Archive of Our Own

Returning to the Land of Departure after so long felt like a breath of fresh air.

Kairi stared at the grand castle and smiled, it had been a while since she had returned to her former home. Especially ever since she was crowned as the Queen of Radiant Garden, along with her duties as a Keyblade Master? Well, she had gotten so busy she barely had to see her family.

Around the courtyard were many apprentices. Some young others older. Some were training, some were having fun and others were reading and learning. Kairi paid them no mind and simply dismissed her glider and keyblade armor as she made her way to the entrance of her old home, some of them had stopped to stare at her and they even whispered but she wasn't bothered by it.

Kairi was the former apprentice of Master Aqua. A princess of heart that became a Keyblade Master and not to mention ruler of a world filled with Light. She had long since gotten used to people gawking and whispering about her. She didn't pay any mind to it; not anymore at least.

Entering the castle, she was quick to make her way to the throne room. Once she entered the room after climbing the stairs she couldn't help but pause.

Master Aqua, Ventus, and Terra all sat in their respective thrones. Her fellow Master, Sora, standing in front of them as three younger children (Perhaps teenagers, she couldn't tell from where she stood) stand behind him.

"Hey!" she called out, smiling at them "Sorry I'm late. I had some business to take care of in Radiant Garden"

Master Aqua stood up and was quick to embrace her former apprentice, squeezing her tightly. "Hi, Master" Kairi greeted warmly as she returned the embrace of the woman who had practically raised her alongside her grandmother and big brother Lea.

Aqua laughed warmly "Come now, Kairi. You don't need to call me Master anymore. Especially since you are now a master yourself" she looked up, yes, she now had to look up at Kairi and let go of her "It's nice to see you again, Kairi"

Kairi nodded, smiling at her

Sora was quick to run to her and practically tackle her to the ground as he rammed her into a hug. Making the two of them fall to the ground. Kairi groaned "Get off! Just cause we haven't seen each other doesn't mean you have to tackle me every time we meet again!"

"But we haven't seen each other in a whole month!"

"Yeah! Cause we're both so busy!"

The two looked up as Ventus laughed "You two haven't changed a bit"

Kairi and Sora stood up and dusted themselves off, Kairi giving a half-glare at her brother before she smiled at both of her Uncles, both nodded at her in greeting

"So" Sora began "Why did you call us?"

"Ah!" Aqua clapped her hands and grinned at them "Meet your new apprentices"

It felt like the world had frozen, suddenly Kairi and Sora froze- their smiles permanently on their faces as they stared at Aqua in complete silence.

...

"I'm sorry, what?'

"Absolutely not"

"Aw, c'mon Kairi. This is a big step for us! We've never had apprentices before" Sora said with a grin "Besides, it'll be fun!"

She scoffed "Maybe for you but I can't take care of an apprentice, let alone two, I have other responsibilities"

"Oh?" Ventus asked

"Did you forget I'm a princess of heart and Queen of Radiant Garden? And above all that I have my responsibilities as a Keyblade Master; I don't have the time to take care of children" She crossed her arms

"One of the responsibilities of a Keyblade Master is teaching their apprentice," Aqua said gently

Kairi glanced away from her former Master "I don't even know why you're even suggesting we take them. You guys can just take them in with the other apprentices"

"We can't," Terra said

"Why not?" asked Sora

"Because they are former members of Organization XIII."

Kairi felt her blood freeze. Sora tensed beside her and two shared looks of shock before they turned to face their fellow Keyblade Masters.

"Wait. I thought Lea and Isa were the only ones that managed to escape that organization" Sora started

"They did" Ventus nodded "But not before gaining a lot of information on the members"

Kairi frowned "Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like where this is going?"

"Because you aren't," said Terra "Those three are Nobody's, yes, but they are directly connected to the both of you"

"Meaning?"

"Two of them are Kairi's while one of them is Sora's"

"WHAT?!" Sora jumped up

"Why do you say it as if they came directly from us?" Kairi asked

Aqua sighed "Because they did in a way"

"Explain" Kairi demanded as Sora sat back down

Ventus smiled "One minute we're just waiting for-"

"What the hell are three nobody's doing here?"

Kairi looked over her shoulder and smirked "Well. if it ain't the asshole himself"

Vanitas flipped her off while Aqua sighed "Please don't start you two. Kairi you are twenty-one and Vanitas you are thirty-six"

The two glanced at each other before nodding. Vanitas went to sit beside Aqua and was quick to wrap an arm over her shoulders and bring her in close. Aqua blushed slightly before regaining control over herself and beginning to explain

"Xion and Namine are both nobody's that affect memories" she looked at Kairi "Specifically memories surrounding Kairi and other important people relating to Sora" she looked at Sora "And Roxas is in a way another version of you."

Kairi frowned "So what exactly was he planning on doing with them"

Vanitas scoffed "Isn't it obvious? Memories have a way of affecting a heart. He was probably trying to target Sora. Seeing as he is obsessed with him" he waved a hand "But it sure does make you wonder why these three decided to run away"

"Lea went undercover as Axel" Terra said "He got them out of there when he discovered what they were meant for"

"So what? I mean, how can I have a nobody?" Kairi asked "It shouldn't be possible"

"The connection you and Sora have" Ventus offered "That may have helped in creating them"

"So what? Like clones?" asked Sora "But that doesn't explain why Roxas looks like Ven"

"Why does Vanitas look like you?" Kairi shot at him while Vanitas rolled his eyes but it was clear they all got the message of her words.

"Your hearts are connected in one way or another, just like how you connected with Ventus and Vanitas. Giving Vanitas a face and saving Ventus' heart when Xehanort tried to kill him" Aqua explained

"So...what I'm getting is Xion and Namine are Kairi's daughters while Roxas is my son!" Sora yelled

Kairi covered her face and groaned while the rest laughed and in Vanitas' case smirked at the words. "Out of everything that's what you got from it?"

"Anyway. Now, do you understand? Even if the two of you don't want to take in any apprentices, these three need you two" Ventus said softly "Master Yen Sid has already stated that he has no idea how them now being their own person will affect them. This is the first time they've ever had a chance to have a good life and not just be mindless puppets. You two can give them that, I'm sure of it."

Sora hummed "Well when you say it like that..." he started slowly before he smiled "I'll gladly take Roxas as my apprentice" he glanced at Kairi and opened his mouth when-

"Riku will be going after them, won't he?"

A dreadful feeling ran over all of them at the mention of the name of Terra's fallen apprentice, who had chosen the Darkness instead of the Light. It was one filled with sorrow and grief.

They had all been avoiding bringing up the man that had formed the organization in the first place, but it was inevitable and Kairi decided to be the one to bring it on. He was her brother at one point and they had both trained together, both underneath different masters but still.

But then her brother began to fall into the darkness and unlike Terra, he wasn't afraid of it and accepted it with open arms. Kairi had of course attempted to stop him, but all she had managed to do was send him into the realm of darkness; ultimately stopping him from causing any more harm to the worlds.

It was how she gained the title of Keyblade Master. Master Yen Sid had seen it fit that she gain it since she had gotten rid of a threat that could have very well gotten to the level of Xehanort.

Kairi had only been fifteen.

It wasn't long after Riku's sentence to the realm of darkness that Sora gained the keyblade. it had moved on from Riku and onto him. And it wasn't long before Ventus and Vanitas both took him in as their apprentice. Terra had still been far too hurt to take in another after what happened with Riku and Aqua was guiding Kairi into being a Keyblade Master, who now watched over a world of her own.

Years passed and Sora had become a Master as well, at the age of eighteen and Kairi had already been crowned ruler of Radiant Garden, at the age of seventeen.

But of course, unbeknownst to them, Riku escaped and formed an organization to spread the darkness. How he managed to get those nobody's under his control was beyond them. But one thing was clear:

He was a threat. The boy that had trained under Master Terra, the boy Kairi had once considered a brother, the boy that had once had a pure heart, the boy that had grown with Terra, Aqua, Ventus, and Kairi was now their enemy.

"We'll keep them safe," Sora said as he placed a hand on her shoulder "We won't let him hurt them"

Kairi stared at him and sighed. Out of everyone, Sora was the most determined to save Riku. Kairi was pretty sure it was because Sora had a crush on the guy but still...if Sora was confident about this, then there was no need to be afraid.

"Alright. But I want it to be put on record that I did not agree to this and I don't think this will go well" she stated as she stood up

"Whatever, grumpy pants. Let's go meet our apprentices" Sora stated as he grabbed her arm and practically dragged her out of the room.

"So...how do you think this will go?" asked Vanitas "I mean, Sora seems good but Kairi doesn't seem too keen on the idea"

Aqua sighed "You can't exactly blame her hun." she said softly to her husband "We've all been very hesitant to form close bonds with our apprentices, but we're getting there. I know deep down Kairi doesn't want to fail her apprentices as we did with..." she trailed off with a wince

"You know you two can't blame yourselves forever" Ventus looked at his brother and sister sternly "You two did all you could to guide Riku"

"But it still wasn't enough" Terra grumbled out "We failed that boy and now he's following in the same footsteps as Xehanort" he shook his head "I wonder what Master Eraqus would think of us now"

Their Master was a very delicate subject. Especially since he had been killed by Xehanort who had pulled the strings on all of them.

"It doesn't matter," Aqua said "We defeated Xehanort and if push comes to shove...we'll defeat Riku as well if we have to"

"But Sora seems set on redeeming him," Ventus said softly "Vanitas managed to do it so why can't Riku?"

"Because unlike me, Riku had a choice." Vanitas snarked "He store me and you apart, and since I was your darkness it only seemed fit for me to be his apprentice. I didn't have a choice in the matter. Do I need to show you the scars the old man gave me when I misbehaved? No. Riku chose to go down that path and he'll die on that path" he said strongly

"It's been six years, Ven" Aqua said weakly "Who knows if he wants to redeem himself after all he's done"

Silence followed

And soon Terra sighed "Back to the matter at hand. Do you think things will go well?"

Vanitas scoffed "Sora will do just fine. But Kairi has always been a lone wolf, so I'm sure she's the one we gotta worry about"

"Why did you choose Kairi?" asked Ventus "Sora would have been fine with the three of them. You know how busy she is; with ruling a world and being a Keyblade Master"

Aqua smiled "There's more to being a Keyblade Master than just defending the worlds, Ven. It's also about guiding people who have lost or can't find their way. Kairi is a great Keyblade Master, and she was a great apprentice. But she's never had to take care of people younger than her, and that does not even mention that ever since what happened with Riku she's never had the strength to establish bonds with people again. You saw how she acted with Sora after what happened with Riku"

"So what?" Vanitas asked his wife "Is this like a test?"

"Of course!" She beamed at him

"After all, just because she's a Master doesn't mean she's done learning and growing. This will be good for her and I'm sure she'll be just fine"

Kairi walked behind Sora at a much slower pace, her head held high and her poster straight as she crossed her arms.

"You can at least look happy about it," Sora said as he walked backward with his hands behind his head

She sighed "It's not like I have much of a choice, Sora"

"Still! Make sure not to scare them!"

She rolled her eyes at him and simply pushed the doors open, finding them sitting down right where Aqua had told them to wait

"Hey guys!" yelled Sora and Kairi couldn't help but wince when she saw how much they jumped

The three immediately stood up and Sora was quick to make his way to them with a grin on his face "I'm Master Sora and this is Master Kairi-" she gave a smile to them and prayed it didn't come out as awkward

"And from today we'll be your Keyblade Masters!" he said joyfully

Judging by the way their eyes widened, they had no idea this is why they were brought here. Kairi glance at the two girls, Namine and Xion, and smiled at them when she saw they had been staring at her.

"Um..." Roxas began "We didn't know we were getting Masters today"

"Funny" Kairi mumbled "We didn't know we were getting apprentices either"

Sora responded to her by jabbing her in the ribs with his elbow, hard, making her cough and glare at him slightly.

"Ah don't worry! This is all new to us as well. But we agreed with the other Masters that it would be best if you trained underneath us" he explained "Now, can we get your names please?' he asked gently

The three shared a look.

The boy, Roxas, stepped up "I'm Roxas" he offered confidently

The two girls beside him glance at each other. The blonde smiled shyly and said "I'm Namine"

The black-haired girl crossed her arms "Xion"

Kairi and Sora shared a glance before Sora smiled and said:

"Well, it's nice to meet you!" Kairi nodded with a smile on her face as well but proceeded to cough and continue to explain

"Master Aqua has decided that Roxas will go with Sora to Destiny Islands and you two-" she looked at Xion and Namine "-Will come with me to Radiant Garden"

"Wait..." Roxas began "Your separating us?!"

Xion frowned- more like scowled- and Namine looked frightened by the idea

"No" Kairi was quick to interject as she stepped toward them "This is merely the safest option and better choice. The three of you are running from the organization, therefore Aqua decided to place you with me and Sora; As for the matter of 'separating' you, it's simply for the best, at least for now. We have no idea what consequences may come of you being out of the organization"

"Besides! Roxas and I can always go to Radiant Garden!" Sora said cheerfully "So don't worry. You guys aren't going to be torn apart"

The three shared looks before they nodded, and Roxas hesitantly took a step toward Sora while the two girls stepped toward Kairi. The two stared at her with two different types of looks.

Namine looked at her with a small bit of awe mixed with hope. She was happy, she was glad they were going to be with someone who could protect them.

Xion on the other hand....stared at her with distrust and she could see small bits of hatred. It was clear which one of the two would be giving her more trouble.

Everything went by in a flash, the two had managed to find new pairs of clothing for themselves. Robes that were traditional and armor that would work for them and allow them to summon their own Keyblade Armor. It was certainly better than their black cloaks

Besides, they had even chosen their own colors.

Namine went with Light blue and white.

Xion went with purple and black

And Roxas with White and Black.

It was nice.

It also seems like Aqua put more thought into this than they had given her credit for.

They had all bid them farewell and had made their way to the courtyard where Sora was quick to summon his armor, the blue, gold, and black covering his entire body, and keyblade glider, beckoning Roxas who had summoned his own the mix of silver, and an almost beige color.

The two waved at the trio and soon took off.

Kairi sighed and summed her own armor "Alright, come on you two" she threw her keyblade in the air and summoned her glider, getting on it and looking at the two who had already summoned their armor.

Namine was a light blue with white and yellow. While Xion's was black and maroon. It was a complete contrast to Kairi's own black and red pink armor that was adorned with a white crown that surrounded her helmet and the long beautiful dark red cape that was draped over her shoulders.

The two shared a glance and Kairi scooted back to make sure they sat in front of her so she could make sure they would be safe and not fall. Not to mention that she could have a good hold on them.

It made them pause but they nonetheless sat in front of her. Namine was behind Xion as Xion was the one in the front. Kairi leaned forward and took off into the sky.

She bit her lip as the two yelped and jumped as Namine reached to cling onto her cape.

Maybe this wouldn't be so difficult

"A corridor of darkness would have been faster..." Xion mumbled

Sigh...

Maybe it would.

0Oo

Landing in Radiant Garden, the two were quick to jump off and dismiss their armor and look at the world in awe.

"Wow" Namine gasped out

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kairi said as she looked at her homeworld, she walked towards the kingdom and smiled softly "A capital of light of many worlds and my homeworld." she glanced down "I'm hoping it will be both a safe haven and new home for you two. Now come on, we should make our way to the castle"

"Why the castle?" asked Xion with a hint of suspicion in her voice

"Because that's where you two are going to stay" Kairi answered simply as she began to lead them through the forest.

As Kairi led them through the forest it became apparently clear that the two girls were curious and in awe of the world they would be staying in. So curious that Kairi had to stop and watch them as they interacted with the world in order to make sure they didn't get hurt themselves.

It was nice. To see new people getting to experience Radiant Garden. Kairi could practically feel the world hum with both satisfaction and pride as both Xion and Namine looked around the forest and flower fields in awe.

And they hadn't even seen the waterfalls, canyons, and mountains.

Kairi was glad that they were enjoying her world.

They soon reached an open clearing, which gave them a good sight of Radiant Garden as well as...Villains Vail.

"What is that?"

Kairi turn to stare at it, looking at the darkness that tried to escape the barrier of light she had created in order to keep it there. She could still remember her fight with Riku, the war cries and yells of anger and sorrow. "That. Is Villains Vail. You must never go there; it's my only rule for the both of you. Understood?"

The two shared a wide-eyed glance before they nodded meekly

"Good" she swiftly turned and made her way to the gates of the kingdom, the two of them rushing behind her.

The guards standing by the gates stood straighter at the sight of her and saluted her "Your majesty!" they both yelled as Kairi entered, Xion and Namine walking behind her.

"Why did they call you that?" asked Xion

Kairi smiled "Because I'm the Queen of Radiant Garden," she said simply

"WHAT?!" 

She snorted and grinned widely

I always love these types of reactions.

"You're the queen?" Namine asked

"Yep" Kairi responded

"And a Keyblade Master?" Xion asked

"Yep"

The two shared a look of shock and Namine couldn't help but ask "That's amazing"

"It really isn't" Kairi responded. It's not like she ever wanted to be queen, she was simply the closest thing to it other than Ansem the wise they had. So it's not like she was actual royalty.

People stopped what they were doing and greeted her, some merely glanced at her and went back to what they were doing while others just went along with their day. She greeted those that greeted her and smiled at the ones that glanced at her.

Talk less

Smile more

It was what Ansem the wise had advised her when she was crowned as ruler of Radiant Garden. Not that she really needed to, after all, she was only the queen because she was a Keyblade Master, and not to mention Ansem had retired to focus on his research and science.

She was just lucky that-

"Ah. My lady"

Speak of the devil

She turned and smiled at Isa who smiled at her "Hello Isa. Done with the reports?" she asked

Isa was the captain of the royal guard and her right-hand man, he dealt with most of the paperwork alongside Ienzo for her. Which thank the light for, she really did not want to deal with a kingdom, her duties as a Keyblade Master, and paperwork.

It was a blessing that she had a nice brother-in-law.

"Yes. Ienzo and I just finished them" he said with a smile on his face and blinked "Ah. Namine, Xion. It's nice to see you well, I'm glad Lea was able to get you out of the organization"

"Saix?" Xion asked, staring at him with wide eyes

He chuckled "Not quite. Lea and I went undercover to get information"

"Lea...Oh! You mean Axel?" Namine asked

He nodded

Kairi smiled "Lea is my brother and Isa here is his husband" she explained "They work alongside me and the other Masters. In fact, Lea is a keyblade wielder undergoing training with Master Yen sid and Merlin"

"Really?" Xion asked, clearly surprised by the information

"Mhm" she nodded

"Huh..."

"As much as I wish to talk some more, I should be making my way home and start making dinner for when that buffoon comes back," he said with a scoff but on his face was a small smile.

Kairi nodded "I understand. It was nice to see you, we'll have a meeting soon"

He gave a curt nod and followed with a bow, which she rolled her eyes at, and proceeds to walk away.

"I didn't know you knew both of them," Xion says under her breath, and any other person wouldn't have been able to hear that but Kairi wasn't just any person; she was a woman who had been training under Master Aqua since she was four, she had been trained to fight, defend, and more importantly to always be aware of her surroundings.

So instinctively she replies: "There's a lot you don't know about me" and proceeds to spin around swiftly and lead them into the castle- her castle.

The two followed her in silence but she could feel their eyes on her, so on instinct made sure she walked completely straight and at attention.

They of course looked around, blinking and looking at all the paintings that were hung in the halls of her castle. She eventually stopped in front of a room she was certain was empty. Opening the door she smiled- good it was vacant.

"Alright. Which one of you wants it?"

The two stopped and stared into it, a pause of silence followed that made Kairi feel extremely awkward but it was soon broken by Namine's meek voice "Um, is it okay if we share it?"

Kairi paused and glanced at the king-sized bed.

Well..it would be good enough to share it

She sighed and nodded "Of course"

The two relaxed and immediately stepped inside. Almost immediately Kairi could see some red flags, the way Xion surveyed the room or the way that Namine relaxed and mumbled "No white"

So she doesn't like White

And Xion doesn't trust or relax easily

"You two stay here and relax, or explore your castle as you, please. Don't leave the kingdom and if you do decide to leave the castle just come and inform me" She said before she began to leave

"Wait!" Xion called for her "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to tell the Royal Advisor and Royal scientist that I have two apprentices"

Her response was simple and clean, and with that- she left the two of them alone.

"You can stop chuckling you know" She muttered as both Ienzo and Ansem proceeded to cough and calm themselves.

Ansem was the first to recover "It's still surprising, I never thought you would take in two children as yours"

"Whoa hold up let's not go there" she interjected

Ienzo frowned "Is that not what Aqua did with you"

She groaned "Please stop"

The two did but instead, Ienzo asked "I take it you're not enjoying this?"

"It's not that I hate it," she said "It's just unexpected. Now I have to take care of two kids and I don't even know what I'm doing" she mumbled at the end

"You'll do fine," Ansem said softly

"Do you wish for me and Isa to take care of your royal duties?"

"Nah." she waved her hand "Just the paperwork. It's not like I have a lot of duties other than making sure the kingdom is safe. After all, both you and Ansem are the ones who decide the laws around here"

The two nod and she decides that now is the time to leave. She has a lot of planning to do now that she has two apprentices "Anyways, I should go and plan some things and check up on them. See you later you two"

And with that, she turned and left them alone.

"...How do you suppose this will go?" asked Ienzo

"I don't have a clue" Ansem responded

"I'm sure she'll be fine"

"Perhaps. But Kairi has never been one to form attachments with anyone after what happened with...- Anyway, I suppose this could be good for her" he explained "Who knows, perhaps this could help her more than she thinks it will."

0Oo

There are many times when Kairi has found herself empty-minded. When she has absolutely no idea what she's doing or what to make of the circumstances she was currently in. Though those moments were rare they still happened.

Suddenly having two apprentices gave her one of those moments.

Kairi has never had to teach anyone anything. There was Sora but Sora wasn't an apprentice let alone hers, he had been training under Vanitas and Ventus at the time and since she was still learning under Aqua (Despite being given the title of Keyblade Master) as such she was forced to interact and help him in his teachings.

It was the same with Riku.

But Riku had been her partner, her brother, an apprentice alongside her

She didn't know how or what to do with her new apprentices.

What was she supposed to teach them?

But she supposed the first thing she should make sure of is to see their keyblades as well as their skills; that way she knows where they are and what they may need help with, which could give her a clue on what else to do.

Luckily for her, there was a private area inside the castle that was meant to be a training room specifically for her. Which meant the two of them could be taught there with no interruptions or nosy citizens bothering them.

Which is where they were currently.

"Alright you two" she turned to face them "Let's see your keyblades"

After a moment of hesitation, they flick their wrist and summon their keyblades.

"Alright, the two of you can summon them. Mind telling me their names?"

Xion frowned "Why is that important?"

Kairi smiled "Our keyblades are, in a way, a construct of our own hearts, they represent us; for example-" she flicked her wrist and summed her own keyblade. Light's Guardian

Light's Guardian had not always been her keyblade, her old keyblade had been broken in her fight with Riku and as such, she had crafted a new keyblade; one that represented her. The new her that was born from the ashes of that fight

Coated in gold and white, with a gold handle, the guard had wave-shaped proportions; covered in golden scales. The base had 'Terra's Mark', the emblem that She and the other Masters wore on their clothing. The shaft is yellow with a white neon glow and while other keyblades at 'teeth', her's didn't, it was just a blade that resembled that of a white and gold dragon wing. Sort of like Terra's but made for more...ruthless attacks.

"See?" she said "My keyblade depicts my light and my devotion to keeping the world safe, no matter the cost"

The two looked at their own

"However"

They snapped back to look at her

"A keyblade can also be used to hurt people. There is no 'good' or 'bad' when it comes to a keyblade wielders heart." she smiled sadly "One thing you should always remember is that, no matter how difficult it is, there is always balance"

"What do you mean?" Xion asked

"I mean. A person can be good but still do bad things, and a person can be bad and still do good things. Light, Darkness, it doesn't matter. I'm a princess of heart, but I could've ended up choosing the wrong path and hurt other people"

She smiled and knelt down to look them in the eye "But it will be okay, just let your heart be your guiding key"

There was a pause of silence before she stood up "Now. Let's see what you two got" as she got into a battle stance.

After that, it was quick to see at what level they were.

Xion was obviously more experienced, using her keyblade Oblivion, to fight her head-on and dodge quickly. She must have been out in the field a lot while in the organization.

Namine on the other hand was a much more...special case. While not as experienced as Xion it was obvious that her skills with magic were above the apprentices the other Masters taught. While Xion rushed in head-on, Namine used her head and calculated things. And not to mention that she defended a lot with her Keyblade, Memory Keeper

One thing was clear: The two were completely synchronized and Kairi was actually surprised by how well the two fought alongside each other.

Their bond was strong.

However, they still weren't close to Kairi's level.

So she easily knocked to the ground multiple times. They only stopped when Kairi grabbed Namine by the waist and knelt down to heal her scrapes and slight bruising. Of course, offering the same with Xion who, after a moment of hesitation, stepped toward the older woman and allowed her to take care of her injuries.

"So?"

"Hm?" she paused her healing and glanced up at Xion

"What do you think? Are we good enough for you, Master?"

Kairi did not miss the warning look Namine sent Xion, and Kairi certainly did not miss the small implication that those words explained more than Xion thought they did; It could explain her hostility towards Kairi

But it was just a speculation.

She hummed and focused back on healing "You two are strong, but you still have a lot of growing to do. But I would say you guys are plenty strong and 'good' enough for me-" she could feel their surprise and she could tell it wasn't what they were expecting because of how Xion tensed. She stood straight "If you two want I could tell you a bit more about the Keyblade and its history" she offered them

The two shared a look and Namine smiled shily

"That would be nice"

And so, that's what Kairi proceeded to do.

"I don't like her"

"Xion" Namine warned as she rolled over to face her sister's back, the two of them were laying in the bed together, "She hasn't done anything bad to us and she's taken us in" a pause "Besides, it's nice to get to know her after everything we heard from-...from Riku"

"There's a lot you don't know about me"

Those had been Kairi's words. And they were more true than she could possibly know.

Both Xion and Namine had been created by her and had been curious about her, so having the chance to meet their former somebody was a big honor for them. And not to mention that they were enjoying their time with her, Namine more than Xion.

"Still-" Xion rolled over to face her "She's the reason we went through everything! We never asked to be created and we had to go through all that torture we endured from Riku just because he has some grudge over them"

"We don't know the full story or her side of things"

"Why are you defending her?!" she yelled quietly

"Because she didn't mean for any of that to happen to us!" Namine whisper-yelled for her, silencing Xion who looked at her in shock. "Kairi is a good person, she- she protects the worlds and I know that, if she knew about us, she would have saved us. She's a good person. Why won't you give her a chance?"

Xion stared at her and glanced away from her "Come on, you know why"

"I really don't. So please explain" Namine said as she continued to stare at her

She groaned and rolled onto her back "He hurt us, he treated us like nothing, he yelled and beat us just because we couldn't hurt her and Sora. How the heck am I supposed to give her a chance when Riku hurt us just because he couldn't get to her? If all of the pain we went through was because we couldn't be strong and good enough to hurt her"

Namine stared at her and rolled over on her back as well "I guess I understand"

"Really?"

"Mhm," she nodded "But that doesn't change the fact that Kairi isn't Riku. I mean, she healed us after we sparred with her and she offered to give us insight on the keyblade and even answered all my questions. She's treating us like-"

"Like we're people." Xion finished for her

"Yeah" Namine smiled "Don't you like that?"

Xion glanced away "Yeah...I do"

She sighed "Look. I'm not going to force you to get along with her, but at least try to get to know her." she said and then smiled "I personally think she's awesome"

"Really?" Xion frowned in confusion

"Well, yeah! She's the Queen of an entire world and she's a Keyblade Master! What's not to find awesome?"

Xion purposely chose not to answer that question

Namine of course noticed and sobered up a bit "We're her apprentices and she's our Master."

"Hn"

"She's not going to hurt us"

"Hn"

"She's going to keep us safe"

"...okay." Xion said as she rolled over at the same time Namine did, clutching her hand tightly in her own "I guess I could try"

Namine smiled "Good"

Soon Namine drifted to sleep. And Xion was left awake as she stared at her sister.

Despite the fact that nobody's couldn't have an actual family, Roxas and Namine were the closest things she had to siblings. But Roxas wasn't here with them, he was in an entirely different world away from them.

Only Namine was here.

Her sister

Her Twin

Xion closed her eyes

I just don't want anything bad to happen to you

0Oo

"What types of flowers are those?"

"Carnations"

"And those?"

"Violets"

Today Kairi had planned to go out and simply go on a leisurely stroll, simply to relax and take in the fresh air. Those plans went completely out the window when Namine decided she wanted to tag along.

Xion had decided not to, using the excuse of being in the library to get out of it. But it was obvious she didn't want to go anywhere with Kairi.

Which she didn't mind nor felt insulted by.

And it wasn't that Kairi had an issue with it. But it was certainly new for her and it did not help that the people of Radiant Garden now knew she had two apprentices and had taken that as 'The Queen has two apprentices! The Queen has two daughters! They are our princesses!"

As such the two were practically being stared at by most of the citizens.

Sigh...

I should really have a talk with Ansem about this later, maybe he can clear the misunderstanding.

Kairi would admit, it was nice spending time with one of her apprentices. Especially the one who was the most open with her.

Granted, she was still very hesitant about this whole being their Master thing but she was slowly but surely getting used to it as well as her two apprentices.

"Master?"

She paused and looked down at Namine who had pulled the sleeve of her robe "Yeah?"

Namine was also getting comfortable with the idea of calling her 'Master' Kairi theorized she must have begun doing this when she saw Kairi interact with Aqua on the day she met them.

God. It was still so weird being referred to as 'Master'. She guessed this was how Aqua felt when she started doing that.

"You spaced out, are you alright?"

She nodded at her "Just lost in my own thoughts"

"Oh, okay!" she said and then turned to look at the center of town "Can we go into town?"

"Of course" she agreed with a nod and smile

Kairi would admit, she was adorable.

Walking into the center of town she couldn't help but relax as most of the people minded their own business and went along with their days. Yes some of them stared with bright smiles and soft eyes while others were clearly curious about Namine.

Radiant Garden was one of the few worlds that knew of the existence of other worlds. So it was natural they would be curious about someone new.

Still...

She glanced down and noticed how jittery she was beginning to get.

Acting on complete impulse she grabbed the girl's hand into her own and gave a squeeze. Namine jumped and looked up at her with wide eyes but Kairi didn't look at her and instead sent the people stern looks. They understood immediately and those that were looking diverged their eyes from them.

"Master?"

"It's nothing. Some of them need to learn to mind their own business" she hissed quietly "Are you alright?"

Namine blinked at her and nodded "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just not used to being around so many people"

"Hm," she nodded understandably "Don't worry. They'll leave us alone" she gently nudged her and they continued on their way.

She noticeably didn't let go of her hand, walking beside her as the girl looked at the flower beds and stores that were in Radiant Garden. Kairi watched calmly as her apprentice smiled and even laughed at the sight of certain things.

She looked like a kid in a candy store.

Or rather...like a kid that was experiencing a normal life for the first time

Which...may be more true than she thinks it is

After all, she doubts Riku treated these two with much respect or kindness

"Kairi!"

She turned to face whoever had called her and relaxed "Aerith!" she lifted her other arm to wave at the woman who walked toward her with a basket full of herbs and flowers. Aerith glanced at Namine and looked at her with a raised eyebrow

"I take it this is one of our two new princesses?" She said teasingly, Kairi sighed, "I never thought I would see you settling down like this, especially with children of all things!"

Namine blinked in confusion while Kairi merely stared at her with dull and bored eyes.

Aerith laughed and waved a hand "Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help it. You have no idea how shocked everyone else is. I swear, I thought Cid almost chocked on his own spit"

Rolling her eyes she sighed "Whatever" she smiled and relaxed "Where are Cloud and Tifa?"

"Handling some business with Leon. There have been some heartless spotted out in the woods" Aerith said softly as she noticed Kairi's eyes storm at the mention of any dangers in her world.

"Master? Who's this?" Namine asked as she looked up at her

"Ah! Right!" Kairi coughed and motioned towards Aerith "Namine, this is Aerith, she's the most experienced magic user in Radiant Garden and resident florist. Aerith, this is Namine, one of my two apprentices"

Namine gave a shy smile and lifted her free hand to wave "Hi. It's nice to meet you"

Aerith cooed "The pleasure is all mine sweetheart." she paused and checked her watch "Ah. As much as I'd love to chat with you two I should get going-" she turned and then stopped, glancing back at them "Namine, do be a dear and take care of our dear Queen, would you? She may be a Master but she has absolutely no self-preservation skills"

Kairi squawked at that but Namine nodded "I understand"

Once the older woman was out of sight she couldn't help but deflate and sigh, Namine turned and proceeded to drag her around Radiant Garden.

They even went outside the kingdom's gates, walked in the forests, and eventually sat down in a flower field as the sun began to set.

Namine hummed as she made a flower crown after Kairi taught her how to make one, humming softly

"Did you enjoy our outing?"

She looked up and grinned "Yeah! Radiant Garden is such a beautiful world" she smiled softly "You're really blessed to be from such a beautiful world"

Kairi stared at her silently "You never had the chance to be outside, did you?"

"...no. He never let us go outside, we were always kept in the castle and in our rooms" Namine said softly "He always trained us to the point we could move anymore and he hated us, always treated us like we were nothing but puppets"

"You're a person, Namine. Not a puppet" she said sternly

Namine glanced at her and smiled "Thank you, Master" she sighed "It always confused me, why he hated us, why he created us, why he wants to hurt you. Will we ever learn why?" she looked at her

Kairi glanced away "...One day"

"Hm"

They sat in silence before Namine took a deep breath and asked:

"Master. Can I ask you a question?"

"Hm?"

"If you knew about us, would you have come for us?"

Kairi was admittedly caught off by the question but then looked at Namine, a young girl who never asked to be brought into this, who was created by Riku just to hurt her and Sora.

A girl that should have had a normal life but instead was suggested to a life of confusion and hurt.

She nodded "I would have"

And faster than she had ever seen the girl move, she launched herself at Kairi and hugged her tightly. Her hands clutched Kairi's robes tightly as she said "Thank you..."

For a moment all Kairi could do was freeze up. It had been so long since anyone, besides Sora and the other Masters, had hugged her. Especially in such an emotional moment as this

Slowly Kairi wrapped her arms around the girl and whispered "I didn't do anything-"

"You've done enough."

...Maybe not enough.

"I don't know what Namine sees in you"

Kairi paused and glanced up from her book "I don't either"

Xion snorted "You really expect me to believe that?"

"Enlighten me," Kairi said as she closed her book "What exactly do you think she sees in me?"

The girl blinked, she clearly still wasn't used to how calm Kairi could react to hostile words or actions. Granted Xions hostility towards her was nothing compared to the hostility she got from Riku all those years ago.

"She-she sees someone strong! Someone who's so great she's worthy of being a Keyblade Master and Ruler of a world filled with light. Someone whose not afraid of anything or anyone. Someone who's looked up to by so many people. S-someone perfect!"

Kairi listened to her and glanced to the side "Believe me...I'm everything but all of that"

Xion jumped back "W-what?"

She sighed "But I'm flattered you both think that of me"

"Oh you asshole"

Kairi snorted and laughed, shaking her head before she sighed and frowned "But seriously. I'm anything but all of that"

Xion stared at her in silence

"Riku and I fought here in Radiant Garden, you know?" Xion's eyes widened in surprise "Both of us were fifteen, a year older than you and Namine. I was given the title of Master after I defeated him and two years later I was crowned Queen of Radiant Garden. For me all of those things came from defeating Riku someone I...someone I had once held so close to me"

She stared outside, watching as the sky turned grey and as it slowly began to rain.

"You call me strong. But I'm the weakest person you'll ever meet"

"But you defeated him!"

"I sent him to the realm of Darkness; two completely different things. I never defeated him, I still haven't beaten him in a fight. I'm merely the one who survived and remained in the realm of light."

Xion looked down

"My greatest accomplishment, becoming a Keyblade Master and ruler of a world, came only after I was forced to fight a friend"

Kairi's gaze drifted down to her hands

"I'm brave because I have to be. I'm a ruler, I can't show weakness, or else the people will panic and be in discord."

She bit her lip

"People look up to me. Someone who can carry so much blood on their hands it would be scarring"

Kairi looked up "I'm not perfect, Xion. I never said I was nor do I ever want to be. Deep down, I'm just a girl who's carrying the weight of the worlds on my shoulders"

They were quiet for a long time before Xion coughed and asked

"What was he to you?" Xion said hesitantly "I mean. Riku- What exactly was he"

Kairi hummed

"He was Terra's apprentice. He was a kid with a light so bright it was blinding, but that light eventually dimmed and brought forth the dark. He was a friend to many but-" she looked at her apprentice

"- To me he was my brother"

Once again, there was silence

"I...I don't know what to think of you"

"And that's okay"

"It isn't!" Xion interjected "I-...When we were born we were told you and Sora were the bad guys. But then Riku started hurting us, Namine, Roxas, and me! And I just- I hated you. Why did we need to suffer because of you? Why were we born when we never asked to be born"

Kairi stayed silent

"But now that we're here, with you, in Radiant Garden. I can't-...I don't even have the energy or will to fight you or hate you I-" she grunted and ruffled her hair in annoyance "It's so confusing. You're so confusing"

She sighed and looked up

"How am I supposed to fight you when you don't even want to fight me? You'd just take it with open arms and no shame"

Kairi hummed "So many things happened to you simply because Riku wanted to hurt me. I wouldn't blame you if you did hurt me"

"But it would make me like him"

"Maybe"

"Wow. Thanks for making me feel better" she huffed

Kairi sighed "I'm not the best at this"

"I can tell"

Leaning back into her chair she closed her eyes "I won't hurt either of you, you know?"

"...how did you figure that out?"

Kairi snorted "Kid, you give me death glares every time we spar. It was easy to figure out" a pause "Also. It's obvious how protective you are of your sister"

"hmph"

Xion glanced away "I guess you're decent..."

"Decent, huh?" Kairi snorted "I'll take it, I guess"

"Shut up"

"I have not grown attached to them"

"You have!" said Sora with a singing tone, a wide grin on his face as he stared at her with pride.

She rolled her eyes and glanced away from him

Sora stopped grinning and stared at her with a smile on his face "I'm really proud, you know?"

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Because you're normally so guarded. But you actually decided to give these two a chance" he explained as he looked down the balcony at the three apprentices who were happily talking amongst each other after being away from each other for so long.

Kairi looked down at them "I owe it to them. I mean-" she sighed "They were created by Riku just to hurt us, Sora. I know you think he can be redeemed and that's okay! But I don't think he should be given another chance"

"Kairi-"

"It isn't just us, he's hurt Sora." she shut him up immediately "Look me in the eye and tell me you don't feel angry after learning why he created them? How he treated them? Do it. I dare you."

He didn't say anything

He couldn't say anything.

Because he knew she had him there.

Kairi inhaled shakily "If he shows up in this world, I'll kill him, Sora. I'll kill him. Despite how you feel about him or how everyone else still feels about it" she looked at Sora "Radiant Garden is my world to protect Sora, these people are my responsibility, Xion and Namine are my apprentices. Get it? mine. And I'll keep them safe, no matter the fate I may face"

They were quiet, and Sora looked away from her.

Kairi knew that Sora and Riku had been stranded in a world together and had worked alongside each other to get out of there and escape it. So she knew that Sora may have had some sort of attachment to him; the opposite, for her, could be said.

"You won't change my mind Sora."

"Yeah, I know" he nodded "But- If I can help it. I'll save him, I know there's good in him still, I just know it"

She glanced at him before looking away

"I stand by what I said, if he shows up in Radiant Garden or if I come across him; he's gone. So you'll just have to pray he doesn't run into me" She said sternly before she spun swiftly and walked away from him.

Unbeknownst to them the three apprentices had been looking up at them all in interest

"So? What's your Master like?"

Xion rolled her eyes "She's cool, I guess"

"You've finally gotten used to her," said Namine with a smile on her face, giggling as Xion made a disgruntled face. "What about Master Sora? What's he like?"

Roxas hummed "He's...really energetic I guess. But he's nice and everyone in Destiny Islands likes him; some even think of him as the mayor but Sora doesn't have another big title other than keyblade master like your Master does"

Xion puffed her chest out "Yeah. We get the queen while you get the fisherman"

Roxas squawked and nudged her, she nudged him back and soon the two were rolling on the ground like little kids playing rough. Namine rolled her eyes at the two of them but couldn't help but be amused by everything.

"Ah. You guys as roughhousing, huh?"

They all stopped and turned to face Sora who was staring at them in amusement while Kairi was smiling at them. He nudged Kairi "Remember when we used to do that?"

She rolled her eyes at him "You mean do I remember beating you? Yeah, I do"

He gasped "You take that back!"

Kairi smirked "Make me"

Soon the two were rolling around on the ground like they were little kids when they were innocent. Soon a smaller body jumped on them and Sora yelped as Roxas grinned at him. Kairi took the opportunity to get up and glance at Namine and Xion, humming slightly.

Namine noticed the look in her eyes "Don't you dare, Master"

She took a step forward

"Bring it on," Xion said confidently

And she lunged, grabbing the two of them as they grunted and squealed loudly. Kairi laughed as both of them tried and failed to get out of her hold, Namine eventually stopped struggling and giggled as she glanced up at her master while Xion begrudgingly stopped and crossed her arms with a frown on her face before she gave a small smile. Kairi shook her head and spun as the girls laughed.

"Master!"

"I'm getting dizzy..."

Sora stared at the three and smiled "Huh...never thought I'd see that"

"See what?" Roxas asked

"Her smile, Roxas-"

The two looked at the three, who were still bickering and smiling and laughing. Beaming with joy

"Her real smile"

0Oo

"No"

"Why not? We can help!"

Isa had come by in the morning and had come to inform Kairi that the heartless situation in the forests had gotten worse, they had gotten bigger in numbers and the heartless that had appeared were much deadlier than the ones they had been dealing with at first.

Which meant it was Kairi's time to step in and deal with the problem. It was her duty as both Keyblade Master and ruler of Radiant Garden.

Unfortunately, her two apprentices were not okay with them being told to stay home.

"This is not up for discussion," she said sternly as she walked past them. Both of them, of course, followed her.

"Come on! We can take care of ourselves" Xion huffed

Namine frowned "Master, at least let us help you deal with the minor heartless"

"No"

"Why not?!"

Kairi stopped and turned to glance at them "The reason isn't important. You two are staying here, in the castle. Where it's safe, better yet go to your room or even library or even out into the kingdom, but you are not going anywhere outside those gates."

"This isn't fair!"

"Life's not fair, Xion." Kairi glanced back at them "Just...stay here, okay? You're not ready to deal with heartless at this level"

And with that, she left.

The two, of course, were not okay with this.

"She thinks we're not strong!"

Namine looked down "Maybe she just wants us to be safe"

"Then we should prove her wrong!" Xion said

"I don't know..." Namine trailed off a bit

"Come on, what could go wrong?"

A lot.

A lot could go wrong.

Namine grunted as she fell back, casting a barrier around her as she jumped back up and defeated the heartless in her way.

She regretted agreeing to come with Xion. Even if the two did make it out of this okay, there was no way Master Kairi wouldn't find out. A part of her was angry that she hadn't fought her sister about this but she herself had also accepted to come so if they did get caught, which they would, she wasn't going to fight it.

And besides, it was obvious they were outnumbered and outmatched. Despite the fact Xion was still acting confident, it was obvious they weren't doing much out here. Besides, even Xion was beginning to get worried.

And that scared Namine.

Because Xion and Roxas had been the ones to be personally trained by Riku the most (Read: Sparring to the point their bones ached and broke, as well as almost dying in said sparring matches)

So Xion was by all means the most experience when it came to dealing with big threats.

"I think this is the part when I say: I told you so!"

Xion huffed, turning her head to face her. She didn't know what expression she made since the two were wearing their keyblade armor but she could already guess it wasn't a happy one.

"We got this"

"We don't!" she yelled back as she guarded against an attack "I get that you want to prove yourself but this is not the way! You know she's going to be so mad at us and we're going to be in so much trouble!"

She yelled as she was practically thrown back

"Namine!"

Xion was quick to rush to her sister and protect her, looking up and feeling her blood freeze.

It was an Orcus. Floating there with its sword in hand. Xion glanced back at Namine and let out a shaky sigh "I'm sorry I dragged you into this... I-I just wanted to-"

"I know" Namine cut her off "I know what you wanted to prove," she said as she grasped her arm, getting up from the ground and kneeling beside Xion "I should have fought you on it more and besides, I didn't get dragged into this. I willingly chose to come with you and even if I hadn't I would have still come; you're my sister after all"

The only thing Xion had to respond to that was a very shaky sigh once again as she turned to face the Orcus, lifting her keyblade up to fight.

But before anything else could happen, a yell broke out through the chaos "LIGHT!"

In front of their eyes, they watched as the wave of heartless as well as the Orcus was defeated in a single slash. And in front of them was a fully armored Kairi, keyblade in hand knelt down on the ground. She stood up and stared at the two of them

"Mas-"

"Let's go"

Her voice was stern and it didn't leave any opening for argument.

Both Xion and Namine shared a glance and immediately shrank down as they followed her.

Not a word was spoken; just silence.

Complete and utter silence.

And they hated every second of it.

0

O

o

"Are they alright?"

Isa asked as Kairi approached him and the knights that had been discharged out into the forest to help take care of the heartless that had appeared.

It was already nighttime when the three had met up with the knights. And when Xion and Namine had noticed the knights they had stopped a few feet away from them to watch from the sideline.

"They're fine. I reached them in time thanks to the information your knights gave me- you have my thanks" she bowed slightly, some of the knights jumping as their Queen bowed to them of all people.

She stood straight again and said, "Return to Radiant Garden and rest, you've all earned it." a pause "I'll meet you there soon, I need to have a quick word with my apprentices"

She said those words so sternly and angrily that it made them duck their heads and stare at the ground. Isa and the knights winced, knowing the anger she was feeling was one they had never seen before.

Isa nodded "Understood" he turned to face the knights and nodded, walking away from them but glancing back at the girls and giving them a sympathetic look before he followed his men.

Once they were gone Kairi called out to them

"Xion. Namine"

The two shared one last look and walked toward her, their heads down and practically forcing themselves to look at her.

She took a deep breath before she turned to face them "I am so disappointed in you both" she pinched the bridge of her nose "I mean, really? I know you two may still be hesitant to trust me but directly disobeying me and leaving the kingdom and putting yourselves in danger?" she shook her head at them

Namine bit her lip and Xion shut her eyes

"If I hadn't gotten there you two would have gotten killed!"

Xion opened her eyes "It was my-"

"It was our fault," Namine said firmly "We both agreed to come out here" she placed a hand on her shoulder and she squeezed it gently. Both of them looked up at her who was staring at them with her arms crossed

Xion swallowed "We just-...We just wanted to prove ourselves. So that we were....good enough"

Kairi sighed and knelt down in front of them and faster than the two have seen her move, she brought them close.

"God. I thought I was going to lose you two"

Xion hid her face in her shoulder as Namine returned the embrace.

"Light. You two- you two don't need to prove you're good enough" she ran her hands through their head as she took a deep breath "You two are my apprentices. Ok? mine. Whatever Riku did and told you is wrong; you're worthy of so much more than what he gave and put you through"

Xion relaxed and hugged her back

"I'll protect you, no matter what. I won't let anything hurt you," she said confidently and protectively as she stood up, keeping them in her arms.

"You can put us down if you want..." Xion mumbled and Namine shook her head at that which made Kairi smile.

"Is that what you want?"

"...no"

"Then I won't"

She returned back to Radiant Garden, the two in her arms still wounded but well. They were asleep and the people who were out on nightly strolls or who were just awake at that time, watched as she held them close to her protectively.

No one bothered her, all simply watched as she entered the castle and shut the doors on them.

Kairi sighed as she stared out the window, glancing down at the two girls who were sleeping on top of her.

...I got attached to them.

Man.

They're never going to let me live this down.

She slowly smiled and stifled a laugh as Xion grumbled in her sleep, adjusting the blanket on top of them.

Kairi glanced back up to the sky, and her smile disappeared.

Riku wouldn't just let them get away. They were going to be hunted by their former abuser and Kairi was the only thing that would be able to protect them.

"Master Aqua?"

"Yes?"

Her eyes narrowed and she glared at the moon, jumping as Namine gripped her arm as she felt her arm move away. She relaxed and let out a deep breath

"We'll always be together, right?"

"...Let me tell you something that my master told me. Look at the stars. The light is from the heart of worlds, shinning down on us like a million lanterns"

"Really?"

"Yes. So whenever you feel alone, just remember-"

Kairi closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around her two apprentices, one signal oath made as she slowly drifted to sleep

-Those lights will always be there to help you. And so will I"

I'll keep you safe.

I promise.

In the morning, Ienzo stepped into the room to wake up Kairi as she hadn't gone to the meeting they were supposed to have.

However, when he saw the three of them still sleeping, he smiled and gently closed the door.

They deserved to sleep, he figured.