies. In the distance... she could feel a small source of water.

Terra glanced at the other's watching as they slowly overcame their excitement, before giving Ven a gentle nundge to the back, indicating for him to move forward. It was up to him to find the place for the ceremony to take place after all.

[Rikugurl]

When Ven walked through the portal, he felt pure whiteness around him. He opened his eyes, glossy blue looking around him. A sense of peace over came him as he smiled, closing his eyes.

Ventus....?
.....S-soran?

His eyes snapped open as he felt a nudge, seeing the world in front of him. He blinked, watching the familiar balls of light passing him.
He looked behind him, seeing everyone look around in amazement before looking up at Terra.

Was that... Sora's voice....?
Did... anyone else hear it?

His eyes narrowed as he thought.
Was this place... connected to death....?
This was the planet where he died... for the second time.

When something dies, it turns into something else....

A soft smile ran over his face as he slowly started walking, his sandals crunching under the blue rocks.
He walked down a small path that had pulled him in last time he was here, leading him down a small hill that turned.
When he cleared the shinning white rocks, he looked out, seeing the lake.

The crooked tree still held the large gem in it as it sat in the middle of the lake, the small pieces of light falling around it softly.
He walked down towards it, hearing the other fallow close by.

Aerith's eyes were the most wide out of them all. She only heard rumors of this world... and it was true. It was one of her biggest wish for the longest time...
As she walked with everyone else and came to the lake, she looked up, gasping.

Gunnar blinked, hearing the woman gasp and looked up as well. "Whoa........" He pointed up so his sister would look.
In the sky... was a irregular galaxy... and a huge crescent moon. It was... the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life.

"Oh my god...." Olette's mouth gaped as she took in the view. She had only seen things like this in children books.

Fuu was shocked too.... unable to believe that this place... was actually real.
How come two assholes who practically kill each other during sex gets to have a ceremony on the most beautiful planet in the universe?

Ven continued to walk towards the shore as everyone stopped and took in the view. He stopped, looking out at the tree. A soft smile ran over his features as he remembered that night.
Slowly he took off his sandals and walked into the water, moving towards the tree. When the water hit his legs, the wounds of the Darkness disappeared... just like before.

He continued to walk in deeper until it was up to his hip. He stopped and looked back, waiting for his mate to join him.

[Reno]

Terra walked after his lover quietly. There was no more need for words. The ceremony was, after all, a silent affair.

Lucina blinked as she was nundged, her game completely forgotten as she looked up. Her jaw dropped open. "Wow!!" She cried again. She'd never seen something like that - it almost reminded her of the aurora borelis she say in one of Terra's books before. They were really pretty - like a painting.

But seeing something like that in real life was a whole experience altogether. And this was even grander then just a few lights. It was something that no picture and no painting and no description could ever do justice to. She was glad... she was lucky enough to see this place. She would never, ever forget it.

Seifer glanced at his wife, smiling at the look of amzement on her face. He looked around once more. Okay he guessed it was kinda cool. But he had something more beautiful then some silly old world at his side every night.

Aqua smiled, unable to stop herself from intertwining her fingers with Fuujin's as she looked around and up towards the sky. this place was absolutely magnificent...

She blinked however when she noticed that both Ven and Terra were walking away. "H-Hey!"

Terra smirked, hearing the other's exclamations of suddenly being left behind and footsteps followed after. The wolf paused, watching Ven jump into the lake without hesitance. Ah, he should of known.

The wolf smiled, slowly dipping himself in the water as well. It, like last time, was not hot nor cold. It was a perfect temperture - one could almost imagine it wasn't there at all. He felt new scars slowly disappearing that had been receieved in the past two years. He easily joined Ven at where the tree was - seeing in the corner of his eye that the chasers were lining the shore of the lake, watching with curiosity.

This was it. There were no preachings and no vows, no nervous 'I dos' and no worrisome waits.

He looked into Ven's blue eyes, his heart calm and warm as he slwoly held up the knife, indicating that it was time to start if he was ready. The blonde in question only held the small bowl in his right hand, holding it only bare inches above the water.

The dominant hand was always used to hold the bowl and do the cutting because they were signs of power. The nondominant hand was always the one cut, to show loss unnecessary strength due to the presence of a mate. It had a lot to do with trust.

Terra smiled a bit, before rasing his left hand, palm down, so the fignertips brushed the rim of the bowl. Ven finally caught sight of the accesory he had chosen to wore and he got a confused glance from him. The wolf grinned as if to say 'You'll see' before placing the knife bare inches above the bracelet.

He took a deep breath before slowly letting it out.

He dug the tip into his forearm hard wincing only slightly at the sharp pain it brough and slowly drew the cut up all the way to his elbow. The red line of blood welled forth instantly from the cut. rivulteting down his arm quickly. some streams curled around the arm, dripping down into the water below, but most fell to the path of gravity, following the incline his arm made.

It welled at the edges of the bracelet, and most of it slipped under and continued down his hand to drip from his fingertips and into the bowl.

The purpose of the bracelet was suddenly seen - and both Terra and Ven were watching as it happened. A red line appeared within the black circle down, and slowly followed an unseen path carved in the onyx. The symbol of the Atterian soon formed in the color of Terra's blood, a black background behind it. The blood continued, two thin streams twisting around in the onyx change, before it came to the ring. It outlined another, smaller picture. It was the picture of the animal of the Atterian. And his outlined that of a howling wolf.

It was a much, much older part of the ritual, one that had been forgotten long, long ago after his people stopped believeing that they had the beast within. Terra had uncovered that small bit of history back in his days of reading within the library - and had never forgotten it.

The blood continued from the ring, down his middle finger and dripped into the bowl as well. Once it was half-full terra slowly pulled his arm away, giving his mate a smile. He rasied the knife, cleaning it gingerly on his shirt, because it was not yet time for them to mix their blood, and handed it to Ven before gingerly taking the bowl into his right hand.