Chapter Text
The sun had yet to reach it's peak at noon, allowing a brisk breeze to accentuate the cool blue sky. The sea spray misted around a handsome hovercraft as Yen Sid made his way towards the town that began to peek over the waves of the horizon.
Just nestled between St. Canard and Cape Suzette rested Felicity, a densely packed series of islands, shaded with tall canopies of trees and painted with a canvas of wildflowers. He could just make out the port as he zoomed in closer; he pressed on his pocket, where a small, velvet box awaited it's eventual reciprocant.
He slowed down his craft, ascended onto the dock, and smiled as he was greeted by fishermen and nearby youngsters.
He stood out like a sore thumb - the only human among the village of Felines. The fishermen tipped their straw hats to Yen Sid as the sorcerer was bombarded by the nearby youngsters, all clamoring to greet the Keyblade Master.
"Yen Sid!"
"Where have you been?"
"We haven't seen you in ages!"
"Are you here for Nimue?"
"Are you here for the festival?"
Laughing and patting their heads, Yen Sid nodded as he removed his helmet. Underneath he revealed his slicked back mahogany hair and deep set blue eyes.
"Yes, yes, I'm here for the festival. And Nimue."
The children were still restless as they began to migrate towards his hovercraft.
"Can we get a ride?"
"Please?"
"Will you teach us how to wield a keyblade? Nim won't tea-"
A shrill whistle put an end to the ruckus, and the small group looked towards one of the fishermen as he stood. He was an old, striped ginger tabby with striking amber eyes and grizzled whiskers; he stood hunched as he thumped over in his rubber boots.
"That's enough now, give 'im some space!" He chided, shooing the straggling kids away as they bellyached. Yen Sid laughed and looked at him appreciatively.
"You're a lifesaver, Orion."
"Nahh, half of 'em's my grandkids anyway. Their parents don't teach 'em any manners so someone's gotta do it," he smiled with a snaggletooth fang as his ragged tail swayed. "Master Yen Sid; good t' see ya, son. Finally made it fer the Springtime Annual? Our Nimue will be mighty pleased."
Yen Sid smiled. "It only took me five years to make it to one. She's been telling me ever since we met how much she loves this festival."
Orion chuckled roughly. "Well, then you'd best git on and find her! Last I heard she was in the square helpin' her mama decorate. Lady Estelle is always front 'n center with every holiday."
This bit of information was not new to Yen Sid; still he appreciated the aid. "Thank you, Orion," Yen Sid bowed his head as the old cat did the same and returned to his fishing as his buddies waved to the young sorcerer.
Yen Sid waved his hand towards his hovercraft, and in a beam of light (and a chorus of 'oohs' from the kids), it shifted onto his shoulders as ornamental pauldrons (the kids 'aah'd' at the display). He turned and waved, and the groups of kids waved back, shouting at him as he jogged off towards a nearby bridge.
The trees rustled with the promise of spring and fair weather. Excited chatter babbled alongside the water in the canals as villagers were out in their boats, rowing and enjoying the coming festivies. They waved to Yen Sid, an honorary resident of Felicity now that he had been partners with their local Keyblade Master for just under five years.
The square was on the largest island, where the marketplace bustled with life. He could see the mayor's house on the tallest hill in the distance. The wood of the bridge turned into cobblestone upon the land, and he began to pass by shops and eateries, coated with ivy as their hanging metal signs squeaked in the breeze; it was a sound just barely carried over the excitement of the market.
Between the daily commotion and the groups on ladders decorating for the festival, it was more crowded than usual. Laurels of seasonal flowers and ribbons and string lights had been woven together and were being attached to buildings and lamp posts. Yen Sid smiled at the work that had already been done so far to make everything vibrant and merry.
He greeted many who spoke to him by name. There was an older couple who stopped him to talk, asking him about any new adventures; there was the iron worker, who provided his talents in creating bangles that would be imbued with magic. As Yen Sid wandered further into the square, he noted the tall, spindly form of the mayor, Alabastor, as he stood next to his daughter, Angelique, as both of them overlooked decorating.
"Mayor Alabastor!" Yen Sid greeted, catching the old cat's attention. Alabastor swiveled on the spot and beamed.
"Why Master Yen Sid! What an honor it is for you to join us! Angelique, dearest, mind your manners," Alabastor reminded his daugher, and she quickly curtseyed as Yen Sid bowed to them both.
"Nimue wasn't lying when she said you went all out on the festivities," Yen Sid smiled. Alabastor guffawed; he was a cat of pristine white fur, save for a spot of ebony over his left eye. Angelique was of a similar coat, only hers was longer and with more spots of rich brown and red mottled in.
"The Springtime Annual is our most prized tradition! Save for the lobster dives!" Alabastor smiled. "Will you be joining us this year?"
Yen Sid nodded. "I will."
"Great! I know that Nimue has offered to be part of the opening festivities. She's one of our best dancers - when she isn't tossing that Keyblade around! Oh; speaking of which... maybe you can help her out with something."
"Of course," Yen Sid promised.
"Well," Alabastor started. "... There have been sightings of strange creatures in the further woods. Nimue calls them Heartless."
Yen Sid's complexion became pale. "Heartless? Here?"
"Well, apparently. Nimue has no problems taking care of them when they lurk about, but it's just... concerning. We're safe! No one has been harmed! Nimue never lets that happen. But if you might... stay? A while? And give her a hand?"
Yen Sid hadn't planned on staying too long, but... with the plans he already had, specifically the one burning in his pocket in the velvet box, maybe he should. If he was going to become an in-law of Felice, then he could deviate from his original plans and help out.
"I can do that, sir."
"Ah! Splendid!" Alabastor celebrated. "I can rest easy knowing the festivities will be spared. I mean... I don't intend for you or Nimue to miss anything, but it'll be a relief to have two masters to make sure everything runs smoothly."
"Of course," Yen Sid conceded. He opened his mouth to say something else, when-
"Careful, Nimue!"
Yen Sid's attention piqued towards one of the buildings, just over Alabastor's shoulder and it didn't take him long to notice the figure of who he had come to visit. It wasn't hard to pick her out of the crowd with her stormy fur and lack of a tail.
At the foot of the ladder stood her mother, Estelle, looking nervous as her own slender tail twitched, watching her daughter reach out to attach a laurel onto a hook.
"I've got it, mom; no worries," Nimue insisted calmly, finally slipping the decoration into place. "There!"
Yen Sid grinned as Nimue's face came into view as she looked at her mother with a calming smile. He quietly approached the ladder, but he saw Nimue's ears twitch at the sound of his boots and her attention was quickly grabbed by his arrival. Her golden eyes lit up as she swiftly descended the ladder, not minding the yelp from Estelle, and she bolted towards him, grabbing him around the waist and squealing as they embraced, and she had no issue lifting him off of his feet for a second as they laughed.
"You're here!" Nimue cheered. "You made it!!" She looked up into his eyes, her excitement palpable as Yen Sid regarded her, his face full of light as he gently held her face and kissed her. His arms wrapped around her strong shoulders as she melted into his embrace. They finally parted and Yen Sid pressed his forehead to hers.
"You've been busy," he said, noting her damp fur. He looked up to see Estelle beaming at the two of them as others realized he was there. He suddenly became sheepish as Nimue laughed, but Estelle simply approached her daughter's partner with open arms.
"Yen Sid! It's so good to see you, dear," she said, hugging the sorcerer tightly. Yen Sid hugged her back, inhaling the sweet musk that followed a fellow sorcerer around. "Will you be staying with us for a while?"
"A few days; long enough for the festival."
Nimue's excitement radiated through her grin, and the squeeze from her hand to his.
But Estelle looked at her daughter with a stern look.
"Have you told him? Does he know?" She asked.
Yen Sid blinked, looking to Nimue as her smile became nervous.
"What? What do you need to tell me?"
Nimue scratched at her cheek. "Don't be mad... I didn't know for sure if you were coming. But..." She sighed, looking up at him with big, apologetic eyes. "I took on a mission. I-I won't be long!"
"A mission?" Yen Sid asked. Nimue nodded.
"A mission over in Cape Suzette; for a Rebecca Cunningham. They need an escort for their plane while they make a delivery. I have to leave in the morning and I should be back for the opening ceremony."
"Alabastor said you were going to dance," Yen Sid said, a bit disappointed.
Nimue took his hand in both of hers. "I am! I've already decided I am! But this sounded really important. The poor lady sounded at her wits end and I couldn't leave her stranded."
Yen Sid noticed Nimue begin to fight to keep the sun out of her eyes. He let her take his arm and he held out his other elbow for Estelle to take.
"Come on; you two look like you could use a break."
Yen Sid always enjoyed coming to visit Nimue's home. As they left the bustle of the square, they began to venture towards the quiet neighborhoods of the West Island; it was a picturesque portion of Felicity, brimming with colorful nature and birdsong. Soon the family home came into view; the handsome straw-topped cottage had become a small sanctuary for Yen Sid. Opening the screen door, he was greeted with so many wonderful scents and feelings of magic and the security of a home he'd never really known.
As he entered, he walked over to a small nook where two photos hung on the wall. Nimue joined him as he bowed to the photos of her father, Knoll, and the man who taught her to be a Keyblade Master, Flint. Both had passed before Yen Sid met Nimue.
"I'm going to wash," Nimue told him before reaching up to kiss him once more. "I've been up all morning. You should rest up too."
"... For the mission?"
"The festival!" Nimue gently pushed his shoulder. "But I won't complain if you join me on the mission."
Yen Sid smiled. "Then you'll have me there."
Relieved, Nimue kissed his cheek before slipping away upstairs. Yen Sid sighed, slowly walking into the foyer as Estelle could be heard in the kitchen. It was a light-soaked room with large, arced windows. Baskets of herbs and spices hung from the rafters; he knew by now which ones were for cooking and which ones were for Estelle's magic. His boots no longer met old, pliable wood, but now clicked upon weathered tile as he noticed Estelle bustling away as she placed some ingredients on the counters before opening up the icebox.
"I can't get you two to slow down for a second," Yen Sid chuckled with his hands on his hips. Estelle peeked up at him from over the door of the pale, yellow icebox with a grin.
"Well; if Nimue's going out on a mission tomorrow, I want to make sure she has a good meal tonight. And you've come so far to join us. You liked that asparagus I made last time, didn't you?"
"I almost ate the whole serving," Yen Sid reminisced, removing his flowing robe as he magicked it to perfectly billow and set itself on the coat rack in the foyer; he then pulled back his sleeves before washing up when he then enchanted a nearby knife to begin chopping up some garlic Estelle had set out.
"Ooooh! Go sit!" Estelle scolded playfully as she tried to push him away, but the young sorcerer laughed heartily.
"I can help," he insisted, looking at the nearby, tattered cookbook to the page that it was open on. "Crabcakes?"
"Orion caught some beautiful crabs yesterday; I can't let them go to waste. They're Nim's favorite."
In time, their hands were pressing together fragrant spices, chopped vegetables, and sumptuous crabmeat. Yen Sid waved his hand and another patty dipped itself into an egg mixture, and then into a bowl of bread crumbs before settling onto a platter awaiting to be cooked.
"Nimue will probably be soaking for a while," Estelle said. "She's been so busy."
Yen Sid pressed another patty between his palms as he peered over to Estelle; her ears were folded back in concern. "It's been a few weeks since she and I have taken a mission together. Is everything alright?"
"... Yes..." Estelle said, albeit with hesitation. "She's just... Her father's daughter. Always going, going, going."
Yen Sid's mouth curved in a worried line. "Mayor Alabastor mentioned Heartless sightings."
Estelle's hands stopped moulding mid-press; she sighed deeply.
"It scares me; and I know it scares her." She looked up to Yen Sid, her deep green eyes were full of a mother's fear and love. "There have been nights when she's been up until dawn, making sure there aren't any Heartless around. But there have been more and more sightings in the thicker parts of the woods; it started in St. Canard, then Cape Suzette. They're more active there... there are reports of actual altercations! Now they're encroaching on Felicity. Nimue is all we have to properly fend them off... and she doesn't even have the time or the energy to train anyone else and... And I'm scared for her. She puts on such a brave face but I know she's so tired. It's why she hasn't taken many missions outside of Meridiem as of late; she's so intent on keeping our own little world safe."
Yen Sid listened, putting his hand over Estelle's own smaller paws.
"It's going to be alright. I'm going to go with her tomorrow; and I promised the mayor I'd stay for a few days to help understand what's going on with the Heartless. She won't be alone."
Estelle heaved a hopeful, and thankful, sigh.
"Thank you, Yen Sid. I can't tell you enough what it means to me to know Nimue has you."
Yen Sid smiled.
"She always will. Both of you will."
Estelle's shoulders loosened as she latched onto Yen Sid's promise.
"... Did you bring any armor with you for the mission tomorrow?"
Oh no. Yen Sid felt the cold rush of fear and embarrassment at how unprepared he was. The only armor he had was what he used to modify into his hovercraft. Estelle could see right through that horrified expression and she laughed.
"Remind me after supper to fetch you some armor. I found some of my old bangles while cleaning out the attic last month. And I'm certain you could fit into some of Knoll's old clothes."
Yen Sid's mouth bobbed, his eyes wide.
"Oh... Oh no, Estelle, I couldn't-"
"He would want you to. For everything you've done for our Nimue. For us. Knoll wasn't a sorcerer so his clothes won't have the same protection your usual robes carry; but they were battle-ready and tough. You will be well protected. And the bangles were created by my family. They may be old, but the magic in them hasn't faded."
Yen Sid smiled, scooping up more of the crabcake mixture into his hands. "The famous Silvana brand. Do you ever regret giving up the name?"
Estelle scoffed, returning to moulding crabcake patties rather forcefully. "Not after the way mother and father treated my engagement to Knoll. The only thing I regret is that I ever listened to the way they talked to me."
She slapped the newest crabcake onto the platter and began preparing the stove to cook them. "I've thought about giving them to Nimue as an extra form of defense. The way she dives into battle like a screeching hawk has always concerned me; but she always comes back."
The stove tic-tic-tic'd as Estelle turned on a burner, and within moments the crabcakes were sizzling and popping in the pan. As Yen Sid cleaned his hands of residue, he watched the garden outside dancing in the wind as the neighbors decorated their homes with colorful banners and wreaths. He heard Knoll's memorial windchime ringing like a soft gong back in his corner of the yard, where a shaded bench rested, surrounded by flowers. Yen Sid had lately learned these flowers were the ones Estelle had carried in her bouquet when she had married her late husband. Hydrangeas and poppies and tall sunflowers framed Knoll's corner like a small oasis.
Footsteps heralded Nimue's return from upstairs as the floorboards creaked. She moseyed into the kitchen, fur damp and askew as a towel remained around her shoulders. She wore something loose and soft to help with the drying process. Her eyes were droopy, but content as she rubbed the towel against her cheek.
Yen Sid held out his arm in an inviting manner for her to lean against him, and she did so with a sigh as he kissed her between her ears, taking in the rich scent of gardenias that clung to her. Estelle turned to smile at them as Nimue's nose took to the air, smelling the crabcakes.
"Why don't you two go outside and enjoy the weather? Get some rest before tomorrow. I'll be a little while longer."
Estelle winked at Yen Sid and he nodded, escorting Nimue out onto the back porch. It was a shaded veranda that overlooked the back garden, which had been a labor of love for Estelle over the past decade; it had been something to occupy her time as a widow while her only child was out on missions.
A small fan in the center of the rafters lazily spun as the two sat on the cushioned glider swing. Once again, Nimue rested against Yen Sid's shoulder; her head leaning against where she could hear his pulse. Yen Sid held her tight, his hands tracing her muscles that relaxed as she nearly melted against him.
"I've missed you," Nimue murmured.
Yen Sid had little cares that his clothes were dampening from her fur. He rested his cheek on top of her head.
"I've missed you too. It's been quiet without you around causing a ruckus."
Nimue smiled into his shoulder, eyes still peacefully closed. "I'll create plenty of it tomorrow, I promise."
"Oh, I have no fear of that."
Nimue looked up to him, her bright golden eyes glimmering, even in the shade of the veranda they dazzled him. She reached up and brushed back his mahogany hair, careful of her claws against his scalp. Yen Sid stroked her back as she rested against him, closing her eyes as they listened to the rustle of the leaves lulling them into a peaceful state. There was quiet, excited chatter through the neighborhood just past the fence; from the seniors ambling about to look at the festival decorations to the groups of kids that were excited for games and food.
"Your mother tells me you've been running ragged," Yen Sid finally blurts out, breaking the ice.
Nimue shifts in his arms, opening her eyes. "I wouldn't say ragged."
"I would. You look exhausted."
Nimue hummed. "I'm fine," she said, leaning up to appear more awake.
Yen Sid stared at her, completely unconvinced. "I spoke to Mayor Alabastor. He says there have been Heartless sightings. Why haven't you told me?"
"Because I can handle it. And because you're already so busy; and this is my home. If I can't protect it-"
"Nimue," Yen Sid interrupted, squeezing her hand. "I've told you time and time again: your fight is my fight."
She sighed, looking away. "That's not the point; it's..."
"What is the point then?" Yen Sid tried to dig further.
"The point is I can handle it!"
"Nimue, I have no doubt of that. But I don't want you to think you still have to do so much on your own. Your people need you healthy and alive. Just like I do. And... and if I'm around more, then maybe we can train some more keyblade masters. There are plenty of kids who are interested."
Nimue sighed.
"Many of them don't understand the undertaking. They just want the attention."
Yen Sid laughed. "Don't tell me that when I've seen baby photos of you lugging around a toy keyblade bigger than you."
"That was different!" Nimue protested as Yen Sid eyed her in critical disbelief. "I at least understood that having a keyblade meant something; something more than me. I watched my father protect and fight to ensure the safety of the worlds. He gave his life serving others."
"Then you need to teach those kids what it takes to be a master. Just like you learned," he said calmly.
Nimue pouted, knowing he was right; but her shoulders sloped as she conceded. "... Alright. If you think that's our best course of action... I support it."
Yen Sid kissed her forehead. "I'm glad to hear it. We'll do this mission, enjoy a festival, take out some Heartless, and start accepting students."
Nimue heaved an uncertain sigh. "Do... Do you think I'll make a good teacher?"
Yen Sid's expression softened further. "Nimue, you are the most passionate Master I've ever met. You will be an incredible teacher."
A glittering afternoon turned into a golden sunset. Estelle finished cooking, and dinner on the veranda consisted of crabcakes, asparagus, sweet baked carrots and roasted potatoes. Laughter and chatter carried through the garden like the wind, and soon enough, Estelle and Nimue had cleaned up and brought out some boxes of bangles and clothing for Yen Sid to try. Sure enough, Knoll's old garments fit him rather well with some alterations. As Estelle used a belt to cinch together an old robe, Nimue smoothed out the wrinkles, looking up at Yen Sid with admiration.
"Very handsome," She said with an air of approval. Yen Sid grinned, lifting her hand up to his lips to kiss her knuckles.
Pulling a box from the corner, Estelle dug inside to offer a multitude of beautiful, intricate bangles.
"This one amplifies your magic," She said, handing over an onyx band with a glowing blue center. "This one," she said, giving a bronze filigree band a second look, "protects you from being Silenced."
Yen Sid eagerly accepted the ornate armor as Estelle continued to shuffle through the box. "The rest of these are elemental pieces. I'll put these in your room for now so you can go try them out when you have time."
As Estelle left, Yen Sid looked at himself in the mirror, wearing his first bit of Feline garb. It was airy and loose, great for movement, but not so much to get in the way during a scuffle.
"You look wonderful in green," Nimue said, wrapping her arms around him from behind, peeking up at him from the side.
"I just hope I don't ruin them," Yen Sid said, still adjusting the garments. Knoll had been just a bit taller than the sorcerer, and like his daughter, he excelled in physical combat; many of his garments were tailored to fit a robust, muscular torso and broad shoulders; hence the outer robes sagged quite a bit on Yen Sid's slender frame.
Nimue offered him a reassuring smile. "If something did happen to these clothes, my father would be proud they were serving a fellow master. Let alone the man I love."
Nimue escorted Yen Sid to his usual room, where a dresser already had spare clothes he kept for the occasions he visited. Nimue wrapped her arms around his shoulders, bidding him goodnight.
"I'll have coffee waiting for us in the morning," she promised with a kiss to his cheek.
Yen Sid kissed her back, his nose pressing against hers. "Get some rest," he whispered before kissing her again.
They parted as the sun's rays dimmed in the sky; and before the light of day could be noticed filtering through the trees, Yen Sid heard Nimue's footsteps creaking downstairs. He closed his eyes long enough that next he opened them, the rich smell of coffee was wafting through the house.
Nimue yawned as the coffeemaker burbled and gurgled. She was already in her armor as she hunched over the counter. She stood up straight and started jumping, trying to wake herself up further. She knew it would be a few more minutes for the coffee, let alone it would still be hot; so she strolled out into the garden and began running laps in the dewy grass. She didn't see Yen Sid open his window to watch her warm herself up with acrobatics and somersaults. After a series of cartwheels and rolls she came to a pause and dove to the ground to do some pushups, beginning with two hands and graduating to one handed pushups; right handed then left handed.
As she finished, she vaulted to a handstand and returned to her feet, shaking out the excess energy as she heard the veranda door squeak open. Yen Sid greeted her, already dressed and ready with two cups of coffee.
"Is it beige?" She smiled.
Yen Sid offered her the brew in her favorite glass mug, which resembled a flower with a matching spoon. "Only the palest coffee for you."
Nimue looked into her cup, took a sip and gave him a quick smooch of approval, at which Yen Sid flinched, not at all pleased with the overt sweetness she preferred as she giggled. They guzzled their brew, enjoyed a hearty breakfast (Nimue made extra for Estelle to heat up and enjoy) and they left the cottage as the sky became a crystalline shade of sapphire and the sun's rays permeated the clouds in orange and pink.
"Will the docks be open?" Yen Sid asked.
Nimue nodded. "Orion will be there. If I ever have to access the docks when he's not there, I just open it myself with my keyblade; I make sure to lock it back up."
Sure enough, the ragged old cat was lifting a net full of lobsters up onto the dock as they approached. Nimue took off to help grab the net alongside him.
"Careful, Master Nimue! I got it!" He advised, heaving the net with a splash and a clatter onto the wood of the dock. "There now; that's a purty sight, ain't it?"
Nimue laughed. "Your catches are always beautiful, Orion."
"Well, I ain't one t' brag, but..." Orion drawled with a wry smile. "You two goin' out on a mission? You won't be late fer the Annual, will ye?"
"Oh no, no!" Nimue reassured him. "I never miss it, you know that. One of your grandkids is in the parade, right?"
"Li'l Dolly!" Orion puffed out his chest. "She an' her class helped clean up the quarry and they're gettin' honored. An' besides; you gotta show Yen Sid how nice you dance at the openin' ceremony!"
Nimue laughed. "Oh, I will."
A group of kids cut through the chatter as they raced to the dock, carrying books and satchels to take to school. Nimue recognized them as Orion's grandsons.
"Heee-eeyy!! Paw-Paw! That's a nice catch!" One said, admiring his pile of lobsters. His brother looked to Nimue and Yen Sid.
"Hey Nimmie! You're up awful early!"
"What've I told you'ns about mindin' yer manners?" Orion said sternly. "When they're in armor what do you call them?"
"Aww, Paw-Paw!"
"Well?" Orion awaited as the boys reverently bowed to Nimue and Yen Sid.
"Master Nimue, Master Yen Sid."
"That's more like it. Now proceed," Orion said.
"Where are y'all goin?" One of the boys asked.
"Just over to Cape Suzette. We're escorting a sea plane delivery."
"Aww, that sounds mighty boring," one of the boys said, his excitement deflating just before Orion cleared his throat with a scathing look. "Uhh... I think I hear the schoolbell! Bye Nimmie!"
"Yeah, bye Nim! Later Paw-Paw!"
Just before Orion could shake his fist at his grandkids and remind them to mind their manners, they'd darted off the cobblestone path, satchels swinging as they avoided their grandfather's stern words. Orion shook his head as Nimue hid her laughter.
"I tell you what, they're some rotten kids."
"You love them, Orion," Nimue teased. The old cat smirked.
"O'course I love 'em. But they're still rotten. But I guess I wouldn't change it fer the world," he said. "Well, you two. Be safe. We need you back in one piece fer tonight."
"Thank you; we'll be back before you know it," Yen Sid reassured Orion. He turned to Nimue and they removed key parts of their armor, summoning their keyblades to transform these pieces into hovercrafts.
Orion watched in interest as they jumped atop their crafts, waved to the old fisherman, and sped away down the docks, towards the water, where the sea spray glistened in the new sunlight.
"May your heart be your guiding key," the old fisherman said.