Fantasy 𝕃𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕔𝕪 𝕌𝕟𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 - ɪᴄ

[Nano]

♛Xanthe♛

She resented him.

Hatred spilt over like an overfilled cup, both for herself and the knowing smile devoured by the heat of the dragon’s breath. Why? As the aftershocks of the blast rendered her limp upon the floor like a ragdoll, her fading consciousness wondered why The Scholar always felt the need to shield her from everything. It should have been her, a mere replica that could be recreated, even if it took another few years of painstaking effort. If her birth was for the sake of attaining the knowledge he sought, there was no point in him disappearing before he could reap the fruits of his research. Of all times to act irrationally, why now?

The muffled voice of Alice’s yelling gradually grew dimmer. Then, everything became silent.

A cacophony of sounds elicited an uncomfortable twitch of an eyelid. Underneath the clash of blades, The Replica could just barely hear something beckoning her to wake once more. The sound of a piano? For once, the sounds drawn from the dreams of fabricated memories were tinged with warmth rather than lamentation.

Slowly, Xanthe pushed herself off the floor, vision unblurring only just in time to bear witness to the final clash between the two elements that fused and bathed the small assembly awash in light. One-by-one, something seemed to change in the members of the organization she’d grown vaguely familiar with. It wasn’t merely their appearance, but something about their bearing seemed to proclaim to the world that their existence finally held weight. At long last, everyone had reclaimed the broken pieces of themselves.

All except for The Replica.

Xanthe attempted to stand, only to find her body suddenly overcome with a feeling akin to being weighed down by a lead jacket. A quick glance at her feet and hands left her stunned. Lifting her right hand into the light, grey eyes numbly laid witness to the proof of her ephemerality. Her fingertips had turned completely translucent, with the rest of her hands inevitably becoming quick to follow at the rate she seemed to be disappearing.

Now that the light had been restored to the world, was she—a being of darkness–-no longer welcome?

“Xanthe!”

An unfamiliar voice accompanied by an equally unfamiliar face called out to her. Physically, she didn’t quite recognize the man rushing to her side, and the sensible part of her mind didn’t dare believe he was still alive in fear he was a mere illusion. However, there was only ever one person who looked after her with such care and concern. Just like what he’d done only a few moments ago.

In one of the few books she’d bothered to read, the author had written about a miserable character who’d only reached the epiphany he’d desperately sought when he reached the end of his life. At the time, she had scoffed at the author’s questionable taste in story elements. How could the timing be so convenient, and what use was there for a revelation when it was all too late?

She’d been mistaken all this time, hadn’t she? Not about the book, but about viewing her gratitude and attachment towards her creator as merely one of instinctual obeisance. Perhaps there was a time where that was true, where she was nothing more than a labrat he’d poured countless resources into, and she’d been content with accepting that as their status quo.

In the end, his moments of irrationality stemmed from the same source as the anger she felt when he disappeared to a place beyond her grasp.

For one final time, Xanthe attempted to grab the hand that had supported her all this time, only for her fading body to pass through his like a ghost. She blinked. Then came the sudden deluge of nonsense spilling from her mouth.

“Remember when one of the researchers spilled tea all over your notes? That was me. I did it. I… I’m sorry.”

Her words came rapidly, returning to a normal cadence only when she reached her final two words. She didn’t even know what she was apologizing for, nor why she had suddenly brought up an incident from years past.

Though he didn't respond with words, for a brief moment, The Scholar's eyes closed, and a subtle chuckle escaped his lips. He was mildly amused at how she could become concerned over such a trivial matter. As smart as she was, she was still so naive.

“Sorry,”

while apologizing a second time, her eyes trailed down to her fading limbs, as if implying that she were apologizing for disappearing and causing The Scholar to lose all of his work.

Zexal placed his index finger over her lips, even if it would pass right through her,

"Enough... Stop saying sorry."

The man sighed, pausing for a while. His eyes wandered to the roof of the cave, and then back down to his fading creation.

"If anything... I should be the one apologising to you."

It was almost amusing, for a man like The Scholar to do something so uncharacteristic as to apologize. Xanthe closed her eyes, taking a moment to let his words sink in. Then, she changed the subject.

“Did you find what you were looking for? In the Kingdom Hearts.”

"Yes... I did..."

he nodded.

“That’s good.”

Xanthe smiled. As long as he was content with the answer he arrived at, she felt a small bit of her guilt unravel. However, her smile soon turned morose.

“I’m an imperfect replica, but was I… useful?”

For a brief moment, her words faltered. In truth, she’d wished to ask if he was proud of his creation, but she rejected such childish words. A small part of her, however, admitted that she’d omitted the word out of fear of what his answer would be.

"Xanthe... I was the one who created you... If you were imperfect, then I am to blame... Even then, it's not true... All these years, I've struggled to admit it, but you were my greatest gift... I'm sorry it took me all this time to find the courage to tell you. It's something you should've known a long time ago."

at that moment, Zexal held out his hand, as if gesturing for their palms to touch. Even if his creation ceased to exist, she would never fade from his memories.

Master... I finally understand now, what you did back then... What it's like to have a student of my own. Someone you nurture and cultivate. You watch them grow, evolve, adapt. You observe their triumphs, and their hardships, and you share in their joy and sadness. They become your pride. Someone you care deeply about... And I now know how much you'd be willing to sacrifice to protect that someone.

“A gift…”

Xanthe lifted her hand, pressing the transparent frame of her fingers against his. Her body was hardly nothing more than a faint outline with a few vague features, but she felt that perhaps this was the first time she had truly touched upon his warmth.

The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on her.

Like a fool, she chased after that phantom of a sound constantly dancing just out of her reach, praying it would grant her the inspiration to fill the void in the hollow of her chest. What she sought wasn’t a single tone or a key, but something that she’d had at her disposal this entire time. It was a culmination of the small moments and connections she’d once thought little of, just like now.

It was just a shame she’d realized it so late.

The time to depart had come. Her final thoughts were filled with bittersweet memories tinged with a singular regret: just once, she wished that she too could hear the sound of a heartbeat. However, she sat there with a peaceful smile on her face, finally content with having once had the privilege to a life that should have never been hers.

The last of her body faded away.

“Thank you...”

a soft voice audible only to The Replica’s creator spoke and the scent of lilies seemed to cradle his cheek before disappearing into the wind.

The Nobody vanished into nothingness.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[lycanplant]

♛Axiron♛

This battle had been difficult, near impossible with the mind games Wonderland loved to play. Like being stuck in a lucid, dream, Axrion’s sense of time had dissolved. Finally, after what seemed like ages of intense conflict the Jabberwocky had fallen. Its mountainous body fell to the ground, crashing into the valley it had carved during its rampage. There was a stillness to the air, like Wonderland itself was holding its breath. The scaled mountain of a body started to turn into shadow. Dissolving into fantasy– but it would be forever remembered from how it changed and carved the landscape. From its deep, dark decomposing body shined a single light. As the darkness faded into memory the light continued to seeth through. At the center of the dissolving dark was a heart. A heart colossal in its own right, only fighting for a beast of Wonderland’s nightmares. A pink gem that had been carved out of a mountainside. It had a brilliant glow that pulsed like a heartbeat. Alice’s honed focus shifted from the fading Jabberwocky to its remaining heart. While they were unsure of her intentions with the heart, two things were certain: one, she was a vital ally and had gained their trust; two, most importantly the Elder trembled as she walked towards the heart. The Elder turned from exhausted, to panicked, to defeated. His knees buckled under the weight of defeat, causing him to sink onto the dirt. There was satisfaction in seeing tyrant number one sink to his knees in defeat; but, they couldn’t help but to feel something else. A feeling long lost to their soul, but their soul could remember the feeling’s echo. This echo grew louder as the Elder took off his cracked mask and revealed their face, their human face. A grotesque scar ran from one corner of his face to another. By reflex they felt it was well deserved, but that echo in their soul offered another idea. A scar so large and so faded, now just a discolored memory, was something old and received at a young age. Ridiculous, even if the scar was received in adolescence the Elder was a grown man. It was only fair to judge the man as he was today, not who he used to be. Today he was a tyrant tasting justified defeat. Taking a closer look at the man, his face had weathered wink and deep wrinkles– he looked as decrepit as he was lost, had lost. In true villain style, upon feeling the weight of defeat he rambled on about his life story. How he wanted to rewrite history and rid the world of evil people. Axiron couldn’t help but to snarl out a laugh at the irony. The Elder became the very evil he wished to erase. That echo in their soul told them to listen. To listen and better understand the feeble man in front of them. Why should they listen to someone that never listened? Why should they listen to someone that used force and hollow words? Tyrant tears were the Elder throwing a tantrum over losing. That echo became deafening, and they had no choice but to close their eyes and listen. Putting their sword into the earth and taking a knee. Pth hands wrapped around their sword’s handle, leaning on the ever trustworthy blade. Axrion begrudgingly listened as the Elder explained his past. How they were the world and light to a single mother. A mother that worked endlessly to provide. For the first time they heard warmth in the Elder’s voice. For the first time they heard of the Elder living for someone else. That someone else was the light in his life. He worked endlessly in his own way, mirroring his mother’s dedication and attempted to make life just a bit easier. Put some of that burden on his shoulders. Those memories started to choke the Elder as the man forced the next part. A man admired by those around couldn’t accept the mother’s rejection. A man as evil as the Elder was today. That man set the Elder’s mother and his home ablaze, and the Elder lost his mother to the blaze. He wanted to use Kingdom Hearts to rewrite history and save his mother. This was genuine human emotions; but, it was too little too late. The Elder decided to try and change fate by force. Forcing the fate of the nine nobodies. Forcing the fate of the worlds the nine had visited. Forcing Axrael’s hand into slaying a defenseless creature. The Elder was that evil man from his past, and there was no changing the past. Hearing this sob story ignited something in Axrion’s soul and that fire was louder than that old echo. Alice wasn’t moved by those crocodile tears. She revealed that unleashing Kingdom Hearts and forcing a reset wouldn’t just rewrite that one moment in history– it would rewrite all history. Darkness and Light were two parts of the same whole. One cannot exist without the other. The Elder would have rewritten all of light’s known history, resetting the world to darkness. That caused Axrion to grab their sword tighter as they snarled. The Elder was so focused on his own gain that he would have forsaken all living beings just for personal satisfaction. That echo came back. It was as calm as a summer’s breeze. Deep down in their soul, Axrion knew that wasn’t true. They became lost in this struggle between the rage in their soul and that old echo. While lost in their own internal conflict, Alice had instructed the nine how to open Kingdom Hearts. Axrael and Xathos bickered like brothers, but together in a twisted fate the two opened Kingdom Hearts. Axrion didn’t need to open their eyes to know the light was blinding. They had always imagined such light would feel warm, like laying under a summer’s sun. Instead it was hot, too hot. It was a dry heat that scorched the earth– flames of war that spread like wildfire.

The war was so far away, it would never reach them. It was just a plume of smoke in the distance. Of course it would get bigger day by day, the Tyrant was burning dead forest. There was no need to fear, the local officials would warn everyone. It would never get to the mountain, the fire was too far away. It’d never get over the mountain– fire didn’t climb uphill. The third biggest city wouldn’t burn– the country would collapse. Mom and Dad would never leave them. They’d never be alone.

It doesn’t rain ash, it snows.

The war was far in the background. This was a safe place to live, all nestled in the mountainside. It had been a dry summer with only a fraction of the average rainfall. It wasn’t uncommon for there to be water bans and rules. Lawns always grew back. The pines had evolved to handle occasional droughts, so the trees would always come back. Animals knew how to find water elsewhere, so the animals would always come back. It was just a plume of smoke in the distance with nothing to fear. The mountain was nature’s wall, a barrier between the peaceful mountain city and disaster. Regardless of what everyone said and thought, there was a plume of smoke in the distance. It started as fleeting puffs of smoke. As each day passed the pluffs turned into a plume. The plume thickened into a steady column. The column could be seen day and night. At night it seemed to glow a subtle amber from the ash and gunfire. It ever so steady creeped closer to the mountain. That didn’t matter– fire never burnt uphill. The fire was on the northside of the mountain, and in the summer all the wind came from the south. It was a hot summer’s day, but the heat was made manageable by the steady breeze. Clouds started to form on the north side of the mountain– everyone was rejoicing at the thought of rain. It was hard not to smile at the rain clouds ahead. In fact, it was windier today than it had been in the past. Cumulonimbus clouds were always Raion’s favorite, loving soothing thunderstorms. The area desperately needed the rain too. The news echoed from every house, every window. The war and fire started by the Tyrant was always a hot topic. Why the civil had started. How this fire strategy to burn away the rebel’s army and resources to preserve people’s lives. How this would minimize casualties. How people would be constantly altered on what type of zone they were in. They’d always have time to evacuate and avoid the militaries clashing. Everyone was safe to stay home, afterall fire never burnt uphill. Some people were packing up regardless, which was ridiculous since this was a safe area. Everyone was enjoying the summer’s day, but time stood still as there was a burst of wind. It only lasted for a few seconds, flinging dirt and dead grass everywhere. As unpleasant as that burst was, it brought the rain closer. That cumulonimbus cloud was finally breaching the mountainside. Flooding over the mountain and spanning as far as the eye could see. The rain was so thick that it was almost solid grey in color– a pure sheet of rain! They quickly ran inside to grab their raincoat in order to sit outside and watch the rain roll in. It took a few moments, but they eventually found that yellow raincoat. They ran back outside and made it just before the rain! Reaching their hand with anticipation to catch the first raindrop. That wasn’t right. A single spec of ash floated down and landed in their palm. The edges still orange. Instead of rain, ashes floated down from the sky. To their horror this wasn’t a rainstorm at all– it was snowing ash. That’s when the smog rolled in. The smog was thick like fog and smelt like a campfire. Everything was cast in a burnt orange hue. Instead of lightning lighting up the sky, the clouds were fired with fire. Emitting flashes of red and orange. The mountainside they’d seen all their life turned into a volcano. Fire poured down the mountainside like lava. Trees could be seen exploding from the heat as the fire crawled down the mountainside. Even the sun was amber in color, just a small circle in the sky. Raion had to cover their mouth to avoid choking on the dense smog. Even with the blizzard of fire and ash. Even with the fire acting as lightning in the sky. Even with the mountain turning into a volcano, with lava flowing towards the city, the news hadn’t announced an evacuation. Some people took ash falling from the sky as the que to leave. Others stayed loyal, stating the mayor or fire marshal would announce when to evacuate. The once peaceful mountain city was set ablaze and utterly divided. In the end, even Raion’s family was divided. Their mother had them evacuate with a friend and stayed behind to wait for their father. To gather all of the necessities and then leave. As Raion was driven away, they never stopped watching. Waiting for their parents to emerge from the blaze. They could see planes in the distance dumping red chemicals onto the fire. It wasn’t until an hour later, in the next town over, that the mayor called for an immediate evacuation. As day turned into night, they could still see the fire as clearly as before. They could see the houses burning. They could see the trees on the mountainside glow, nothing more than tall embers. As the ash settled, their parents never returned– but they weren’t alone, there was a whole community in mourning.

Trees turned to embers. Streets turned to creeks of tar. Houses turned to molten pipes. Bodies of animals and people turned to coals of black bone. Somewhere in that disaster were their parents– they’d never find where. The Tyrant lied. It was never about reducing all casualties, just the ones that obeyed. For as long as Raion would live, they’d be a rebel with the sole focus of extinguishing tyranny. To turn the ashes of tyranny back into a community. It takes many hands, hard months of effort, and connected hearts to regrow and heal. Without a heart, rebellion is nothing more than tyranny in the making.

With soul and heart reunited, Raion remembered. They remembered their past and how that past carved their path for the future. It took time for their heart to catch up to their soul, their memories. They took a deep breath in, remembering their final moment. It was a bittersweet moment; however, they were able to pass the torch and stall the tsunami of heartless from reaching their platoon. Instead of staying in the past, something in the present caught their attention. Xirene– Niere was booming loud and proudly with joy in his voice. It caused them to open their eyes and smile warmly. Their friend was bouncing around just radiating joy and cheer. Finally whole again and experiencing joy that only a full, loved heart could bring. They stood up with new found strength, pulling their sword out of the ground and placing it onto their shoulder. “Not only do I hear you Niere, I see you. I’m Raion the rebel.” That was the cheer of someone that had been on the adventure of a lifetime. Niere was right, this was a joyous occasion and an adventure of a lifetime, two lifetimes. This was all thanks to fate and the Elder. That brought their attention back to the Elder, the man of the breaking hour. With their trustworthy sword on their shoulder, Raion walked towards the Elder. “Rewriting history to erase evil people means erasing yourself. Right now, in this moment, you are no different from the man that killed your mother.” Raion started, their eyes meeting the Elder’s for the first time. Locking eyes, staring into the man’s soul and heart. “You forced heartless and us nobodies to act upon your desires and goals without a second thought to the harm it would bring. Axrael rejected your command, your wishes to kill that defenseless heartless but you forced him. You couldn’t take his no for an answer. You’ve forced us to fight like war dogs. You came here willing to kill an entire world just for the sake of your desires. You’re no Elder. Your mother wouldn’t want this.” Raion raised their sword up into the air, grabbed the handle with both hands, and slammed the blade into the ground next to the Elder. They knelt down on one knee, offering the broken man in front of them a helping hand. “Your mother wouldn’t want you to be engulfed by darkness, drowning in grief. Darkness and light are two parts of the same whole. If you look hard enough, you’ll always find a light shining through.” They gave the man a genuine eye smile as warm as a summer’s sunshine. “You’re a Mentor. You took us nobodies in. Taught us how to live without a heart. How to do something more than to wallow in self pity. Through your grief, you made a family of sorts. That’s what your mother would want. To carry on the torch of her love and spread it to those in need. Thank you for caring for us. You should continue to seek out those who are lost and need mentoring, I think it’s a good fit for ya.” They said with warmth and empathy.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[Dicentra]

♛Syriliva♛

Leadership always demanded a heavy toll; loneliness was difficult company to keep.

Power came hand in hand with the weight of blame, and Syriliva had understood that long before she stepped into her own role. She had seen it all firsthand, watching her father navigate that damned isolating path as police chief of Twilight Town.

But as she grew older, something changed. His smile, once thin and strained, had begun to widen. Slowly, he had adapted to the pressures of his position. He learned the delicate balance between duty and friendship, between authority and camaraderie. He seemed content, truly content for the first time. And that, in turn, made Syriliva happy too.

She had always looked up to him, like children often do with their heroes. She wanted to be just like him. And when his untimely death shattered her world, that desire only grew stronger. To her, the best way to honor his legacy was to carry the same pride and integrity he had embodied.

So, with a heart full of determination, Syriliva stepped into his shoes. She followed the path he had carved, becoming the chief police officer of Twilight Town. It wasn’t just a career - it was her way of keeping him alive, of ensuring his spirit still guided the town they both loved.

But no matter how desperately her hand trembled to grasp the legacy he left behind, her fingers could never quite touch it. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t be like him. She couldn’t be him.

She had no idea how he had managed to survive it all. To endure the weight of those decisions. She had to harden her heart just to make it through the grief, to shield herself from the pain that threatened to consume her. No one had prepared her for the reality of leadership - the crushing burden of sacrificing the few for the many, of losing friends in battle for the greater good. And worse still, no one had told her how it would feel to be the one who sent them to their deaths.

It became easier to simply never get to know them. To keep a distance, never learning the last names of those she worked with, never remembering their birthdays, or their favorite foods. It was a form of protection, a barrier between her and the inevitable loss. After all, who was to say if they’d be there for the next battle, or if they’d be the ones who wouldn’t make it back?

It left her feeling cold. Alone. Detached. Perhaps it was that very emptiness in her eyes that drew The Elder’s attention, the reason he saw her as the perfect candidate to have her heart taken away. Maybe that was what made her easy to control, easy to mold into the weapon he needed.

Oh father, why couldn’t I be stronger like you?

The thought flickered in her mind, and that was when she realized - she had her memory again. She was back. Herself. Syriliva stared down at her hands, now gloved in a uniform unfamiliar to her. Slowly, she removed the gloves, letting her bare hands run across her arms.

She felt warm. Warm!

It wasn’t just physical; it was a feeling that reached deep inside her, like the glow of the setting sun over Twilight Town or the gentle summer breeze coming off the shore. It reminded her of the sweet, savory taste of sea-salt ice cream sold just around the corner. For once, it didn’t matter if she was nobody or human - she felt truly alive. She felt warm.

But it wasn’t the sentiment of regaining her memories that filled her. It wasn’t the act of remembering who she was that changed anything. With glossy eyes, Syriliva looked around at her comrades, now regaining their original forms. Joy spread across many of their faces as they embraced their true selves once more.

The cordiality she felt wasn’t about recollection - it was the realization that she no longer had to feel alone. For the first time in what felt like ages, that isolating coldness had lifted.

She reached for a red rose tucked into her dress, gently plucking it free. Without a word, she knelt down and placed the flower where Xanthe’s body had last been, a silent tribute to a fallen friend.

"I can still feel her with us."

Her thoughts drifted to Xanthe, and then to her father. Maybe it was the remnants of their memories, set free by the light of Kingdom Hearts. But she could feel their warmth too, lingering for just a fleeting moment more. That feeling - brief as it was - and even though it would fade from the world, she would keep it close to her heart for the years to come.

It was that warmth that saved her.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[ZyncredibleHulk]

♛Raeal
♛

It all seemed like a good but also a terrible dream where Raeal who is normally a scared timid frail boy was some big muscular hero type of person. Who people could look up to and depend on. Who had friends that he cared for Axrael was one that could make a difference but can Raeal make one or has nothing changed with him is he just a weak embarrassed little weakling or did having that happen to him did it change him for the better.

As Raeal thought about it, Axrael was everything Raeal wanted to be. He was if Raeal could be born again this what he would want to be as a person if you could build your own person. Now the distant thoughts of if Raeal could ever become that amazing and great lingered in the back of his head. Maybe now this will motivate him to get to the person he saw when he was heartless and or hold him back and keep him in his own mind trying to get there and not be constructive for his mental state. Either way he was happy when he was heartless , maybe even more happy compared to now when he got his heart back.

After dealing with those thoughts in his mind for a bit Raeal decided he would do everything in his power. To become Axrael and to take care of any friends he has now or will have in the future. With this in mind he begins training like no other. And works on being more confident then he was before. He will never forget what is was like to be heartless again.

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© weldherwings.

 

[mizton]

♛ Audine ♛

It was Dauxine's fainting spell that outlasted the others', but she'd been one of the first to initially wake.

Before the flooding of light, the last thing she'd bore witness too was a sound—one of her favorites, too: faint conversation. Hers particularly had been the distant squabbling from the pair of up ahead, sealing a hole in the sky that she'd initially thought she'd maybe imagined. It was the feeling of this lightheartedness, especially after battle, that lulled her to rest & it's memory that first filled her complete self upon waking.

There might've been a dream playing during her transitory nap, but the woman had never been the type to remember. Frankly, waking especially—for lack of a better word—weightier this presumed morning, she thought maybe the entire battle—maybe this whole year—had been a memory. There was a familiarity in her body that made it seem like, if she'd look down, she'd see herself in a chemise. Eyes still closed, she sniffed. Most days, it was the smell of crusted oil at her bedside, from having blown her candle out just the night before, that greeted her. This one, however, it'd an earthiness met her nose, of ground & land—unfamiliarity. Never before had she welcomed a new day already outside before.

Her olfactory curiousness caused her to wake. Most days, it was a knocking & call from one of her wards just outside her door to finally wake her, so she stirred rather stiffly, not used to waking herself up. It was odd. Her chemise had turned black, leathered, & most notably hooded, from the way her head had a plush pillow to raise her head off the cobble that'd been her mattress that dawn. Not to mention, wiggling her far most appendages told her that she'd likely slept in the riding boots of her mistress' husband. Odd, but such was the way of Audine, as a charge told her: odd. That was why your name is the way it is, replayed in her head, following by endeared giggling that she was the type to echo, despite herself. Maybe she'd—for the first time in her life—gone to ride the day before? Was her memory failing her?

Raising her head, it was the still-sleeping visage of an otherworldly blond that made her head pulse. Her mind brought a name that sounded like styrene to its forefront & at it, she furrowed her brows. That wasn't right. What an odd name, she thought. Still, her head pulsed evenly until it pounded suddenly, like someone took their two fingers & squished her temples. At it, she brought her hands to cover their phantasmal ones—an odd ghost haunting her, surely. It—Xirene.

Dauxine woke, too. Or she... already was? Awake? Like a dam had burst, memories of bread, shadowy creatures, white-halled meetings, &—most importantly—tricks of electricity dancing along the fingertips of Xirene entertaining Dauxine in the lulls of their life, between missions or events of the like. Her laughter rang clear in Dauxine's head & suddenly tears pricked at her eyes as though to say: how could I forget?

Then, with a blink, the woman again woke for a second time. It'd seemed like some time had passed by then, as now all the figures around her had come to a stand, shuffling around & lightly disrupting the gravel around her. Her cloak was gone, replaced now with a black tea dress familiar to Audine. Her features had lost the unworldly luster that came with the duties of traveling dark corridors. She wobbled to a stand, poised now with a primness from years of social training hammered into her.

Tears welled in her eyes, seeing her friends regain their missing halves & seeing the whole person they'd become, until they landed at a now deflated rose at the ground. Almost tragically conveniently, it was then that Audine took notice of a certain someone's absence. The thought to question Xanthe's lack of presence itched, but her tongue was held. Somehow, darting between the saddened, unfamiliar faces of oddly familiar allies, she understood.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[mogumogu]

♛Leo♛

As he watched the final battle end, with it dying. Leox could not stop laughing with tears rolling down his cheek. This surprised Leox as he had never cried nor shown any emotion close to that of sadness. "Maybe it wasn't sadness" Leox thought as the tears would not stop. Leox decided to lay down on the floor filled with debris and craters. He again, hoping he had bread or something to eat or snack on, in his pocket but to no avail. He stared up into the sky but decided to cover his eyes with his arm so no one can see he was crying. Leox, seeing a faint light from the corner of his eyes, was curious as to see what was happening and he decided to sit up. He felt a faint feeling of anxiety as he did not know what to expect.

Leo was rudely awakened by the sound of someone going "ichi ni san nya". Looking around, he saw a girl with pink hair looking directly down at him, her hands on his belly. "How dare this peasant try and touch my belly without my consent!" Leo thought and jumped up and started to hiss. This surprised the girl and he saw that she did not mean any harm so he calmed down and licked her hand. This calmed the girl down as she was about to cry and she, with Leo's approval carried Leo up in her arms. "You sure are a fat little cat aren't you" the girl said. This made Leo's ear perk up and stared at her with look of disdain but he ignored the comment. Leo looked around and saw he was in a garden full of lilies, roses and orchids. This pleased Leo and he jumped out of the girl's arm and smelled the flowers and she somewhat looked and smelled familiar. Leo could not shake off the feeling of this familiarity with this strange pink haired girl and kept staring at her. Leo then noticed he had some eye booger in his eye. "How dare this feeble body get eye booger" Leo thought to himself as he tried to get it off with his paws to no avail. The girl noticed and got the eye booger off from his eyes and smiled at him. Leo noticed the girl smelled of lavender which pleased him even more and sat down keeping an eye on her.

The sight of this made the girl smile and she knelt over Leo, "what is your name?" Leo shook his head and his collar started to jingle and the girl reached for the collar and saw Leo's name engraved on it. "Leo, what a cute and fitting name" the girl exclaimed. Leo mewed and purred at that comment but then he saw something in the distance. He walked over to find a gauntlet that he did not remember. He tried to bring it over to the girl but to no avail as it was too heavy for the tabby cat. The girl noticed and walked over and grabbed the gauntlet, and she noticed the name "Leox" engraved on it. When Leo heard her say "Leox", his ears perked up. The name "Leox" felt familiar to Leo but he did not know what and where he heard that name from.

The girl grabbed Leo and walked towards the bakery that close by. The smell of fresh bakeries made Leo's mouth water and eyes dilate. The girl left Leo at the entrance of the bakery and saw the girl exit with some fresh bakeries. "This girl better give me some of the pastries or she'll feel my wrath" Leo meowed at the girl and the girl knelt down and gave him some pastries which to Leo felt like he was in heaven as the pastries melted in his mouth. The girl asked if Leo would want to live with her and Leo meowed and jumped into her arms. The gauntlet her arm, Leo stared at it and licked the metal as it triggered some sense of familiarity.

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© weldherwings.

 

[khai.]

♛ᅠTHOSAᅠ♛

There was an aching—sore and low, and deep as sin. It came tolling, as patient as they all come, and each vast knell was a pang. From the prints of his fingertips to the cleave of his thorax onto the curve of his soles. Washing over like ocean tides, cast and immaculate, that gingerly cradled him to the yearning shore. The waking was never far.

He first saw the sky. The serene night peering back at him, curious and bemused. Second came the brush of the verdant field embracing garment and skin; a body he could scarcely call his own anymore. The tender croon of the gentle breeze sung an aria blown by the daughter moon, and the lattice of butterfly wings that bled what was the first hints of dawnlight.

Never before did he quite see himself the way that he could right now. The stars, a quiet audience, and so was he. Each wisp of tired lashes meeting and parting, and each rise and fall of his chest. He breathes in as the rest of the world comes to, and he tries to stretch his arms a little wider to invite more of it in.

The creases of weighted sheets over weary bones. The hitched gasps of a violent cry. A doze that begged for just a few more minutes. The scent of pie. The last train home. An ovation shared for two. Palm lines. Letting go. Sunflowers.

It was heavy. So, so heavy. This was what it meant to have a heart.

"Your name?" He winced between tears, trundling to where Axrael stood before sluggishly tapping the tip of his fist onto his arm. "We've slain that blasted beast and lain claim to its spoils and you celebrate such victory by whispering your name?"

"Thosa." It hurt, even as a whisper. A splinter that ran deep finally freed. It bled the most feverish red, leaping from its confines and sprinting as far as it could run. Listless laughter spilled from where his tongue stayed after he remembered his true name just as he began to recollect the life he had left under his false one.

And on the kindness of the meadows that held them all, the man smiles, content to lie down amongst the rousing crowd. He hears the ground thrumming with footsteps both solemn and rapt, and the voices of the people he had come to memorize as friends.

With all of those he had lived for, the ones he had lost, and those he has to come home to, Thosa hums a soft harmony into the night.

How strange it was to be anything at all.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[Dicentra]

[

/* Clickable box covering the entire background */

h2

Some offered their hellos, while others whispered their goodbyes. Some chose to part ways, leaving their old companions behind to pursue the lives they were always meant to lead. Others promised to keep in touch, vowing to be friends until the end of time. Yet, all had made the same decision - it was time to move forward, to embark on their next journey; for now.

As their backs turned one by one, each marching toward the unknown of their first destination, the air stilled for a moment. Then, suddenly, a flash of light erupted from the sky, splitting the clouds apart; and from that brilliant glow descended a ball of light. The illumination hovered just above the ground, shimmering in the air like something sacred, something untouchable. Its brilliance stung their eyes, forcing them to shield themselves from its radiance. But the light didn’t move, didn’t shift. It lingered, as if waiting for a moment or a command - its presence demanding something.

And Zexal, curious as always, stepped forward, his hand stable in belief as it reached toward the blinding glow. The rest of them stayed back, frozen in a quiet, collective uncertainty. His fingers brushed the light, and in that instant, it shattered. The sound was almost deafening, a sharp crack that split the air as the light fractured into countless shards, scattering like glass. The gleams dissolved into the air, twinkling away until there was nothing left but the object they had all been waiting for - the final form of the χ-blade, the weapon that Axrael and Xathos had wielded in their final battle.

"It's choosing a new king." Alice whispered, her voice barely audible over the lingering hum of energy in the air. Her eyes locked onto the gleaming χ-blade, still hovering where the light had dissipated. "The new king of Kingdom Hearts."

"But how will we know who it ch-" Zexal began, but his words were cut short as the χ-blade emitted a sharp, deafening crack. The sound pierced the air, echoing through the quiet. Before anyone could react, the weapon began to fracture, splintering more and more with each passing second. Zexal's eyes widened, frozen in place as the cracks spider-webbed across its surface, until with a final, resounding shatter, the blade exploded into countless shards, scattering like a mirror.

Another glow pulsed from the shattered remains of the χ-blade, and this time, it didn’t simply vanish. Instead, the light separated into nine distinct pieces, each one radiating with a soft delicate glow. In a flash, the pieces shot across the area, each one traveling directly to a different warrior, while one hovered over Zexal's hand, awaiting his command. Curiosity sparked in the eyes of the group. Zexal, steadying his breath, slowly reached out, brushing his fingers against the light. The moment his skin made contact, the glow dissipated, leaving behind a different weapon - a Keyblade, unlike any they had seen before. Its design was unique, forged for him alone.

The others, drawn by the sight, began to do the same. One by one, they reached for their glowing fragments, and each time the light faded, a Keyblade revealed itself in their hands. Every blade was different, crafted with precision, a reflection of the person wielding it. They had been chosen, not just by fate, but by the very essence of Kingdom Hearts itself.

Syrilvia's gift, the Keyblade was a weapon of power and grace, adorned with a delicate rose. The bloom would only flourish in the warmth she had been searching for - and had finally found.

Leo’s Keyblade was connected to the ocean, its design welcoming the waves and, on occasion, a fish or two at his side when needed.

Thosa received a weapon that embodied bravery itself - a blade of pure prowess, one that only a lion’s heart could command.

Toward Raeal, his original Keyblade manifested once more, unchanged. It was as if the heavens themselves to stay true to who he was, that he didn’t need to change.

Audine’s Keyblade reflected her compassionate nature, a weapon that could channel the healing she gave to others into her own strength, becoming a source of power from her kindness.

For Niere, the weapon was adventurous, a Keyblade of transformation that could shift at any moment, just as bold and unpredictable as they were.

With Raion, his Keyblade was as strong as his resolve to save others - a weapon that could guide and control time itself, a reflection of the leader within him.

And to Zexal, a weapon of both the heavens and the hells materialized before him - the most powerful Keyblade Alice had ever laid eyes on. Its energy radiated so fiercely that even the Elder couldn’t hide his envy. And, the blade was adorned with a single lily on the side of its helm. It was undeniable now - clear to everyone present. The heavens had made their choice, and it was Zexal who stood before them, wielding the most powerful Keyblade. The next king had been chosen.

Each member now carried a part of what was once the χ-blade. It meant that if Kingdom Hearts were ever to be opened again, they would all need to be bested. The weight of that responsibility hung heavy, and they vowed - solemn and unspoken - that it could never happen. It wouldn’t. Though the closeness they once shared might fade, no longer living in dorms together or constantly embarking on missions as a unit, they promised to remain within each other's reach. No matter where their journeys took them, they knew they could count on each other if the need ever arose. A network of guardians, scattered but connected, ready if the worst should ever come.

With new weapons in hand, they all turned, stepping forward toward the first destination of their new paths; step by step, they marched toward their chosen paths, each knowing that, should the day come, they’d be ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.

But before they could take more than two steps away from each other, something small caught their attention. A Heartless - a face familiar face - stood before the group. It didn’t make a sound, just stared up at them, its antennae twitching in the stillness, the only movement to break the silence.

For a moment, no one spoke, all eyes on the tiny creature. Then, as if it had someplace to be, the Heartless scurried along, disappearing into the distance. The group stood frozen, exchanging shocked glances.

“Well, one more mission before heading home couldn’t hurt.” Syriliva said, her grin widening as she watched the tiny Heartless scurry away. Feet hit the ground in unison, their boots echoing in the quiet as they sprinted after it. Smiles crept onto each of their faces, not from the excitement of battle, but from bonds renewed, the thrill of camaraderie stoked in an instant. They chased after the Heartless, not knowing where it would lead, but knowing that this was where they belonged - together.

They ran, laughter filling the air, their new weapons gleaming at their sides, already brimming with the promise of what lay ahead.

design by howlingwoods, coded by uxie

Spoiler: Uncoded Version

Some offered their hellos, while others whispered their goodbyes. Some chose to part ways, leaving their old companions behind to pursue the lives they were always meant to lead. Others promised to keep in touch, vowing to be friends until the end of time. Yet, all had made the same decision - it was time to move forward, to embark on their next journey; for now.

As their backs turned one by one, each marching toward the unknown of their first destination, the air stilled for a moment. Then, suddenly, a flash of light erupted from the sky, splitting the clouds apart; and from that brilliant glow descended a ball of light. The illumination hovered just above the ground, shimmering in the air like something sacred, something untouchable. Its brilliance stung their eyes, forcing them to shield themselves from its radiance. But the light didn’t move, didn’t shift. It lingered, as if waiting for a moment or a command - its presence demanding something.

And Zexal, curious as always, stepped forward, his hand stable in belief as it reached toward the blinding glow. The rest of them stayed back, frozen in a quiet, collective uncertainty. His fingers brushed the light, and in that instant, it shattered. The sound was almost deafening, a sharp crack that split the air as the light fractured into countless shards, scattering like glass. The gleams dissolved into the air, twinkling away until there was nothing left but the object they had all been waiting for - the final form of the χ-blade, the weapon that Axrael and Xathos had wielded in their final battle.

"It's choosing a new king." Alice whispered, her voice barely audible over the lingering hum of energy in the air. Her eyes locked onto the gleaming χ-blade, still hovering where the light had dissipated. "The new king of Kingdom Hearts."

"But how will we know who it ch-" Zexal began, but his words were cut short as the χ-blade emitted a sharp, deafening crack. The sound pierced the air, echoing through the quiet. Before anyone could react, the weapon began to fracture, splintering more and more with each passing second. Zexal's eyes widened, frozen in place as the cracks spider-webbed across its surface, until with a final, resounding shatter, the blade exploded into countless shards, scattering like a mirror.

Another glow pulsed from the shattered remains of the χ-blade, and this time, it didn’t simply vanish. Instead, the light separated into nine distinct pieces, each one radiating with a soft delicate glow. In a flash, the pieces shot across the area, each one traveling directly to a different warrior, while one hovered over Zexal's hand, awaiting his command. Curiosity sparked in the eyes of the group. Zexal, steadying his breath, slowly reached out, brushing his fingers against the light. The moment his skin made contact, the glow dissipated, leaving behind a different weapon - a Keyblade, unlike any they had seen before. Its design was unique, forged for him alone.

The others, drawn by the sight, began to do the same. One by one, they reached for their glowing fragments, and each time the light faded, a Keyblade revealed itself in their hands. Every blade was different, crafted with precision, a reflection of the person wielding it. They had been chosen, not just by fate, but by the very essence of Kingdom Hearts itself.

Syrilvia's gift, the Keyblade was a weapon of power and grace, adorned with a delicate rose. The bloom would only flourish in the warmth she had been searching for - and had finally found.

Leo’s Keyblade was connected to the ocean, its design welcoming the waves and, on occasion, a fish or two at his side when needed.

Thosa received a weapon that embodied bravery itself - a blade of pure prowess, one that only a lion’s heart could command.

Toward Raeal, his original Keyblade manifested once more, unchanged. It was as if the heavens themselves to stay true to who he was, that he didn’t need to change.

Audine’s Keyblade reflected her compassionate nature, a weapon that could channel the healing she gave to others into her own strength, becoming a source of power from her kindness.

For Niere, the weapon was adventurous, a Keyblade of transformation that could shift at any moment, just as bold and unpredictable as they were.

With Raion, his Keyblade was as strong as his resolve to save others - a weapon that could guide and control time itself, a reflection of the leader within him.

And to Zexal, a weapon of both the heavens and the hells materialized before him - the most powerful Keyblade Alice had ever laid eyes on. Its energy radiated so fiercely that even the Elder couldn’t hide his envy. And, the blade was adorned with a single lily on the side of its helm. It was undeniable now - clear to everyone present. The heavens had made their choice, and it was Zexal who stood before them, wielding the most powerful Keyblade. The next king had been chosen.

Each member now carried a part of what was once the χ-blade. It meant that if Kingdom Hearts were ever to be opened again, they would all need to be bested. The weight of that responsibility hung heavy, and they vowed - solemn and unspoken - that it could never happen. It wouldn’t. Though the closeness they once shared might fade, no longer living in dorms together or constantly embarking on missions as a unit, they promised to remain within each other's reach. No matter where their journeys took them, they knew they could count on each other if the need ever arose. A network of guardians, scattered but connected, ready if the worst should ever come.

With new weapons in hand, they all turned, stepping forward toward the first destination of their new paths; step by step, they marched toward their chosen paths, each knowing that, should the day come, they’d be ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.

But before they could take more than two steps away from each other, something small caught their attention. A Heartless - a face familiar face - stood before the group. It didn’t make a sound, just stared up at them, its antennae twitching in the stillness, the only movement to break the silence.

For a moment, no one spoke, all eyes on the tiny creature. Then, as if it had someplace to be, the Heartless scurried along, disappearing into the distance. The group stood frozen, exchanging shocked glances.

“Well, one more mission before heading home couldn’t hurt.” Syriliva said, her grin widening as she watched the tiny Heartless scurry away. Feet hit the ground in unison, their boots echoing in the quiet as they sprinted after it. Smiles crept onto each of their faces, not from the excitement of battle, but from bonds renewed, the thrill of camaraderie stoked in an instant. They chased after the Heartless, not knowing where it would lead, but knowing that this was where they belonged - together.

They ran, laughter filling the air, their new weapons gleaming at their sides, already brimming with the promise of what lay ahead.