Growing Shadows [Aqua]

Axel ran his hands through his hair, frustration clear in his actions. He so did not need more issues right now. He had been just fine slacking off on finding other from the Organization and attempting to figure out how the hell he had come back. That was more than enough to keep him entertained, sort of. Having also opened up the castle to outsiders was also another adventure he had taken on to try and bringing a little extra munny. There was so much room in the Castle That Never Was and no one to fill it that it felt worse to remain as it was, than offer strangers somewhere to crash for a night or two.

That wasn't all he had on his plate though. This was not the way things were supposed to go at all. He had Sora tell him that at some point after fading he regained his heart to become Lea once more. Lea had become a Key bearer which was something that Axel wanted to work for. If Asphyxia was right and he had a heart, he would be able to wield the most powerful weapon they knew of. It was appealing since he wanted to be able to protect himself and Roxas a lot more effectively. However, that also meant that he questioned if he truly had a heart. Could a Nobody gain one? The Organization had never completed Kingdom Hearts which meant that promise had been a lie. So, could he do it on his own?

There was where his last problem came from; how good of a person was he really? Could the assassin of the Organization, the Flurry of Dancing Flames truly being a being of light? He had tired of the darkness and didn't want to be stuck there anymore. He had a reason to walk into the light. It was concerning that he had done enough bad things in his past that he might not be able to. This was further proved by the fact that Roxas had seen his eyes turn amber, like Xemnas'. Like Saix.

With a growl of frustration, the fire starter stood and turned to stare up at the castle as if his answers would be there. He knew for a fact that there was nothing helpful in that shell anymore, not for the likes of him. He was even more of an abomination than just being a Nobody. If only there could be some sign that perhaps there was hope for him, something that said he didn't have to become a villain and wouldn't ruin everything he cared about.

Aqua

♥ thanks tia!

There was still so much to be uncovered and re-discovered; so many things and people that needed finding. She knew she was capable of doing any task set out before her, but this time... No one would be there to guide. At least, not like before with Master Eraqus. Aqua was a Master, and it had taken her a while to acknowledge that. Her powers and abilities were tuned, and she wasn't dumb. It wouldn't be hard to find problems to solve, because the world was always full of them. 

The world had also contained her friends. There weren't many clues leading to their existence at this time.


Radiant Garden had seemed like the most logical place to start her search, besides her original home. Of course, she hadn't expected anyone to be there, so it had been left untouched. Everything had changed so much; everything was either in a state of crumble or repair. The castle wasn't as grand as it was before, the streets and homes seemed to have faced a great ordeal. She'd asked a few people if they had seen Ventus or Terra, although it led her nowhere. Fortunately there was some evidence scattered throughout this world of Sora's adventures; it was a little reassuring that things hadn't gone completely unchecked. 


Aqua had been walking around the side of the castle pondering where to go or what to do next when she felt a strong presence of light nearby. A jolt of excitement surged through her as the possibilities of who it could be ran through her mind; they were dashed, however, after she came to a stop just after rounding a corner. The presence of light was definitely strong, and there was only one possible source in her line of vision. Unfortunately, the red-head just feet ahead of her was no one she recognized even though the coat was familiar. Aqua pursed her lips, approaching the man hesitantly.


"Hello?" She began hesitantly, her body tensed and ready to fight if need be. Master Eraqus' Keyblade handled much differently than her own, and she wasn't 100% confident with it; but she could hold her own if need be. He didn't seem like an immediate threat, though, and there was an aura of good about him. The guy looked extremely frustrated, though. Maybe even lost. Not in the way of being lost in an unfamiliar place; more lost in the sense that he didn't know what to do with himself. Or something along those lines. She'd been away from people long enough that reading them wasn't easy. "My name's Aqua. I was wondering if you'd seen some friends of mine?"

Axel had to keep reminding himself that things didn't have to be so bad. If maybe he just focused on keeping himself from any situations that would push him to do things that he shouldn't, he would be fine. Right, but he couldn't predict the future. He wouldn't have any way of knowing what would push him to make decisions that would continue him down the wrong path. He wasn't surrounded with people, he wasn't trying to keep tabs on anything. There was so much left to chance now that the safest thing to do would just curl up in his room.

The redhead was not about to hide from this. He would find his way through just like anything else. It would just be a lot more self awareness than awareness of others. Though, if he were too self aware then he would miss someone approaching him. He very nearly did just that but he noticed the soft sound of shoes on the stone behind him. He dragged himself out of his musings to turn and look at a girl with blue hair. He narrowed his eyes a little, unsure of why she would be up here at the castle. Her hesitation in her greeting made him think that she might not be interested in violence. Yet.

Name's Axel, The Flurry offered in greeting. For anyone that knew him, the fact that he didn't give his trademark question showed just how badly he was doing. He ignored it and shifted his feet so he could face her fully. I might have. You'll have to tell me a little about them. I'm good at finding people even if I haven't seen them yet. Did he just ... offer his help? A small pinch appeared at his brow, not sure why he would do that. He had never met Aqua before, so why would he help her?

The Nobody tucked his hands in his pockets, dropping his gaze to the ground. There were so many reasons that was a bad idea. He should just walk away now, but he stayed rooted to the spot. Something in him wanted to help this stranger. There was something almost comforting about her presence. He couldn't place his finger on it though whatever it was eased the knot in his stomach just a little.

Aqua

♥ thanks tia!

Well, it didn't seem as though hostility was on the agenda any time soon. Mentally, she breathed a sigh of relief as she relaxed a bit. "It's good to meet you, Axel." She paused for a minute, thinking over what she wanted to reveal. The whole story probably wouldn't have to be told; people got lost all the time. It wasn't anything new. "Well, one is my age. He's kinda tall, sort of broody, but he has a good heart. The other is younger than me. Really messy hair, pretty friendly, likes to do his own thing. A lot." Aqua sighed, crossing her arms. "Those two are so hard to keep track of. But, I know they can take care of themselves. It'd just be nice to see them, y'know?" A little smile came to her face as she thought of them. 


Ventus, with his seemingly endless optimism and determination. Right now, he'd probably drag the three of them off for ice cream. Terra would probably protest a little, saying that they had work to do. The thought made her hum a little. "Anyway, what about you? You seemed... Frustrated when I walked up. Well, you still seem like it. Can I help you out?" Well, even if she couldn't find Terra and Ventus right away, time could be spent helping the needy. Axel was definitely no exception to that right now. 

The Flurry frowned at the offered descriptions of Aqua's friends. That was so generic and unhelpful that he could think of a handful of people that fit both those descriptions. Actually, Riku and Sora fit her parameters damn near to a t. He gave a small sigh and debated on offering those two up as options. It would most likely just turn out to be unhelpful seeing as half the people in the worlds knew them anyway. Surely they wouldn't be who she was trying to find.

May I ask their names? I'll be bringing you broody and willful for weeks, He replied. Hopefully she wouldn't consider that crossing a line, but it would certainly give him a lot more direction. He definitely didn't need more reason to get upset and frustrated after the things he had learned about himself. He was afraid of being even mildly ticked off and the repercussions that would reap. He took a breath and tried to think of any reason not to be upset. Keeping Roxas happy was a good one, but he was too far away to be a proper distraction.

Axel let his gaze drift up as the blue haired girl offered her own help to him. He took a step away as if she had tried to approach. It wasn't like him to cower. It wasn't like him to shy away from anything. The only thing that made him do just that was worrying if anyone else got too close, they would end up hurt or worse. He wanted to be worthy of his blond's love, but he couldn't do that if he went full dark side. Finding himself acting and looking like Xemnas was not on his agenda any time soon.

He bit his lip and shook his head. Thanks, but I don't know how you can help. The redhead wanted to say more, wanted to scare her off the idea of sticking around too long. He had made a mess of one relationship and burned a room down around him. He really didn't want an innocent stranger to be subject to his next outburst. He turned away so she wouldn't see whatever expression came over his face. It was getting harder to play this game of pretend and it bothered him that he couldn't be sure what he was showing others.

It wouldn't be safe, He added as an afterthought. Maybe that would at least make her keep a little distance. He could find her friends, but she had to let that be the extent of things. She wouldn't even have to know the methods he took to find her friends. Depending on who they were and where he found them, he might have to get his hands dirty. Again.

Aqua

♥ thanks tia!

There was a little spark of hope that shot up inside her, and she brought a hand up to her chest. That would be wonderful! Even if Axel couldn't find those two specifically, he seemed to know a lot of people like them. At any rate, this was still pretty good news. "Terra and Ventus, respectively. They're very dear to me, so anything you can provide would be of great use." Maybe he knew Sora... Or Kairi? Maybe even Riku. He looked like the kind of guy that knew a lot of people, someone who had been around and traveled to a lot of places. Of course, Axel didn't look like he was quite ready to go gallivanting around searching for people either. Not that she'd expect him to; everyone had their own agendas. 

Aqua frowned, tilting her head the slightest. This guy seemed so troubled, so on edge. Even though she wanted to find her friends, Axel seemed like he was in need of help. Or at least something to hold on to. The only time she'd seen someone look and act this way was... Was when Terra was trying to fight off the darkness. Was that it? Was this guy going through the same thing? Axel's aura certainly felt similar. "I'm..." She paused, her courage faltering. Could she still call herself that? "I'm a Keyblade Master. Besides fending off darkness, we also help those in need. You look like someone who fits the description." Aqua made no effort to get closer to Axel; it would do no good to approach this like she had with Terra. The last thing she needed was to drive off any allies.

"Whatever it is you're dealing with, whatever darkness you're trying to push aside, it's not a fight you can win on your own. I almost lost a friend to it. I wouldn't be able to leave this place knowing I didn't do anything to help you." Her stance became more confident as she spoke, feeling more comfortable to step into the role she had trained for. She could do this. The past wouldn't be allowed to repeat itself. "But... It's not about me. It's not easy, but I know I can help."

The redhead started at the names she gave. He didn't know either of them very well, Terra a lot less, but he still remembered Ventus. He was in love with someone who might as well be his twin. He couldn't play this off as if he didn't know who her blond friend was. Willful had definitely been a word for him. It had been a good bit of fun the afternoon he had met the kid. Granted that was a life time ago and he was a very different person in more ways than one. You've been looking for them for a very long time. He gave a small sigh and shook his head.

How did he keep getting mixed up in the affairs of Key bearers. Maybe I shouldn't try for that Keyblade. You wielders keep getting lost, He commented with a small chuckle. There, that was a little better. He didn't mind poking a little fun at the chosen ones, ever off trying to lock and unlock things with their giant keys. The only trouble was that no one ever seemed able to find each other. He didn't know how that was possible with all the ruckus that each of the made. Well, maybe not Kairi. She seemed a bit too quite to cause too much trouble, good cause or not.

This would give him a viable reason to search for someone that he actually had liked, something that wouldn't necessarily put his head on a chopping block. Roxas' search for others would end in Axel having to make a choice that would most likely end in Roxas being alone by the end of it. At least looking for Ventus and his still lost friend Terra wouldn't result in someone wanting his head on a plate. It might also lead to a better answer to his own issues.

The Flurry slowly turned, frowning at Aqua. How exactly am I supposed to fight off this darkness? I'm far from a saint and I don't think what little heart I might have is strong enough for this. Nobodies aren't made for this, He said, truly curious how this Keyblade Master thought she could help an abomination like him. He shouldn't exist in the first place and he really shouldn't be questioning that he might very well have formed a heart of his own. He didn't want what happened to Lea to happen again. One of him was bad enough. He couldn't imagine what nasty monster he would spawn if he truly did have a heart and he, too, was consumed by darkness. He didn't want to be a beast like Xemnas, nor did he want his cast off "Nobody", for lack of a better word, to be even worse than he was.

Aqua

♥ thanks tia!

"You've been looking for them go a very long time..." 

She supposed it could be put that way,. Truthfully, she'd only been away from that dark place for a month. It had felt like a long time, though, because there were so many things, places, and people that she was meeting every day. Not everything was good, but Aqua had learned that long before she'd sacrificed herself to save Terra. At least Axel seemed to know who she was talking about, judging by the way he'd reacted, particularly Ventus. She laughed softly.  

"You're not the first person I've heard that from. Getting caught up with Keybladers, I mean." There was a sigh, and she shifted her weight to one foot. Things were starting to ease up between the two of them, and for that she was glad. Being tense all the time was tiresome, and a reprieve was greatly welcomed. "I don't blame you. I'm assuming you've had some interaction with them. We don't try to bring trouble to those we encounter, Keyblade Master's honor." Aqua smiled and tilted her head, holding up her hand as though she were taking an oath. "Would you have happened to run into Sora, by chance? I've heard he's been kind of busy. I'd like to meet him again..." 

The next words out of the Axel 's mouth took her by surprise. Nobodies? It felt like that term had been brought up in her travels. They seemed to be a nuisance right now, but some very bad things had happened because of them. Or had happened. Not enough information had been gathered for her to put any label on that group of people. "You're a Nobody...? Or... were? I haven't heard much about them, but I can tell you're good. I don't know what your story is, but if you truly were a bad person we wouldn't be talking like this." Tentatively, she stepped closer. At least he was honest with himself, and her; even though she was nothing more than an acquaintance at best. "My friend, Terra? He was... Kind of like you. He had very good intentions, and a strong heart, but the darkness kind of got there better of him. You kind of remind me of Terra." A frown came to her face as she thought over what she would say. It had to be quick. He didn't seem very sure about her abilities. "Look, Axel. I'm not saying I can perform some magic and you'll be better, but I can sense good in you. You doubt yourself, but you see very strong willed and determined." She looked away, her expression becoming neutral but much more soft as she spoke. "You need to have someone to fight for, too. Someone once told me it takes more than strength or a weapon to get rid of the dark. I didn't know it at the time, but I think she meant love. I love my friends very much, and I think that helped get me back here. If you have someone you love, or care for very much, it can help you. You would have had to, otherwise I don't think you'd be here." 

Aqua actually managed to get a small smile out of the redhead. It was a twitch of the lips, really, but it was more than he had mustered in the past two weeks or so. He had hurt Roxas, himself, and he couldn't remember how he had left Port Royal so that couldn't be a good sign. There was plenty to be upset about yet this girl managed to bring the slightest bit of amusement to him, enough to smile. Your honor, huh? I'll take your word over the kid's any day. Sora and his friends are always neck deep in something. He shook his head as he thought about the brunet. He actually wasn't sure what he had been up to after Xemnas, not truly. He had bumped into the kid once, learned a couple of things that didn't make sense and hadn't seen the boy since.

He'll be an easy one to track down for you. Give me a couple of days and I'll point you in his direction, The Flurry offered confidently. Sora and company were never far, no matter how many worlds there were to travel through. He was indiscreet and drew way too much attention to himself. Riku was the better of the two if only he could keep his nose clean so to speak. Kairi seemed like a good kid though. He really should apologize for what he had done to her. She hadn't really deserved to be taken the way he had to her.

Right, and that brought him back to the whole unworthy thing. He didn't deserve Roxas' love or Aqua's kindness. He briefly recalled having wanted to go out and find a Keyblade bearer to finish him off as he knelt in the ash of the Grey Room, in shock that his blond would offer a free shot to take him out as Axel had done to the others. It had hurt something deep inside him to hear that and he didn't want to go on. The Key of Destiny was meant for better than him. He gave a small flinch as Aqua neared recapturing his attention once more.

It seemed that she had been away and buried under a rock to not know about Nobodies. Nobodies aren't meant to exist. We're remnants at best and I don't even know what I am anymore, He somewhat explained. It hardly told her what a Nobody was, but he certainly didn't think he was one anymore. He was some other abomination that wasn't meant to be. How could she say that she could sense good in him? The things he had done were definitely things a kind young woman like her would never do. It certainly wouldn't become a proper Keyblade Master that fought for the Light.

He certainly wasn't good enough for his personal little light. His shoulders slumped as her words reminded him so much of what Roxas had been insisting. The blond would help him through this, but he thought it was a terrible idea. He couldn't burden his short counterpart with this. What if I've already hurt the one I love? I can't keep risking this, risking him while I fight my demons. He hung his head as he remembered how easily the Key offered his existence up to him. He learned that Axel was a murderer and simply lay his life in the redhead's hands as if it were nothing. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he actually did something worse than a few minor burns in one of his fits. How do you protect someone from your own destructiveness when you need them near?

Aqua

♥ thanks tia!

She had to laugh a little at Axel's commentary. Unfortunately, it was probably true what he said about those who wielded the Keyblade; even those associated with them. Of course, who could really blame them? They traveled all over, got involved in the affairs of a wide variety of people whether they wanted to or not. They were bound to run into trouble here and there. At least they were good at protecting people - most of the time. "Sora's a good kid. I believe he's trustworthy, even if he does bring around trouble sometimes."


"Nobodies aren't meant to exist."

Huh. Remnants. Aqua supposed that made a little sense. After all, the Unversed were created from negative emotions of people. Heartless were manifestations of the darkness within people's hearts. Nobodies were... The leftovers of people? She wasn't necessarily sure how, but it couldn't be anything good. There was indication that there were more of them, so how many more? A lot of questions popped into her head, but she could handle getting them somewhere else. Right now, the red-head before her seemed to be struggling with a lot. She was smart, and information could be gathered from somewhere else. Her heart dropped as much as Axel's shoulders. He looked so defeated as he talked about whomever he loved, how he'd hurt them.

"You can't." Aqua stated bluntly, fixing Axel with a determined look. No way was she going to let him beat himself up like this. "If you truly weren't meant to exist, you wouldn't be here. You are though, and it's probably because of him." She clenched her fists, her frown growing. A little voice in the back of her mind told her to keep herself in check, and she wanted to. The last thing Aqua wanted to do was hurt Axel, to drive him away. They'd only just met, and really she shouldn't have any sort of opinion or stake in this. But, she couldn't let him do this to himself. "He's not fragile, Axel. Not if he's with you. Love is stronger than that." Not that she would know anything about love of the romantic kind.

Axel's interest in Sora these days was minimal now that Roxas was back. He knew the kid was made of only good intentions, though everyone knew how those ended. The brunet would be useful to Aqua as a way to get her back in the game. That was enough of a reason to go Sora-hunting since it seemed he was in season again. Even though Axel wanted to get a Keyblade like Lea, he didn't think it wise to use Sora to really guide him through as the kid wouldn't really know how to properly teach him.

That was hardly his biggest concern at the moment. Keeping Roxas safe was while still trying to work through his newest issue. The blue haired woman's blunt statement made him jerk a little. His head snapped to the side as he turned to stare at her, surprised by how straight forward that was. Wasn't that a little harsh? Wasn't that a little untrue? Surely there had to be some way for him to be able to keep the Key safe and still keep him nearby enough to keep him grounded. He opened his mouth to rebut but nothing came out.

He quickly shut his mouth and pursed his lips. Did Aqua realize how right she was about him? He didn't think she would even understand how desperately he needed the blond, or, more surprisingly, how much Roxas needed him. It wasn't the healthiest of situations, this severe codependency. They were very nearly lost without each other these days which didn't help anyone. He's tough, sure, but what happens when I burn him to a crisp the next time? I can't let that happen. He turned to look at the Keyblade Master, a look of desperation coming over him.

The redhead put a hand to his chest, emphasizing what he was saying. This can't be allowed out, can't be free. If I don't have him, I don't think I'll have any control, He said, each word getting quieter, showing his worry to a complete stranger. This was so unlike him, so out of character for the normal Axel. He was tight lipped and kept everyone else in the dark until they absolutely needed to know something. He did not share information easily and this was far too much sharing that he should be breaking out in hives, like a bad allergic reaction to honesty. Yet, this desperation, this need to have someone show him how to shut out the darkness, to lock it in a box and never let it out, drove him to this. He was afraid of what he would turn into and perhaps this was partly him trying to find a contingency plan that would end with him dead and everyone else safe. He could deal with that outcome.

Aqua

♥ thanks tia!