birth by sleep. ( open )

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Characters: Aqua and OPEN
Date: 22nd January, afternoon.
Summary: Aqua's escaped her cage, and has come tumbling into the Gardens.
Warnings: Spoilers for Blank Points.

Aqua wondered, from time to time, if the Realm of Darkness had a name before she arrived there. Perhaps it was something she had heard of from Master Eraqus, all those years ago, or maybe she conjured it up after endless hours spent wandering dark paths. It was hard to think back that far—did she know what she was getting into when she sacrificed herself for Terra? Did she know that she'd end up in a world that sapped every last drop of light from her bones and the air all around, all so that she could save Terra, so he could save Ven, and then at least they'd have each other? Surely she wouldn't have willingly abandoned them like that, left them alone while she spent what was either a decade or a hundred years in a world so full of nothing that it didn't even deserve a name.

When Aqua woke up, she felt as if she'd been beaten from all sides. She'd actually woken up, and that was too much for her to comprehend at first. In the Realm of Darkness, there was nothing she could do to waste away her hours. She didn't eat, she didn't drink, she didn't sleep, and she certainly didn't dream. And yet there she was, face-down in wild grass, each and every sense so utterly overwhelmed that she believed she might never move again.

Her first thought was to work out where she could possibly be, what world she'd crash-landed on, but soon learnt that she just didn't care. There was light, if only in name alone, in the Realm of Darkness, but that had only served to make the shadows starker and the dark shapes on the horizon deeper; the sunlight, so unfamiliar to Aqua, stung her eyes, making them water. It was so much warmer there, made her feel so wonderfully alive, and it was as if Aqua was only just realising that she'd been freezing all along. For a brief moment – and it was only the most hollow, fleeting of moments, one that Aqua would desperately cling to and try to recall at least a jot of in the weeks and months to come – she felt that nothing in the Realm of Darkness mattered, and that it had been another life altogether.

Sprawled out against the dirt in clothes that weren't her own, Aqua kept her eyes screwed shut to protect them from the light, and reached blindly for her Keyblade, though she knew it was bound to appear at even her subconscious behest. The sound of light cutting into the air like diamonds rang in her ears, and there it was, Rainfell firm in her hand. It was all she needed.

She was out. She may no longer have had a home to return to, but there were people she could save, and that was enough. She was free.

Comments

[mnementomori]

Another day, and her search was still unsuccessful. Xion tried to push away that heavy feeling she knew was discouragement, attempting to focus on her empty stomach instead. She didn't feel right sleeping anywhere but the clock tower, but it was a bit of a hike to the orchards and back every time she needed a meal.

Still, there wasn't much else to do, and being hungry was unpleasant. She pulled on her boots, lacing them up. It was a little more work to put them on than her old Organization-issued footwear, but these had good traction and managed to keep her feet from aching with all the exploring she did. The one problem was that they were heavy and made walking quietly impossible, but she doubted there were any stealth missions in her future any longer.

The girl set out, through one of the empty train tunnels instead of the station doors, blinking as she stepped into the sunlight. The weather was clear again today, and she wondered idly if it ever rained here. Everything smelled of grass and flowers and warm earth, scents she'd taken a while to adjust to. Everything was soft and irregular here, compared to the harsh angles of the Castle that Never Was.

Distracted, she actually walked right past the figure lying on the ground before what she'd seen in her peripheral vision registered. She turned, eyes widening. This woman was wearing a white shift--a new arrival. She looked exhausted, and--there it was, in her hand.

A Keyblade.

Xion stopped dead in her tracks, forgetting to breathe for a moment. She stared. Then she took a step back. What was going on here? First Sora, then Axel and Roxas, and that other girl who looked like him...her. Now someone else she didn't know, with a Keyblade of all things.

She and Roxas were special--they'd gotten their Keyblades from Sora. If there were anyone else that had one, wouldn't the Organization have tried to use them?

She shook her head hastily. Now wasn't the time for those thoughts. She should be offering to help. After a moment's hesitation, she moved forward through the grass, clearing her throat.

"Are you okay...?"

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Aqua placed both hands flat against the dirt, Keyblade dissipating beneath her palm. She heard the voice, didn't pick up on any of the specific words, but instinctively knew that there was no threat behind them. If this was a new world, and this was a resident, then Aqua needed to pull herself together quickly, to be composed, so that she didn't cause any panic in this strange place. Eyes still screwed shut, she pushed herself onto one knee, and then held out a hand, blotting out as much of the sun as possible.

One eye cracked open slowly, and at first, all she saw was a silhouette, surrounding by searing light. Furrowing her brow, she pushed back the urge to cover her eyes with her free hand, and very slowly blinked them both open. The figure came into focus, bleary around the edges and wavering slightly before her, and then everything pieced itself together. It all hit Aqua at once, the suddenness of it, and for a long, long moment, she thought her heart might never dislodge itself from her throat.

Ven was there. Ventus was stood right in front of her, moving, breathing, speaking—Aqua didn't even question how or why, and was on her feet before she could even think to keep her balance.

“Ventus—?” The word came out awkward, heavy. Aqua reached out a hand, fingers brushing against his shoulder, and then couldn't hold back. Arms wrapping around his shoulders, she pulled him closer, holding him tightly. “Oh, Ven. I'm so sorry...”

[mnementomori]

"Vent--?" she started to echo, bewildered, then suddenly the woman's arms were around her. Xion froze. That...was not the reaction she was expecting, to say the least. In fact, she didn't know what to make of it, so she didn't pull away. She just stood there stiffly, trying to find the peace of mind to puzzle it out.

She wasn't used to being this close to someone. The only thing she could remember was Riku holding her in his arms after she collapsed that time. It was...different. Warm and close, almost comforting. That confused her, because she didn't usually feel safe around strangers.

And clearly, this woman thought she was someone else. But why? The name sounded familiar, she knew she'd heard it somewhere--

Ventus. Ven. The girl who looked so much like Roxas. But Xion herself didn't...she drew in a breath, sharply, with realization. She was a replica, after all...a mirror. Anyone who saw her as Roxas could easily mistake her for Ven--or maybe.

Maybe it was the other way around.

She raised her head, slowly, searching the newcomer's face. There were a myriad of emotions there, some she didn't recognize. Something in the center of her chest ached. How could she dash the hopes of someone who looked so relieved? But she had to. She didn't want to lie anymore.

"I'm sorry." Her quiet voice wavered, then held firm. "I'm not Ven."

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

“You're not Ven?” Aqua repeated slowly, like there was something she should be finding amusing at the bottom of it all. She paused before saying anything else, ever thoughtful. Well aware that she had become wrapped up in a wave of her own relief, Aqua still had enough presence of mind to notice that something was off; Ven's usual good natured enthusiasm seemed lacking, and she couldn't conjure up any reason for him not to have hugged back. Not after so long, after all they'd been through.

She pulled back, but not away, eyes darting across the person claiming not to be Ven's face, as if something in their expression would clear it all up for her. If anything, it only clouded her mind more, and for a horrible moment, Aqua wondered if she'd been away for so long that she'd actually forgotten what Ventus looked like. Her gaze dropped for a moment, and she wasn't sure that she'd be able to forgive herself for letting go of her memories like that, for mistaking a stranger for her best friend, her companion, the closest thing to a little brother she'd ever have.

Aqua placed a hand against their cheek without meaning to, not entirely convinced that she was wrong, and then immediately removed it, shaking her head apologetically.

“I'm sorry,” she said quietly, not knowing what else to do but to apologise for a second time. “You look so much like him.”

[mnementomori]

Xion swallowed the lump in her throat. She felt all wrong, like this was her own fault somehow. For existing. She had the strangest urge to cry, but bit the inside of her cheek and resisted it.

"I didn't know--" she started to say, then stopped. "It's...it's complicated. But..." At the very least, she could give some good news, couldn't she?

"I saw Ventus here. I think it was last week. She must still be here."

She took a deep breath.

"And you don't have to apologize."

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Again, Aqua felt her heart pound hard against the inside of her ribs, but it died down as soon as she took in the stranger's words. They'd referred to Ven as she, and while it wasn't the most common of names, with seemingly infinite worlds spread out, coming across another Ventus didn't seem all that unlikely. Aqua nodded slowly to herself, repeating over and over in the back of her head that it wasn't supposed to be this easy, and took a step back. Almost without her realising it, the Keyblade appeared back in her hand, and she stood at ease with it, spurred on by the power it represented. She could be strong for a little longer, and clear her mind in due time.

“Oh. It seems like we're thinking of somebody completely different. My Ventus is, well, he's definitely not a girl,” Aqua said, biting back what was more uncertainty than it was embarrassment. “Could you tell me what's happening here? I'm afraid I don't really know where I am. I must've—hit my head.”

She awkwardly rubbed at the back of her head, hoping that the flimsy excuse would explain a few things.

[mnementomori]

Xion had everything worked out fairly quickly, after hearing everyone else's experience with people they knew arriving in the Gardens...and seeing it with her own eyes, and her own friends. So the Ven this newcomer knew was a boy...but it had to be the same person. Unless there was really a boy out there somewhere that looked like Xion herself, which was even more unlikely. Not for the first time, she wished she could see what everyone else saw. If only to understand what was going on.

But there was no way the woman would believe something like that; she'd have to see it for herself. But she felt she had to apologize anyway.

"I'm sorry..."

She watched the Keyblade appear in the stranger's hand again, perhaps with a little too much interest.

"This world...it's called the Gardens. The Queen brought us here. There are only girls, and there's no way to leave." She took a deep breath. "At least, no one's found it yet."

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

“This world?” Aqua asked, mind suddenly drawn away from the lingering issue of Ven. The way the person had put it made it sound as if they were well aware that this world was only one among many, and Aqua knew all too well that it was supposed to be kept a secret from the masses. She considered her words carefully, but then decided that she only stood to lose anything if she held back the truth. “You know about the other worlds? Who are you?”

There was curiosity ripe in her voice, but no judgement, and Aqua hoped that she didn't sound too forceful. She certainly didn't intend to, and lowered her Keyblade so as not to seem hostile in the least. It was strange; she'd been away from the worlds in the light for so long that she often believed that she'd never stepped foot upon them before, but now that she was back, now that she was doing her duty, it all felt so natural to her.

[border-phantasm.livejournal.com]

At some point Aqua may notice a shadow falling over here that wasn't there before. An oddly dressed woman, holding a fan.

"Goodness, are you alright?"

It was clear she was smiling though. Almost as though the situation was more amusing or interesting than anything else.

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Not as oddly dressed as some of the people she'd met in some of the worlds, Aqua thought, turning towards her, but still fairly odd. She nodded before she spoke, not wanting anyone to have to worry for her.

“I'm... fine, thank you. Just a little dizzy,” she said, and then made the effort to stand up, “I haven't been here for long.”

[border-phantasm.livejournal.com]

"Oh I can guess that" Yukari said. "Welcome to the Gardens. My name is Yukari Yakumo".

[namedforthesky]

It had been pure chance that she'd run across Aqua. And the moment she had, memories had popped up, of a day on a beach when she was four and a woman from another world had her make a promise. And that promise... Sora clenches a fist, going stiff. But then, she slowly approaches, leaning over Aqua and taking her in. She's not a day older than she remembers... But, how's that possible...?

"...Hello...?"

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Aqua's pulled herself together a little, ever since meeting Xion. She's back in her own clothing, but still resting against the grass, desperately trying to make sense of it all, to conjure up a plan. The sunlight still burns her eyes, but she can deal with it now, only having to squint or strain when her gaze flickers away from the ground.

When she hears someone else approaching, when she hears another voice, Aqua immediately glances towards the source, freezing. Sora—she instinctively knows it's him, without having to question her own reasoning. It's been so long, and he's so much older, but there's something in his eyes that haven't changed. Something in her eyes, she corrects herself, looking at Sora properly. Xion said that there were only girls in the Garden, and Aqua herself has changed to fit in with different words before; it doesn't seem like much of an effort to imagine what magic has done this.

On her feet, she's cautious, this time. She doesn't dart towards Sora, doesn't hug her, as she did to who she thought was Ven. Aqua just looks at her, smiling softly.

“Sora... ? Is that really you?” she asks, knowing that she was going to see her again one day, no matter the circumstances.

[namedforthesky]

So she's recognized. Good, this means she didn't make up that day so long ago. So, she just smiles, no matter how much she hurts inside. She couldn't keep her promise to help Riku...

"Yeah. So, I didn't make you up?" she asks teasingly, though it's probably obvious she's not at all comfortable.

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

“You didn't make me up,” Aqua says, laughing softly. It feels strange to do so, though not unwelcome in the least. She stands her ground, doesn't move forward, even if the urge to reach out and make sure that Sora is really real is almost overwhelming. Thinking back to the man on the shore in the Realm of Darkness, she asks, “Were you the one who brought me here, Sora?”

[namedforthesky]

It's a relief to hear that Aqua isn't made up. But then she's asked if she's the one who brought the woman there. This causes Sora to frown and think.

"I don't think so. The Queen brings people here. I'm pretty sure she rescued me," she says, eyes seeming to darken a bit. Geez, can't escape coming back to that topic, can she? But she'll have to explain it soon enough. Sooner or later, she'll have to tell Aqua she broke her promise.

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

“The Queen... ?” Aqua's heard mention of her before, but isn't too sure how she ought feel about the woman. She has, after all, had rather conflicting experiences with Queens thus far. Still, there are more pressing matters at hand than the nature of their royal host. Aqua pauses, thoughtful, and then finally allows herself to place a hand on Sora's shoulder. “She rescued you? That doesn't seem right. After so long, I thought that—I believed that you might just rescue all of us.”

Her last words are murmured, almost as if she's ashamed to admit it. Sora's name is the only thing that's filled her with hope, lately, and the idea that she herself needed to be rescued somehow doesn't sit right with her.

[namedforthesky]

The hand on her shoulder is comforting, but the words are confusing. Rescue people? Her? She looks away, ashamed, unable to even look up at Aqua anymore.

"...How could I rescue anyone? I couldn't... ...Couldn't even keep my promise to you. I let Riku walk down a dark path alone, and now I've lost track of him..." she admits after a moment. And just saying it feels like everything is crashing down around her again, the Islands falling apart around her.

Derp, I fail, man.

[princessofwind.livejournal.com]

Ven was on her way to eat lunch somewhere in the Gardens. The day was a lovely one, and she had decided to face that one memory she had gotten on that strange world she had been on before getting here. Her picnic basket was laden with a few sandwiches, a couple bananas, an apple, and a blanket for her to sit on.

When she saw a person near the ground, looking like she was resting.

Then she got a good look at the person sitting there, and her heart felt like it had stopped beating. Her basket fell to the ground, and she rushed over to her friend and role model, absolutely concerned for Aqua's health. What could've caused the Keyblade Master to look so tired? Was she sick? Injured? Did Vanitas do anything to her?

Ven knelt down to her side, stilling the questions for the time being.

"Aqua! Oh, man, Aqua, are you okay?"

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Having been address so directly, Aqua was back on her feet in a flash. As soon as she was, as soon as she looked at the person before her, she instantly froze, feeling as though her feet were rooted deep into the ground. She'd already got her hopes up so high earlier on in the day, having met Xion, and Aqua wasn't certain that she could take such crushing disappointment a second time. This person, whoever they really were, certainly seemed to know her, but there was the small issue of them being a girl; still, that coincided with what Xion had told her about knowing a girl with the name of Ventus, and the fact that Sora, too, was a girl, though still herself.

Aqua swallowed the lump in her throat, one hand coming to cover her chest.

“Please tell me you really are Ventus,” she said softly, almost not wanting an answer.

Sorry for the short tag, but I have to leave for class. DX

[princessofwind.livejournal.com]

She got back on her feet along with Aqua, and blinked at her response.

"Of course I'm Ventus! Who else would I be?" Ven grinned at her cheerfully, "I mean, I'm a little too small to be Terra, right?"

That man's height was formidable, after all.

No problem! /o/ All tags are good tags.

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

That grin, along with Ven's words—that's all it took to convince Aqua. One moment she was dreading the truth, and the next she was revealing in it, grinning from ear-to-ear when she realised that of course Ven was still Ven, no matter his or her form. Opening her mouth to say something, anything, Aqua soon realised that actions would speak far louder than words, and before she could even put thought into the motion, she had her arms wrapped tightly around Ven's waist. She pulled her close, so that Ven's feet hovered about the ground.

“Ven, you silly thing,” she said, face buried into her shoulder, “Why are you a girl?”

Phew, class done for today. \o/

[princessofwind.livejournal.com]

The blond squeaked when she felt her feet leave the ground from the force of the hug. She had no understanding of why Aqua did that, but for now she could care less. What was important was comforting her friend, and she embraced the blue-haired woman with gentle affection. The question made her frown a little, confused.

"I've always been a girl," Ven replied, confusion lacing her tone. How could she be anything but? Terra and Eraqus were the only males out of the four in the Land of Departure, after all. At least as far as she was concerned.

wb!

[restlesswaters.livejournal.com]

Always been a girl? Aqua could've raised a dozen objections to that, but for now, she simply didn't care. It'd been so long since she'd last seen Ven that Aqua was starting believe that an eternity would pass before she got to do so again, and yet here he – she – was, in one piece, coherent and awake. She took a deep breath, squeezing her tighter, knowing that nothing but apologies would tumble from her lips the moment she started speaking.

“Ven, I'm—I'm so sorry. For leaving you and Terra alone for so long. All this time, I've wanted nothing more to get back to you, but... but you're alright. You're safe. Please, forgive me,” she said, voice wavering.

Thank you. :D

[princessofwind.livejournal.com]

Ven had no clue what she was talking about, honestly, but she felt that she would ask later. She held the other a bit tighter, resting her chin on Aqua's shoulder. The blond listened to the apologies, but she knew that even if she had an inkling of what had happened to her, she would forgive the other woman. No matter what Aqua did, she would always give her forgiveness, even if there was nothing to forgive in her mind.

"It's okay, Aqua. I'm here, and I forgive you. I always will," she told her softly. Her questions could wait until Aqua was better, especially emotionally so.