The Chasers: The Key to Memories Past

[Rikugurl]

Roxel's cheeks grew more and more red when ever Tensai talked about Oni. What!? He couldn't help this jealousy. His lover with another person when he wasn't around. What if she made advances on him!? You know how tricksters and thieves were!
But maybe...even if her family crest is of thieves, it doesn't mean everyone in her blood was a thief. Kuku didn't seem like one until his soul was full of rage or maybe when he was a child.

Tensai continued though, making everyone go deep into thought. All were silent until Lucina's question came forth and they all listened. Tensai's mother. That's right. She was a Goddess and not just any Goddess either. The one of time.
It could of been her...or Destiny itself. Like why did Roxel return to Delshad and why did Tensai return to Destiny.

However, at the mention of the tree, Sammy frowned before looking around the group. His hands came up and everyone looked to read the signs.
'Tensai... I saw your father by the tree. Did you know he was there?'

[Reno]

The half-God found his lover's responses rather amusing and cute - and he knew he'd have to point out one day that Oni was nearly twice his age and a WOMAN that had merely helped him out when he was learning all the farming stuff. It was no big deal, really. But, he'd enjoy the jealousy for awhile longer.

However his attention was drawn from his lover to Sammy when he saw the other motioning and then he started to 'speak to him'.

The words he had to share made his heart stop. "WHAT?!" He jerked in Roxel's grasp, leaning forward towards the violet-eyed man. "What do you mean my dad's at the tree?!" Well that answered the Thym's question. "What's he doing?! Did he say anything?! Is he alright - wait don't answer that; of course he's not alright, he's dead! Di-"

"Whoa, whoa calm down Ten!" Lucina jumped in before he could sprout out MORE questions. It was moments like these that she saw how Roxel had rubbed off on his lover. "We were so focused on finding you that by the time Sammy told me we were already in the field. So we didn't exactly have a chitchat with him."

"O-Oh..." The black-haired boy said, his tone melancholy and his gaze drifted towards the horizon where the tree was. "Sorry."
The blonde rolled her eyes, "Stop apologizing!" and threw a grape at him, gaining his attention back on them.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel's eyes widened when he too saw the motions of the others hands. It was him who had the hardest time learning this 'sign language' because he could never understand why some signs meant what they did... but he eventually got it. Charlie Wish's soul was near the tree!?
Man... it must be so scary seeing dead people all the time!
However, when his lover started to freak out, he gripped onto him tighter. "Ten-chan!" He cried but thankfully Lucina was the one to stop him.

Sammy glanced at her then nodded. He looked back at Tensai when his attention drew back to them.
'We will have to see why he is there before we leave.'

"Speaking of which..." The silverette woman said softly, "Now that Kingdom Hearts and the keyblades are gone, there is no need for the Chasers any longer." This made everyone silent again, remembering that their future was still up in the air.
"We have a lot to do... and a lot of changes to get use to. We should probably start heading back to the ship..."

"Well wait!" Everyone blinked and looked over, seeing a frown on Namine's face. "What about Oni...? Aren't we going to bring her home too?"

[Reno]

Tensai smiled in excitement at Sammy's idea nodding eagerly. Yeah! They'd definitely have to see! He'd love... to see his dad or at least go to that tree and know he was talking to him.

And he just thought he was speaking to an old piece of bark!

Fuujin was the one to jump into the conversation and bring it back to ground-level. And she was right - while Tensai's efforts had been amazing and incredibly good... he had also just put each and every one of them out of a job.

But just as they were all starting to get up to get back to the ship Namine reminded them they still had someone else to worry about it. The leader frowned, not liking the idea of putting the same girl that tried to murder them all on their ship for several days. "We don't have room?"
"Mom!"
"Alright, alright. Let's go get her." She grumbled.

So Tensai lead the way out of the grove and around the back of the Jaggers house where large chicken coops had been built and strings of chicken wire encircled the building, holding in thousands of the small fluffy birds ("Holy fuck that's a lot of chickens!" Seifer just had to exclaim). There were some people inside ducking into the coops with baskets for eggs or cleaning out the cages or feeding the birds. The chatter within was rather quiet, though chickens were not known to be loud animals. At the sight of them Moxley and Jax both licked their chops, tails wagging and-
"No!" Tensai snapped at them both and they whimpered. But they looked so tasty! "I'll go find her." He offered then (considering he was the only one who knew what she looked like), chuckling when he felt more envy. He kissed Roxel quickly before going to a small door in the barricaded area before ducking inside and - after inquiring to the closest person where he might find her - disappeared among the hen houses.

The teen was gone for several minutes, making many of the Chasers nervous. Kadaj watched a few of the chasers with interest particularity Roxel who was staring at the door with intense scrutiny and it was obvious if he was kept waiting much longer he'd be the first to break inside and being who he was he'd forget to close the door and the chickens would all go running out and they'd manage to get Oni fired as well. He caught the sound of laughter and his eyes darted towards the left where Tensai was rounding the corner with a middle-aged woman.

The sight of her made everyone think of their own Princess of Heart's mother. It was no wonder Roxas always was struck with nostalgia when he looked at her. There really was a resemblance - though obvious differences as well. Her hair was the same silvery blonde as Kuku's, a trait that has passed down for generations and her eyes a lighter blue - and then the rest was recognized, like a twin, as Xion.
It was Tensai who had been laughing, for he had a very interesting... creature in his fingers. It was so small it fit in the palm of his hand, was a yellow with a brown stripe on its head and fluffy with feathers. A small chick. It was eating something out of the boys other hand and - from what the other woman was throwing from a pouch on her hips to the ground as they walked, making the chickens run towards them, it was most likely birdseed.

They two approached the gate door and as they did Tensai said happily, "Everyone this is Oni! Oni, everyone."
The blonde woman shut the gate as they came out, facing them nervously while the teen left her side to go to his lover's cooing about the chick he was still holding. It was... awkward. An awkward meeting for all of them. "Um well... hello." Oni spoke, her voice lighter, less harsh than her counterpart's had been. She curtsied for them. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I must ask your forgiveness as my other half was not... the most hospitable was she?"
"Tch, fucking understatement of the world." Their pilot grumbled gruffly, crossing his arms.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel frowned when Aqua agreed to go and get her. WHAT!? They... THEY COULDN'T DO THAT! She was like...trying to kill them and UGH.
He even knew he was trying to cover the fact that he didn't want to get the woman because of more obvious reasons.

So they followed Tensai as he led them to a huge chicken run that even made Sanyi lick his lips like the two pets. Luckily, HE knew better and no one noticed but Jax and Moxely whimpered, looking at each other. This wasn't fair at ALL! Once again, Roxel growled as Tensai chirped that he would go and find Oni. WHY COULDN'T THEY ALL GO!? He could only pout when he received the kiss and watched his lover go through the place as if he knew it like the back of his hand. Feeling left out and unknowing, dual colored eyes watched intently at the spot where Tensai went missing.

"Oh Oni... my group found me.... I'm so sorry but... we have to pretend as if we're not lovers. We can't--"
The woman grabbed the boy and they started to share a hot and passionate kiss before the woman broke away. "Oh Tensai... let's just run away now! I can't live without you!"

"UGH!" Roxel's fist shook as the vision ran through his head and then... he heard laughing? He growled and snarled even more like some hungry beast when he saw the two emerge from behind some coop, seeing how Tensai was so joyous. Even if it was because of the chick, he wasn't feeling better until his lover was back at his side. Fire hair shifted as he looked at the baby chick, Jax leaning up as well to sniff the little bird. "He's kind of cute~"

Olette frowned before elbowing her lover in the ribs, hearing him moan before smiling. "Oh... don't worry. I'm sure there is a dark side in all of us. I am just glad that you weren't hurt and now have your true form."
Fuu nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Namine smiled as well before stepping away from the group. "We just came by to see if... you would like to return to Dragoon with us..."

[Reno]

Tensai grinned at Roxel when he admitted his little friend was cute. "Hold out your hands." The other blinked but did so and he grinned pouring the seed he had in them. The little bird tilted her head before hopping from him to Roxel, cheeping softly as she bent over to eat. "I named her Melody, cause look-" He pointed out the brown strip that blotched on one side, looking similar to a music note. "She reminded me of you."

The woman blinked at the interesting display Seifer and Olette put up - my things sure were different in this group - but smiled some as three of the woman did their best to warm up to her. It was after Namine's offer that she spoke up, "If it is all the same to you... I would rather not."
"And why is that?" Aqua asked, crossing her arms. She was definitely rising some suspicion.
"When she took over, Xion abandoned the Azazel estate... and I was the only one left. So regardless of where I go, I must start anew." She sighed and squared her shoulders, trying to be brave. "I am sure you understand Aqua. I have lost all claim to land, I'm in my thirties and not married, and I am a woman. You passed through my region and though your time there was short, you do remember the word of the demon family - my family. If I return I must live with that again..." She looked around, "But here in this new world no one knows me. It's a new beginning. I'd be a damn fool not to take it."

The leader looked at her for a few moments before sighing and looking away. Of course she understood. Oni had lost the land she owned and, as a woman, could not gain it back. Being over thirty, and with a terrible reputation, no suitor would marry her so she could nit be married into a new estate either. If they brought her back home, they'd be throwing her on the streets. She might be able to find home in another region somewhere like Xion had in Zieg's but if she was going to have to make a change like that anyways best to do so in a place that would give her some advantage. "Yeah, I suppose you would be."

[Rikugurl]

Roxel blinked at first, not knowing if holding the chick would be ok. It was so small and he could....could BREAK it or something. He was nice and clumsy like his daddy Axel and his uncle Reno. Though he wasn't very famous in BREAKING things, persay...
He put his hands together and carefully laid them flat as seeds were sprinkled onto his palms and then...

A small smile ran over his features as he watched the little chick start to eat, feeling it' cute little beak peck away.
Jax started to whimper as he sniffed Roxel's hand but the teen frowned. "No!"
The moomba's ears went flat before he huffed and laid on the ground, his tail flicking irritable. When Tensai pointed out the music note, little hearts started to bubble around Roxel's head. "Oh Ten-chan! Can we keep her!?"


Fuu frowned when she heard the woman but frowned even more when she heard her wife. How did she not...
She bowed her head a bit as she understood. Maybe leaving her here would be a bad idea. Even if she was a Somebody now... it didn't mean she couldn't become a Nobody and this poor world would be doomed... but she glanced at Namine, seeing that her expression had changed as well...

But it was for the good.

The young woman smiled as she nodded, hearing Oni's reply and knowing that was exactly how she felt. There was no dark intentions and it still captivated her that this woman looked so much like her mother.
"Well... then we wish you good luck." Namine smiled. "But I made something for you..."

Everyone blinked as they looked back, seeing Namine reach into her pocket.
"How could you make something for someone that you didn't even know existed?" Gunnar frowned but Namine only smiled at him. "I knew she existed..."
Without any more questions, Namine handed Oni a charm with a necklace. "I know I'm no smith but I thought it looked ok..."

Oni was looking at a wooden charm, hand cut and smoothed that showed that of the crest that Kuku and Eskel left behind.
"Don't think of your family as devils. There was a lot of love shared that could never show on the outside. Even when you're not on Dragoon, with that charm, maybe Kuku and find you here... and watch over you. He'll give you the strength to start over...because he knows how it must feel to want to start anew."

[Reno]

Moxley sighed, taking pity on his fellow cat, and laid down beside him, both of them looking longingly up at the bird. Tensai grinned widely and kissing Roxel on the cheek, overjoyed that he liked her. "I was hoping you'd say that!" Now he just had to convince Seifer to let him take her up on the ship!

"I don't want fucking birdshit in my ship!"

Yeah that would not be easy.


Oni too was surprised at the announcement and like Gunnar was thinking something similar. How could she had made her a gift? Especially after all she had done? At the sight of the crest however she could not help but smile. Her family had never had one as they had never managed to get honor in society, the name of Azazel tainted to any who heard it. Even her first name did not allow her to escape. Xion was her escape. And that decision turned into a nightmare.

She took the wooden object with care, smiling at the other. "Thank you Namine. I will remember that." She looked down at the object and murmured softly. "And I will certainly need strength." It was something she never had a lot of... but she was hoping to change that.

[Rikugurl]

Roxel giggled at the kiss before reaching for Tensai's large pocket and gently pulling the chick inside along with some feed. He winked at his lover before chuckling, pulling him in for a kiss that made some of the chicken workers look over in shock.

Namine smile and nodded. "You're welcome... and good luck!"

With that, the group waved the woman off, seeing a smile on her face as she waved back to them, thank Tensai and the others for all their help. The group made their way through the many rows of local grown goods, Jax and Moxley working on trying to get as much free food as they could before their owners or workers shooed them away.

They got back to the old famous tree and all stood behind Sammy as a purple flame ignited in his palm before he shot it out to the tree, seeing it catch on fire and once again, they were brought into a bubble of a new dimension were everyone could see the same thing as Samael could.
It was Tensai who pulled in his first breath when the new world exposed just who was sitting under the tree.

"Mr. Wish?"

[Reno]

Orange eyes glanced back one last time as they rounded the corner of the house, seeing the blonde ducking inside the chicken run for the last time. He hoped thing went well for her... Everyone deserved a chance to stand on their own two feet and he had a feeling everyone until now, even her other half, had prevented Oni from this. But he knew she was smart and, when given the right tools, could make it in a place like this. After all, she was the one to get herself, and him, these jobs AND teach him how to do it.

She'd be fine.

Tensai smiled as his family led the way out, following the many paths spread throughout the acres back towards the main one that would lead, inevitably, to his parents' tree. Beside him Roxel was talking excitedly about their newest pet and how he was going to teach her all these new tricks and he was just so happy Tensai decided not to tell his lover that chickens had the memory of a goldfish and like Christopher - bless his tiny fishy heart - probably would NOT be able to jump through hoops or rescue animals from burning buildings.

And then they were at the tree and he wasn't thinking about anything at all, not even the little fluttering bird in his pocket, as the world was lit in flame. He sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of him - his... his dad.

He was just... sitting there, doodling in a sketchpad like it was the most natural thing in the world, completely unaware of their presence until Sammy spoke. When he looked up he jumped to his feet, startled at the sight of them all. "Oh...my! Up close you are quite a... large crowd."
Tensai swallowed hard before stepping forward hesitantly. "D...Dad?"
The sound of his voice made the painter look towards him, and suddenly he smiled. "Hello Akidric."
Tensai opened and closed his mouth a few times, speechless. He had been so overjoyed just moments ago, hoping for this meeting for so very long.

He hadn't realized... he wouldn't know what to say to this man who had given his life for him... and he never really met. "H-Hi?"

[Rikugurl]

It was weird... meeting these spirits. First Ida and now Charlie Wish. Gunnar had to wonder what other spirits his sister would bump into. He at least hoped that when their parents passed away... Sammy could let them have their own last good-bye.

Everyone watched Tensai, seeing the look on his face. Fujin knew that look all too well. She could imagine that it was the same look she'd have if she were to ever meet her real parents... or maybe the look Sammy would have when he met his father again after years apart. Or if Roxel were to ever find the real parents of his Dusk. no one ever sat down and decided the exact words they would say to someone who is important in their heart...when their eyes see them for real.

And even if they did, she was sure all their practice would go down the drain from the though.

Roxel's eyes widened when the man started to speak. Akidric? AKIDRIC!? That wasn't his name! Why---
He pouted, crossing his arms as Jax looked up at him.
That WAS Tensai's real name.
He wondered what Tensai's dad....er....Akidric's dad would think of his son's new name. He didn't have the chance to correct the spirit before Sammy butted in.

"Mr. Wish....why have you come back?"

[Reno]

The man smiled, his eyes twinkling behind his spectacles though he never took his eyes off his suddenly shy son. "Young man, you will understand once you have had children. Even beyond the grave parents worry about their own. We watch after them. Akidric's been visiting my grave sight every day just talking to me... so I came down here to listen."

Orange eyes peeked past black strands. "You did that for me?"
Charlie smiled and nodded. "Well of course. I missed out on your entire life... this is the least I could do."
The teen jerked his head up, his face full of disagreement. "No! Dad, you gave your life for me!"
"That?" He laughed and waved his hand as if it was a small issue. "Any parent would do that!" He set aside his sketchpad suddenly and walked over to the other placed his hands on his shoulders, looking down at him proudly. "Look at how big you are... You're practically grown! Already have pets and a lifelong partner and pretty soon you'll have your own place. Maybe you'll even adopt like you're other parents."

Feeling overwhelmed the son looked down again, tears welling in his eyes. "Y-Yeah... I guess so." And you missed it all.
Charlie chuckled softly and tugged him into a tight hug, happy when his son returned it. "I'm sorry I wasn't there. I wish I had been."
Tensai shook his head vehemently. "It's not your fault! Why are you apologizing for that!?"
"'Cause we Wishes apologize for things we don't need to apparently." He laughed. "Isn't that right?"

[Rikugurl]

Roxel bit his lip as he watched and looked away a bit, feeling someone uncomfortable about this whole thing. The phantom feelings he was getting were a bit overwhelming but he knew he couldn't tell Tensai to hurry it up because he wanted to play with the little chick.

Fuu smiled as she watched her adopted son speak with his real father. It was a chance that no one thought they would ever be given... but they found the only man in the universe that could make the bridge between life and death.

Namine giggled, remembering how Tensai indeed apologized for EVERYTHING even when it wasn't his fault. Guess it must of been a Wish thing...
She looked back, seeing how amazed Sanyi was over the new dimension. It was still hard to get use too.

However, Sammy couldn't keep up the spell forever, even if he wanted to. He let the two men know and they said their lengthy good-bye. The Chasers....or should one say the ex-Chasers, said their good-byes as well, thanking Charlie wish for letting them have the opportunity to know, befriend and love Akidric. A sudden tear in the air appeared before widening just enough for Charlie to step through, bright light coming from it. The man did not hesitate except to look back at his son. He knew what the tear meant and knowing he was already dead, passed through it until it sealed once more.

The flames went out and they were back in their own dimension.

There was silence among them before the sunset eye boy asked what was next. What were they all going to do now.
Lucina made sure that EVERYONE knew what they were doing next. They were going to another world in this connection to find another person. With little time wasted, Tensai said good-bye to his homeland before they telephoned back up to their ship and Seifer was at his seat heading to the world close by that looked familiar to the eyes of his daughter and her fiance.

As they waited to arrive...

"Mmmmmmmmmnnnngh..." Roxel moaned before pulling away from his lover's kiss, panting hard as his fingers clenched onto black hair. "I missed you so much..." He whispered as he looked up at his lover above as they laid on their bed.
Fully clothed, unfortunately.

Jax was watching them, a look on his face none to happy as a little chick slept in his mane.


"Samael?" A soft voice carried through the room, making the blonde look back as he was looking at the world coming closer and closer. It was Fuu who was walking towards him, making his tilt his head. It was very rare for this woman to speak to him in private. The silverette stood next to the man, looking out at the stars as well. "Nervous?"
The blonde swallowed, looking back at the world and nodded.

If it wasn't for the memories... he would of never remembered what his father looked like...

"May I ask you something?"
Purple eyes widened a fraction before he looked at her... but Fuu didn't look back at him. Her eyes seemed to be glued to the window though he was sure she wasn't looking at anything in particular.
"Can you tell if someone else relative is... well.....has passed away?"
Sammy frowned, looking away as he heard the question. He knew why Fujin was asking this. The sad part was...
'No. Only a full blooded Thym could.'

[Reno]

Hmmmm, Hmmmm, Hmmmm
Everything was so familiar. The humming of the burners...
Bing! Ssssha, clack, brrrra!
The acceptance of a code. The opening and closing of doors. The blasts of the thrusters.
Click, click, click. Prrrr, prrr, prrr. Cheee, cheee.
The sounds of Moxley walking across the floor, Jax purring just lightly no matter how mad he was. Their new chick dozing away.
"Mmmmmmmmmnnnngh..."
Roxel groaning under him in a deliciously hot way that made him realize just how LONG one full week was.
"I missed you so much..."
But sex wasn't really on his mind. Just being with him, like this, was all he needed. A smile fell on Tensai's face, but his cheeks were burning from the kiss and his thoughts he was still too shy to say. If I could lay here in your arms like this for the rest of my life, I would be complete.

One day he'd be brave enough to say it and not worry about sounding too girlish or sappy. When their relationship was more defined and comfortable he could - because despite being friends forever there were still some things that made them uncomfortable and shy, still things they needed to work on like any couple and even if they were in love difficulties did not just go away. For now this would have to be enough: "I did too... I'm so glad to be home."

Rominius, his father's world, was not a terrible place; not at all. The weather was nice, the scenery inspiring, the food delightful, the opportunity great. It just wasn't his home. Once it could of been, it should have been, but circumstances changed his perspective.

He also had to admit, despite how lonely it was, he was glad for the experience. For he finally met one of his true parents.

"I am sorry but I can not keep the spell up much longer." Sammy spoke, his fiance rubbing his arm comfortingly as if she was giving him strength.
Charlie looked towards the Thym before smiling sadly and nodding. "That is alright. Thank you for giving me this chance." The violet-eyed man just nodded silently. The father turned back to his son, ruffling his hair. "Aki, I'm so proud of you for some many reasons I don't have time to say. And you've got such great people looking after you, never take them for granted okay? And... I just want you to know I love you and I'll be watching over you."
The black-haired teen smiled shakily rubbing at his tears discretely. "I love you too dad... and thanks. For everything."
"I think I should be saying that to you." The elder Wish chuckled when there was a rip in dimension, light pouring into the area and spilling over the man's form, making him glow ethereally. "This is where we need to say goodbye son."
"...Yeah..." The teen hung his head.
"Hey, look at me." A strong hand lifted his chin and when their eyes met, Charlie smiled again. "We will see each other again, I know it. Until then, promise me you'll live life to the fullest and never regret it."
Tensai was silent for a few moments before he finally smiled. "Okay. Promise."
"Mr. Wish."
The man nodded in understanding, pulling away from his son. "Goodbye son." He turned away and walked towards the light.
Tensai watched him and sighed slumping against Roxel as his arms came around him. "Goodbye dad..."

There were still so many things he wanted to know but could not ask. So many stories he never heard, so many lessons he had never been taught. But when his dad made him make that promise he knew what else he was telling him: 'Don't live in the past, live for the future'. It was one of the most fundamental rules of time. And his future... was currently lying under him.

He settled down carefully over the other, drooping soft, sweet kisses along the pale column of his throat, knowing they could not go far until they finished their very last mission. He shut his eyes, sucking softly on the skin.

[Rikugurl]

"Mmmmnnnn...." Blue and green eyes closed as he felt the warm lips on his skin, having missed it... and the man who was showing him this love. "Tensai..." He whimpered, his face becoming red as his body arched. Why was Lucina so insistent!? Why couldn't they just wait for tomorrow? It was alright becoming evening and knew how long it would take to find Sammy's dad. He just wanted to show Tensai all the love that he had bottled up for the week...show him how much he was missed.

But it was the ship itself that made their thoughts stop and both of them sighed.
"Why do we ALL have to get off and look?" Roxel pouted.

Indeed, the ship hit the new world's atmosphere. It was like all the others that held life. All the layers were there and all hit the ship at the expected time.
Luckily, Seifer was able to find more than enough space to land on this world since most of it was nothing but desert like Atteris. The ship landed easily, kicking up dust around them. It was orange in color due to the sun going down over the horizon though everyone was trying to look out the window.

They were on Arbiter, the homeland of Samaul.

The blonde swallowed hard as the Chasers gathered around. However, he glance over to see Tensai and Roxel walk over to him. 'As you always said, we have a lot in common.' Sammy smiled softly as he signed. How strange was it that they were even from the same Connection.

Fate was indeed a weird thing...