Shine Keyblade! Shine!

[Magnamon]

I wish I was kidding

[Orlando]

Should I change my avatar to that?

[Magnamon]

to your sister? ewwww

[Orlando]

That's how we do it en Tayxas.

[Magnamon]

you're on drugs aren't you?

[Orlando]

Yeah I'm on weed, LSD, Bennies, shrooms, cocaine, crack, crystal meth, PCP, Angel dust, Salvia, heroin, Ice, bing bang, and vikadin.

[Talmon]

Finally wrote the next chapter:

01 breathed out a snore as Sora lifted him from his spot on the cave’s floor. He looked at Tifa one last time before he stepped outside. The storm had calmed down now and it was safe to walk. Sora put 01 onto his shoulder and began to walk away from the cave, Tifa would not be happy when she woke up and he did not want to be there when she did wake up.

He eventually reached a large expanse with no landmarks and realised that he could go no further during the day; it would be too risky to try and navigate an area like this with no stars or landmarks. He looked around himself and eventually spotted the enemy that had been following him all of this time. They were mutant dogs that had merged with heartless. Truly disgusting creatures that stood at three feet high and five feet long, they were covered in scales on their paws and their face except the eyes which were black as the night. Their tails had become wisps of poisonous gas and going to close for too long meant certain death. “Six, I think I can take them” Sora muttered as he let 01 down and withdrew his keyblade. The second he had drawn his weapon there was a flurry of movement.

The creatures – called Kreighund’s – were unbelievably fast and with their claws even a graze could be deadly. He spun around with the blade and batted one away, it yelped, he leapt into the air and fired balls of fire from the tip of his keyblade. They struck two dogs but the other three had leapt up after him and were hot on his tail. Spinning the keyblade as he flew downwards he planted it in the ground and forced magic into the earth. A huge pillar of earth rose beneath him, sending him shooting upwards, Sora breathed heavily and looked at the dogs – all six were now on the move.

They tore away at the pillar with their claws, they were like beavers against a tree – Sora stood no chance. He held the keyblade up and lightning poured out but the Kreighund’s all avoided it with ease. Sora closed his eyes and prepared to be swallowed up as he fell, he hated losing but they wouldn’t attack someone playing dead. He heard six loud yelps and felt a fist fly into his face as the pillar fell backwards. “What the Fairy Dust do you think you were doing!?” the voice exclaimed. Sora opened his eyes to see Tifa’s face, she adjusted her gloves and ducked underneath a pounce, planting her hands on the beast she lifted with her knees and threw it away. “Get up” she ordered as the other five began their second assault.

Sora stumbled to his feet and slashed with his keyblade as the one from earlier charged from behind. “I’ve got your back” Sora told her with fierce determination.
“Watch your own, idiot” Tifa growled as she grabbed one of the dogs by its leg and launched it through the air before it could bite down on Sora’s leg.
“Sorry” Sora whimpered as he thrust the keyblade at one of the dog’s, it dodged and charged for him. A blade slashed downwards and sent the dog into a fast retreat as it hit against the metal. “What’s going on?” Sora asked as he bashed one of the dogs away.
“I’m not too sure?” Tifa replied, knocking one of the dogs away with a punch and then flipping through the air while spinning to avoid another hit.

“It’s been awhile, you two are looking old” a familiar, gravelly voice announced.
“Auron?” Tifa asked as she placed her hands on her knees and breathed heavily.
“Yes, Tifa” he told her. He didn’t look a day older than before. “I see you need some help...” he groaned. They both looked at him sheepishly. He leapt into the air and slipped his dormant arm out of its sling and onto the hilt of the blade before thrusting it down wrapped in magic. Copies of it appeared and pierced all of the heartless. They whined and ran away as Auron hit the ground.

“I believed you needed protecting” Auron told them as he slipped his arm away and slung his sword over his shoulder.
“Thanks Auron but-” Sora began
“Who’s the kid?” Auron interjected.
“Who, oh you mean him?” Sora asked, pointing. Auron nodded. “That is 01?”
“0...1...?” Auron quizzed as he looked at the young boy who was wearing torn clothes and had blonde hair that was now covered in sand.
“Yeah, I found him” Sora continued
“He’s not a pet Sora. Sora is planning on training this boy” Tifa interrupted as she brushed some hair from her eyes and stood in between the two men.
“Is what she is saying true, Sora?” Auron asked, spinning he walked over to the boy and bent down by his side – inspecting.

Sora didn’t respond, rather he stayed quiet. Auron checked the boys face, hands and then listened to his chest. “He may not be a fighter but his heart is certainly racing; he isn’t well, Sora.” Auron announced as he dropped his sword and then picked up 01, throwing him over his shoulder and then collecting the blade.
“Its fine I can carry him” Sora protested as Auron walked over
“The boy – and you – need protecting” Auron insisted with a fierce glare. Tifa looked at Auron for awhile.
“Are you sure you can do this Auron, is it the right thing?” Tifa asked, uncertainly.
“Tifa, I think it is time you returned home, let me deliver him to Sora’s base. I need to meet with Erin and little Duncan anyway” Auron insisted with authority. Tifa nodded and looked at them both one last time before she pulled her shawl tighter around her arms and started to walk back to her cave.

Auron turned to Sora and nodded. “Use the Star Shard” he ordered. Sora withdrew the star shaped crystal and clenched it in his hand – powering it with his magic. In a sudden flash they were sucked through a vortex and deposited on an expanse of luscious green grass. Both Sora and Auron were on two feet but Auron was a little queasier with the sudden movement.
“Master Sora!” a voice chirped. A little boy with short, ragged brown hair and chocolate brown eyes came running up to the both of them with his arms outstretched. He hugged Sora tightly and started to giggle once Sora chuckled.

He wore a plain green t-shirt, red baggy shorts, white socks and white trainers with blue laces and had a wooden keyblade strapped onto his back. His skin was pale and his features were cute and rounded. “Alright, alright, where is Erin?” Sora asked with a final chuckle as he moved Duncan away a little.
“She’s in the castle somewhere.” Duncan replied absentmindedly. “Why is Mister Auron here?” Duncan asked, curiously.
“You don’t want to just see me?” Auron chuckled, somewhat out of character. Duncan laughed back
“No of course I do, it’s just- wait who’s that” Duncan protested, standing back he withdrew his wooden keyblade and readied it.

Auron lay him down and held out his own sword, in a battle stance, towards Duncan. “Are you ready for another spar?” Auron asked the question he already knew the answer to.
“Bring it” Duncan replied as he charged towards Auron. He swung the blade but Auron swiftly avoided and hit him with the hilt of his blade, knocking him to the ground.
“Are you even trying?” Auron asked with a loud chortle. Duncan roared and charged towards him, swinging the keyblade wildly. Auron simply grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt, spun him around and then threw him across the field. There was the sound of a thump and Duncan lay there in a heap while Sora picked 01 back up.

“You take 01 inside, I think Duncan wants to continue this battle” Auron insisted with a laugh. Sora nodded and walked over to the nearby cream brick path towards the light grey brick castle that loomed in the distance. Auron turned his attention to Duncan who had now begun to get up. “I’ll give you a head start and throw my sword away, fair?” Auron asked as he threw his blade to the ground and beckoned with his hands. He had always looked after Duncan more like a child or a nephew rather than the charges he considered most people to be. Duncan nodded and got to his feet. “Ten seconds, go!” Auron shouted across the field.

Duncan ran as fast as his little legs would carry him but as he reached Auron; Auron charged underneath his slashed and lifted him up by his legs. Duncan smacked the blade off Auron’s wrist so he dropped Duncan flat onto the ground and staggered away “I think it’s fatal” Auron joked as he held out his limp wrist. Duncan got to his feet and charged towards Auron who avoided blow after blow effortlessly “Do you even learn how to fight here, I think Sora is too soft” Auron laughed as the thrusts became more violent but the exhaustion became apparent in Duncan’s face.

* * *

Sora lay 01 down on a green ornate chair that was just inside the front door of the robust building. The floor was oak wood panels throughout apart from bedrooms which were carpeted various colours and bathrooms which were tiled and also the training rooms which had cold concrete slabs. The interior of the entrance had wooden panelled walls and a drawer to the right of the door. There was a bookcase in the top right corner and a spiralling marble staircase right in front. There were six doors leading off from the room; one to the left, one to the upper left, one adjacent to the upper left door and then on the other side of the back wall there is a door to the kitchen, adjacent to that is another door and then finally on the left there is one final door. All the doors are white with golden knobs and keyholes. A crystal chandelier hung down from above completing the whole look.

Sora walked over to the stairs “Erin!” he called up; there was no response at first.
“Yeah?” a feminine voice called back.
“Come down here for me?” he shouted back.
“Fine” the teenage female groaned, loudly. Sora stepped backwards as he heard running on one of the upper landings, almost as soon as the running stopped a slender body dropped down the gap in the middle of the spiral staircase and landed with a thump. She looked up and smiled. “What do you need, Master Sora?” she asked, still bent down from the impact.
“This” he indicated 01 “is 01, I need you to look after him for me while I leave on business you will listen to Auron” Sora told her. He saw her take it in and nod obediently.
“I’ll do as you asked” she told him, getting to her feet she brushed her fair, shoulder length strawberry blonde hair from her eyes and looked at 01.

She wore: black skin tight leggings; pink and white canvas; a small black skirt; a tight, low-cut white blouse with the first two buttons undone; a black leather jacket over the top and a pink ribbon in her hair. Her skin was incredibly pale and she had freckles on her cheeks and nose. “Who is he?” she asked, brushing his cheek with her chin she realised it was hardly battle worn at all. He was as soft as a baby’s bottom.
“It isn’t important, nor am I sure, that’s what I’m going to go find out” Sora explained
“I mean: what do I call him” Erin bit back.
“Oh... call him 01 for now” Sora stammered, slightly embarrassed.

Erin mulled it over in her head for awhile before she spoke again. “Nah, I’m going to call him Dillan, Dilly for short” Erin chided as she decided on his name. Sora shrugged
“That’s not a healthy mental habit but it’s better than the darkness” Sora told her as he opened the door again and stepped out. “Don’t do anything stupid” he reminded her as he swung the door shut and began to walk over to Auron and Duncan who were still battling it, rather more viciously than before. Sora held out his hand and the keyblade materialised into it. He looked at Auron and spun the blade in his hand so the teeth were facing outwards before he charged. Auron spotted him from a long way away but didn’t respond, simply batting Duncan to one side and grabbing his nearby sword.

He lifted the blade and deflected the attack with ease, not even moving his other hand. Duncan got to his feet and wiped the clump of mud from his face, leaving a dirty smear across his cheek. “Let’s charge him” Sora told Duncan. Duncan nodded and ran at Auron swinging his blade low. Auron ignored the attack and watched Sora who thrust the blade straight at his chest.
“Nice strategy but you’ve done it before” Auron told them, coolly. He deflected Sora’s blade and jumped backwards to avoid Duncan’s. “Sora, you have places to be, as much as I love to spar with you time is of the essence” Auron reminded his friend as he unleashed a barrage of blows which barely fazed Auron.
“I’ll be off” Sora told him as he grabbed the Star Shard and powered it up. Duncan appeared from nowhere and unleashed a powerful slash from behind, almost catching Auron unawares.

“Nice try, kid” Auron laughed as he knocked Duncan’s blade away and then swung his own blade over his shoulder.
“Am- Am I getting better?” Duncan panted as he picked up the wooden keyblade.
“A little, keep trying” Auron told him with a smile. Duncan nodded and followed Auron closely as he walked over towards the castle.

what do you think?

[Talmon]

Done the chapter:

Auron walked in and immediately headed up the stairs. “Erin!” he called as he heard Duncan following him despite his tiredness.
“Yeah, uncle Auron?” she called back.
“Where are you?” Auron asked as he continued to climb the spiral.
“I'm in the training room” Erin shouted back as Auron reached the first landing. He walked forwards and then left along the hallway with brown doors on both sides. Ahead of him was a large steel metal door with a complicated locking mechanism. Luckily it had been left ajar. Inside there was the sound of a punching bag being thumped rapidly and light feet on the concrete slabs.

Auron walked in and saw Erin holding a long wooden pole in both hands while she kicked the punching bag with various different strikes and then smacked it away with the pole as she heard Auron. She spun and bowed slightly “Oh come on, don't be silly” Auron ordered. Erin nodded and stepped away from the bag and faced him. Duncan slipped in behind Auron and looked at Erin.
“What's little DunDun doing?” Erin chided, more towards Duncan than Auron since she knew the name irked him.
“Shut up” he growled back
“You gunna make me?” Erin teased
“Yeah I-”
“Pack it in” Auron interrupted fiercely as he spotted 01 in the corner. “Wake up 01” he ordered Erin. Duncan stuck out his tongue so Erin gave him a dirty look. “You aren't out of it yet. You are going to spar with 01” Auron told him as he walked over to a cupboard adjacent to the door and opened it.

He withdrew a weighted metal keyblade with ease and handed it to Duncan - who nearly dropped it straight away - he held the blade low so that it was almost touching the ground simply because he couldn't hold it any higher. “Morning, Dillan” Erin chirped as 01 awoke by being shook.
“What's going on!?” he exclaimed, clambering away “Where's the old guy!?”
“Don't panic. He left us in charge, he'll be back soon” Auron insisted, walking over. 01 backed right into the corner before he realised he could go no further “Get up” Auron sighed as he looked at the boy cowering.
“Go away” he exclaimed. A field made of rippling black energy appeared and forced Auron backwards, for any other person they would have went flying but Auron was more than capable.
“Put down this silly shield” Auron sighed.
“He's adept in magic...” Erin muttered. Duncan sighed, yet another person was better at magic than him. He charged at the shield immediately and lifted the blade, swinging it down in a fast motion which shattered the field and left 01 to retreat. Duncan swung his blade down again but it was caught by Auron who lifted Duncan off his feet and held out a hand for 01.

“Get up” Auron insisted. 01 tentatively held out his hand and was pulled to his feet instantaneously.
“T- Thanks” he muttered. Auron ignored it and set Duncan down who was immediately giving an evil glare to 01. Auron grabbed a simple metal keyblade from the cupboard and walked over to 01, handing him it. 01 was just barely able to hold it up.
“I think you need some strength training” Auron sighed. 01 looked at the blade weirdly before looking at Auron for guidance. “Step into the rectangle that is outlined on the floor in white” Auron told him. 01 obeyed and stepped into the ring. Erin walked to the edge of the room where there were two windows with sills for her to sit on. She chose the window on the right and got comfortable.

Duncan walked around and stood on the opposite end of the rectangle. Auron walked over to the door and closed it before stepping to the opposite of the room from Erin. “Are you both ready?” he asked, looking at them.
“Ready for what?” 01 asked.
“This” Duncan stated, charging and swinging his blade. Instinctively 01 avoided it and looked at Auron.
“Fight with him” Auron told him. The sound of a blade swinging down was heard and 01 spun to see Duncan’s blade coming straight for him. He lifted his own slightly and the hit was deflected – sending Duncan skidding backwards.

“Why are we fighting, I like sitting down more!?” 01 wailed as he ran away from Duncan. Duncan sighed and chased him with speed. His blade flew down and smacked 01 to the ground. Duncan lifted it again and prepared to deliver the finishing blow.
“Stop, that’ll do” Auron sighed exasperatedly. Duncan sighed and carried the blade over to the cupboard and placed inside before sitting next to Erin. 01 stammered as Auron helped him up “It’s okay, it’s your first time. Let’s go outside and watch Erin and Duncan to see how it can go” he told him with a kind voice, helping him up again. 01 nodded unsurely and followed Auron to the door, stepping out of the room before him. “Come on you two, outside, so that we have plenty of room” he insisted. Both of them looked at each other and then sighed. Erin held the wooden pole in her right hand and hit Duncan playfully with it before running out of the room leaving him to chase her. He bolted after her and Auron was left to close the door and follow all of them.

As they got outside the sound of footsteps was heard so they all paused. Duncan readied a battle stance but Erin simply brushed him and 01 behind her and moved back against the door. Auron came out slowly and held his blade at the ready. A body stepped out and Duncan immediately charged it; brandishing his wooden blade. The figure withdrew their sword and prepared for a fight. Auron moved faster than 01 could follow with his eyes and deflected the blade with his own and knocked Duncan to the ground with a simple flick of his wrist. He spun to the attacker and forced his blade up and back, sending them stumbling backwards. “Hey, Auron” Leon groaned as he caught his balance.
“Hello, Leon. That was impractical; fighting a little kid so willingly” Auron said. He spoke with a harsh tone. Leon nodded
“What’s going on?” he asked as Duncan got to his feet, grimacing. “How is little DunDun?” he chided with a smile. Duncan growled and turned away, walking back to Erin. “Not much has changed then” Leon laughed. Auron chuckled a little.
“Erin and Duncan are about to spar... you can watch... if you’d like” Auron announced, turning back and pointing to the open expanse of grass.

Erin and Duncan started to walk but Erin stopped when she noticed 01 still stood there meekly. “Come on Dillan, let’s go” Erin insisted. 01 looked at her blankly so she grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him after her. Auron and Leon followed them all over until they had a large amount of grass on all sides.
“Here is good enough!” Auron shouted. Duncan ran back and stood facing Erin. They were just a few metres apart and both had fierce looks. “01, come over here” Auron ordered. 01 followed the order tentatively before finally standing next to Auron. Auron sighed and then raised his sword. He swung it down and into the ground “Go!” Auron shouted.

Both of them moved fast. Duncan charged straight forwards while Erin simply swung her pole down. As it touched the ground the earth in front of her and along an entire line that headed towards Duncan started to ripple, moving up and down. Duncan waited until the ripple reached him and then leaped up. He pointed his keyblade and fired a ball of fire at Erin before dropping to his feet and charging again. Erin avoided the attack with a pirouette. As she came out of her spin she held her pole behind her and blocked the initial thrust of Duncan’s. He swung to the left so she span and smacked the keyblade into the ground. Duncan panicked as his keyblade was entrenched in mud while Erin swung her pole down. At the last possible second Duncan lifted his wooden blade and blocked the attack. Erin kept pushing until Duncan was nearly sat on the ground before she leapt back and allowed him to fall.

“Awrhh DunDuns you aren’t doing too well” she jeered. Duncan growled and bounced to his feet, charging immediately. Erin bounced on her feet and prepared for the first strike. Duncan unleashed a barrage of attacks the second he was within striking distance. Erin smacked his blade away with acrobatic spins and flips until she saw her opening. She had knocked his blade to the left and now she could smack him away. She swung the blade for his neck but he ducked underneath and head butted her in the stomach. She moaned in pain and staggered backwards. Duncan took his chance and unleashed a speedy group of slashes which ended in Erin’s pole being smacked away. Erin looked at him in desperation before she flicked her wrist and created a ball of gravity energy. It rippled and exploded – sending him flying. Duncan groaned as he landed roughly on the ground. Erin walked over and grabbed her pole before aiming at him and firing a sequence of four balls of fire in a cross pattern. Duncan spotted the attack and knew what she was going to do. She cleverly had released four balls of water up and over, slightly faster than the fire balls, and now they were behind Duncan.

He dodged the fire balls and as the water balls hit them steam burst out and shrouded his vision. Erin immediately followed up with more magic – it was her speciality, she didn’t really like hand to hand combat – she raised her arms and pulled them down, unleashing beams of light. The steam cleared and she walked forwards to see Duncan frozen in time inside one of the beams. His expression was one of anguish and he looked exhausted. “Game over” Erin panted. Duncan sighed and the beams of light faded. Duncan fell to the floor and got up slowly
“It’s not fair, I can’t do magic well” Duncan protested.
“It was a fair fight. I think that now that Wakka and Tidus have arrived – yes I heard you two sneak up on us – we can talk over where we are going from here and wait for Sora” Auron announced. Tidus, a boy with blonde hair and an open white shirt and Wakka, a red haired older teen who was carrying a ball under his arm stood behind Leon and Auron sheepishly.

“Hey” Tidus muttered. Wakka nodded in agreement.

[Talmon]

-Duncan’s Flashback-

Duncan felt the hand hit his face again as he sat outside in the cold. He wished it was the cold that had made him numb but being homeless at five years old helped. The fist struck him again and he fell into the cold snow and lay there while abuse was hurled and more hits were received. “You’re useless, no one loves you!” the other children chanted under their leader’s orders. The leader, Patrick, was the one giving the blows to Duncan. He wore a cream, torn shirt and dark brown pants. His hair was brown and messy and his face was covered in dirt. Although Duncan couldn’t judge; his face was dirtier and his plain brown pants and blue shirt were more torn.

Patrick stopped the beating and bent down into Duncan’s face “Awrhh look at the baby, wanna cry for your mummy? Oh wait, you can’t, she’s dead!” he teased, cruelly. Duncan felt rage well up inside of himself and flames fill his soul. He glared at the boy who was hitting him for stealing from his dad. Suddenly a sea of flames began to pour out of Duncan’s body and it grew and grew until the entire gang was stood on the scorching ground. “Stop it! You’re a freak! Stop it!” The gang screamed, terrified as their shoes were burnt. Duncan lost control as he remembered the times his mum and dad would hit him. They were the reason for that ugly mark on his back. He felt the rage fill him and consume him as he remembered the time he had been throw against a door then picked up and thrown again by his uncle, who had been his second guardian, his aunty had been his only reprieve but she was sickly and when she finally tried to stop her husband he killed her then himself. Duncan had been alone so long but it didn’t matter until these bullies started it all up again. The scar on his eyebrow had just started healing and his busted nose was finally feeling better but then they made it worse. He felt a force pull him to his feet and more fire began to surround and encage the group.

Patrick cried wildly as his feet were beginning to get burned, the other kids desperately clawed at the walls and wailed for it all to be over. Duncan didn’t feel for them, he was numb.

A figure flew down through the gap in the cage of fire and landed next to Duncan, he was light as a feather on his feet and he placed his arm onto Duncan’s shoulder. “Maybe you should stop this?” he asked with a cheeky grin. He had wild spiky hair and young blue eyes. He was maybe sixteen and wore bright yellow shoes. His pants were red with black outlines and zippers. He wore a plain black shirt and a white jacket with sleeves and black zippers either side and on the shoulders on top. His face was kind and comforting but the strange weapon that materialised into his hand looked dangerous. “I’m Sora” he told him with an authoritative voice.

“Duncan, stop this” Sora soothed. He ruffled the boy’s hair as he saw some of the fire retract. “Keep fighting, you can do it. I won’t fail you like I failed her” Sora promised with a wide grin.
“I can’t, do it for me, please” Duncan begged as pain rippled through his body. Trying to stop the rage was making his wounds burn and his head hurt. Tears trickled down his face and he began to sob “Help me” he pleaded.
“I can’t, you have to do this for me” Sora said with a comforting tone. Sora was standing in front of Duncan now and he placed his hand onto to Duncan’s arms and held him still gently. “Look at me, you can do this, I promise” Sora insisted. Duncan wasn’t sure he was right but he felt like he should believe this Sora person so he closed his eyes and tried to stop it all.
“It’s so hard!” Duncan moaned as the flaming cage began to ripples and cackle.

“I know. I know it is, Duncan. Just keep trying.” Sora soothed. Duncan pulled back his anger, trying to lock away those awful memories into the deepest, darkest recesses of his mind
“Sora” Duncan called out as fear overcame him and the cage began to reform after the flaming floor had finally vanished.
“I’m here, I’m not going anywhere. I swear I’ll be here forever for you” Sora promised.
“Do you promise?” Duncan asked, the cage quavered.
“I promise” Sora swore solemnly. He knew the kids behind him would have burns on their feet but they were nothing serious. Duncan believed him, for the first time in ages he trusted again. He thought of that trust and held it strongly as he withdrew his rage. The cage slowly was sucked back inside of him until it was all gone.

Duncan slowly opened his eyes. “I... did it...” he stammered
“Freak!” Patrick exclaimed as he and the rest of the gang scampered away. Duncan seethed but he felt Sora’s hand on his shoulder.
“It’s okay Duncan, you did great!” he exclaimed with a grin. This made Duncan look closer and notice that Sora was older now he could see and hear properly. Sora must have been at least eighteen or older. “Come on, we’ll go eat” Sora told him with a grin. Duncan stood still and his stomach grumbled. “My treat” Sora chuckled, beckoning to Duncan. The silver crown shaped necklace which hung around Sora’s neck made him look gallant and brave. Duncan grinned and ran after Sora with a grin.

-Flashback over-

“Alright, you two train with Erin and Duncan while the rest of us head inside. We need to speak to 01 properly” Auron ordered. Wakka and Tidus moaned but Auron ignored them and gestured to Erin and Duncan. Both of them were still panting after the fight. Wakka and Tidus walked over quickly. “Come on 01” Auron insisted as Leon had begun heading inside.
“It’s Dillan” 01replied meekly
“What?” Auron asked, turning around with a smile
“My name, it’s Dillan” he repeated with a hesitant smile.
“Okay then, come on Dillan, let’s head inside” Auron told him.

Leon beckoned them over as he nearly reached the castle. Auron sighed and began to walk with Dillan. “What do you remember of your past?” he asked.
“I don’t remember much” Dillan admitted, sheepishly.
“I see, well what do you remember, it might be useful?” Auron asked with a kind smile still in place.
“I remember Sora waking me up but before that it’s just snippets of blackness and then nothing” Dillan told him with a frown.
“Ahh, well we’ll see what Merlin can do for you. He’s in the castle now” Auron told him with a kind smile. Dillan nodded and followed Auron hastily as they headed in through the castle doors.

[Talmon]

-Erin’s Flashback-
[6 years ago]

Erin brushed her scraggly strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes and slunk out of the basement. Her dad’s friend was still in there – dressing – and it made her feel even dirtier that she had to leave before him. She didn’t think it was wrong because she’d grown up like this – her dad’s friends would come round and use her then her dad would buy her something nice. She walked into the regular two bedroom home upstairs and wiped her cold feet on the wooden flooring. “I’m done dad” she called. Her father walked over and quickly became angry.
“Is he done?” he asked with a fierce glare.
“I- I... I don’t know daddy, he told me to go” Erin stammered, shaking and flinching as her dad lifted his hand. He swung it at her and she fell to the ground. He’d hit her in the stomach or thigh – where the bruises didn’t show.

“You better not have wrecked this, you stupid girl” he growled, spitting on her. He opened the basement door and walked down. He spoke cheerfully to his friend and there was the sound of ruffling paper then the friend came out of the door and gave Erin a look that meant he’d be back. Her dad came out with a handful of money and grinned at Erin. “Get up honey, let’s go buy you something nice, beautiful” he told her with a grin.
“Okay daddy” Erin chirped, getting to her feet.

The man left quickly and then her and her father climbed into their average car. Today was very average indeed.

-End Flashback-

Erin rubbed her head as a painful memory slipped through her usually tight defence. That battle must have taken a lot more out of her than she had previously thought that it had. Tidus readied his sword and looked at her with concern “You ready, Erin?” he called.
“Yeah, let’s go Tee” she called back. He nodded and charged at her, he may not have any magic but he still had some sword skills that couldn’t be replicated. Erin was prepared for the charge and waved her hand from side to side in front of her and then pulled it into her body and made all her fingers meet at a point. Tidus was dragged through the air towards Erin. She raised her pole and swung it like a baseball bat – smacking him backwards hastily.

He got to his feet as soon as he hit the ground and charged – a clump of mud flew into the air from the force of his kick start so Erin took advantage. She held her palm out in the direction of the clump of mud and then pulled it in inwards and clenched her fist. The ball of mud flew at Tidus and exploded, he avoided it narrowly but he was now covered in mud. Erin pointed her hand at the sky and tugged downwards, it felt like she was pulling the heaviest string possible downwards but as soon as her hand reached her thigh a tornado burst out of the sky and flew at Tidus. It disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving just a small mark behind.

He noticed it and vanished in a flash appearing next to Erin. He smacked her with the butt of his hilt and then swung the blade as a follow up to the original attack. Erin grunted as the blade hit her but blocked the next attack and prepared for the hand to hand combat. He vanished again and appeared to her right, he slashed and appeared on her left, slashed once more and then behind her. Erin spun and blocked the last – slightly more lethal attack – and then leapt backwards. Tidus grinned and spun his blade around, cracking his wrist. “You done yet?” Erin asked with a chuckle.
“No, I’m just getting started but” he paused and pointed his sword. “You’ll be okay” he called.

-Erin’s flashback-
[The same time period as before – 6 years]

The car pulled in at a shopping mall and Erin got out and adjusted her dress. She may only be nine years old but she felt she had to have some dignity. Her father groaned and clipped her round the head before pushing her into a walk. She walked inside obediently and spotted a friend of hers from school. She considered going over but she didn’t have permission from her father yet so she thought against it. He pointed at the escalator when she looked at him so she walked over to it and got on. Her dad got on immediately behind her and made sure no one could stand next to him and that Erin was close at all times. Erin saw one of the ‘bad men’ her father told her about. These were the ones that if she dealt with them she got a brand new television or something really expensive. This was the one that her father had thrown out after he brought the naughty camera.

The man spotted Erin and moved to the top of the escalator poised ready to grab her. Erin panicked but she knew better than to ask her dad for help when she was scared or in pain, he just made it worse. They reached the top and he grabbed Erin’s wrist and pulled her but he was quickly stopped by Erin’s dad. “Peter, release my daughter now” he ordered.
“I think not, she’s coming with me, I need to use her” he insisted. Erin figured that the man would win so she didn’t resist. Instead her father started to make a scene.

“You will not have my daughter” he hissed back, pushing Peter to one side and dragging Erin away from his grasp.
“If you don’t let me have her then maybe I’ll just do it here on the shop floor so everyone knows what a scumbag you are, Paul” Peter retorted. Erin’s dad panicked and punched him; Peter staggered backwards and fell against a shelf full of DVD’s. Several fell onto him and it angered him even more. He leapt up and punched her dad, Paul, square in the nose. Erin stepped back and covered her ears, cowering on the floor. This was what she did when her daddy had ‘got rid’ of mummy because she had been naughty. It had lasted an hour and there was so much noise so Erin had hid in her room and bent down, covering her ears and clenching her eyes shut. She had sung a lullaby to herself – one that her mum had taught her – it was the same one she used when her dad started to let his friends use her but now it no longer mattered.

She felt the need to sing it so she sang the words to cover up the scene of madness that was happening “Down by the Prairie, on her little bike, little Miss Mary, danced a little before she met a fairy” she sang the words at an increasing volume as the dispute escalated. “Down by the Prairie, on her little bike!” Erin shouted as she clenched her eyes shut. The sky above began to darken and the clouds began to turn black, the people inside were too busy to notice that the lightning was cackling and the thunder was roaring, that the rain was pelting the glass and the hail was tearing the bricks to shreds.

“She- she danced all night, on the grass, the stars made sure she didn’t fright, she danced all night!” Erin screamed as the volume became too much to bare. The glass roof of the mall smashed and a bolt of lightning burst in and destroyed a till. Another flew in and smashed a few shelves and the rain became even more torrential. “Little miss Mary” Erin sobbed. “She had all the love in the world, Little miss Mary, her mum gave her pearls!” Erin wailed above the racket around her. A pillar of fire tore through the store and split up the two men and it was at that point that people really started to flee. Her father ignored her and chased after some money that had slipped out of his pocket.

“Oh, little miss Mary!” Erin cried as loud as she could. A tornado burst into the building and began to tear up the upper floor until half of it – the opposite end to Erin – collapsed and the bottom floor began to become a mess too. “She never stopped being loved, her father came and never left, he gave her two purple doves, and a nice pair of white gloves!” Erin shouted. She felt the sadness overcome her and began to bawl.

The store lay in ruins as lightning, tornadoes, fire, hail, rain, chunks of rock, shard of glass and lumps of metal rained down from the sky. Erin sat in the middle of the chaos and sang to herself, softer and softer as the storm died down. “Down by the Prairie, little Miss Mary” she whispered as a hand touched her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes “Down by the Prairie, she felt the love of everyone...” Erin trailed off as soft blue eyes were laid onto her. He was at least fifteen and had a welcoming, kind face and short, spiked, brown hair. He wore a black jacket that was zipped up to the top and had red zips with white pockets on all over. His pants were a softer grey colour and the whole outfit was mismatched to the bright yellow shoes. A silver crown necklace hung around his neck and when he unbuttoned the jacket and the light began to trickle into the desolated store he smiled. His shirt was white and had a picture of a cream teddy bear with a blue bow on.

He brought her close to him and just hugged her – in silence – for what felt like ages. Erin started to cry as the emotion overwhelmed her, he actually loved her and she’d never met him. She returned the hug and after awhile they slowly came away. “Its okay, Erin, I’m here now, silly billy” he chirped, tapping her nose gently. She smiled back but still was unsure. “I’ve come to take you with me, where you can be safe from all this silliness, is that okay?” he asked, in a comforting tone. Erin thought for awhile then nodded and hugged him. Sora chuckled and hugged her back but the hug ended quickly as Sora looked at her eyes. “Erin you are very talented but I need you to promise me every time you feel scared just to sing that rhyme to yourself and you’ll be okay” he promised. Erin nodded and stood up and held his hand as they walked off.

-End Flashback-

Erin snapped her fingers and then pulled her hand down. Two bolts of lightning were created and hit either side of Tidus and prevented him from dodging the pillar of horizontal water that Erin created in quick succession. He flew backwards and skidded to a halt. “What was that about I’ll be okay?” Erin teased.
“Game on now” Tidus shouted back with a grin.

[Talmon]

Erin chuckled and spun her pole as she saw him vanish again. He appeared in front of her so she spun it to her right and filled it with air magic so she flew away. Tidus was already following quickly so she created a field of electricity and pushed it forwards. It caught Tidus and his body began to shake violently.

-Duncan’s Flashback-
[2 years and 363 days ago]

“It’s fine; you have nothing to worry about” Sora told Duncan through the wooden door that currently separated them. Duncan had locked himself into his room in a panic after waking up from a bad nightmare. “Duncan, I thought you trusted me?” Sora called through the door. Duncan sat on the other side of the door on the bed in the room and rocked back and forth. “Hey Duncan, what’s pink and rhymes with-” Sora paused
“Rh- Rhymes with what?” Duncan called through the door, eager to hear the end of the joke.
“Bingo!” Sora chirped, so loud that it woke up people in other rooms and in the funniest voice he could muster. Duncan tried to hold back the laugh but burst out laughing eventually. He rolled about on the bed with tears trickling from his eyes as he ran out of air and Sora just quietly listened to the childish joy. Duncan fell off the bed and moaned in pain, Sora panicked but he knew better than to burst in – he had to be delicate in a situation like this.

“Well...” Sora called. Duncan moved closer to the door and looked at it.
“Well what?” he asked as he rubbed his head.
“Want to know the answer to the riddle?” he asked with a grin. Duncan thought for awhile before he finally made his decision
“Yeah!” he announced with a cheeky smile he got to his feet.
“The answer is...” Sora paused. “Flamingo!” he chirped with the same crazy, loud voice as before. Duncan began to uproariously laugh and didn’t stop until Sora knocked on the door. “So, do you want to go now, I promise it’ll be okay?” Sora asked, hopefully. The sound of a click was heard and the door opened.
“I’m ready” Duncan told him with a smile as he looked up at Sora. Sora nodded and bent down, allowing Duncan to get on his back, before he started to walk.

Sora walked towards the steps “Do we have to go out there? It's cold” Duncan moaned
“Nope, you ready?” Sora asked as his body began to flicker. Duncan felt shaky and ill as Sora began to fade but as they reached the top of the steps a man in a red coat walked up the stairs and looked at them through his one good eye.
“Sora” he mumbled as he kept one hand on his blade and one inside his coat.
“Auron, I didn't know that you would be here” Sora replied, shocked.
“Come with me” Auron insisted. Sora nodded and carried Duncan down the steps as Auron walked out of the inn speedily.
“Checking out?” the woman called
“Keys are in the room” Sora replied as he closed the door.

They ran down the packed streets and came to the gates of the city. Auron turned back and checked they were still there before he grabbed two pebbles. “What are you going to do with them?” Duncan asked as he saw the two tiny stones in Auron's hand. Auron looked at him and grinned
“Just watch, kiddo” he told him as he pointed at the two guards in the watch towers. He swung his hand and the two pebbles flew from his and shot at the two guards. They hit both in the gap between their armour – in the throat – causing them to collapse onto the floor.

“Wow...” Duncan muttered as Auron walked towards the gate and pushed with his hand. The gate resisted so he grabbed his blade
“What could be so important we have to damage the gate?” Sora asked
“You'll see, it's better we do the damage than something else does” Auron replied as he swung the blade and a beam of red burst from it. It tore the gates lock in two and created massive bumps in the gates. Duncan watched in amazement as they flew back against the walls and Auron walked through like it was a daily occurrence. Sora followed closely and then came alongside Auron
“So what is-” Sora stopped as he realised and looked at Auron “That's big” he muttered as a gigantic beast loomed over them
“It isn't a heartless so your keyblade won't do the job on it's own but I do need your help” Auron explained as the huge beast made from a thick hide – similar to an elephants – with grass and vines hanging from it loomed in the distance. It didn't have particularly sharp teeth or look violent but it was going to keep going which would mean it squished the city.

“This is the only way?” Sora asked as he looked at the monstrosity. Auron nodded “I'll run ahead, see if you can keep up” Auron told him as he burst into a sprint and left Sora and Duncan behind.
“Are we going after him?” Duncan asked
“Yeah but let's not get too close” Sora warned
“I thought he needed your help?” Duncan retorted
“Nah, he just wants me to watch” Sora explained as he started to run after Auron who was nearly at the beast now.

Auron leapt into the air in front of the beast and spun his sword around with one hand. A circle made of red vapour appeared and from the centre of the circle chains poured out and latched onto the beast. It roared and moaned as they bogged it down, shaking the chains violently. Auron fell to the ground and broke into an immediate charge. He pointed his blade straight up and then leapt up and brought it down. The result was a large scar on the beast's underbelly.

Sora stopped and watched as the strange creature struggled and snapped one chain and after the first the rest quickly were tore to shreds. Auron wasn't able to get out in time. “Duncan, wait here” Sora ordered as he let Duncan climb down and then charged forwards. He held out his right hand and a strange weapon formed into it. It looked like a giant key with a keychain hanging from it. It had a blue handle with a golden square around the outside and then the silver blade was just an ordinary key but larger. He pointed the blade at the beast and fired three balls of fire. They all struck and caught the beast's attention despite bouncing off it's hide. Auron ran out to the left of the beast and swung his blade around ready to fight. Sora threw his blade into the air – it vanished – and clenched his hands together. His eyes flickered and became cloudy and white in colour until, suddenly, a huge gust of wind flew at the beast from the left side and send it flying to the right. Sora ran over to Auron and nodded.
“Thanks” Auron panted
“No problem” Sora replied, rather breathlessly as he looked at the undeterred beast getting to it's feet.

“How on earth can we stop this it's now decided to kill us?” Sora asked as the beast began to run towards them with more malice than ever before. Auron shrugged
“I think on the job” he replied. Sora sighed and made his keyblade appear again.
“Let's just try to finish it before it finishes us” Sora told him as it neared them and reared it's head.
“Good plan” Auron replied. He ran at the beast and swung his blade violently and flicked a switch on the handle. The blade separated into segments connected by a thin, tensile thread made of carbon fibres. He swung it and it tore into the beast front right leg and made it skid to the side.

Sora followed up quickly with a thin, instant jet stream of high powered water launched from the tip of his keyblade. It tore into the beast and sent it flying backwards, closer and closer to Duncan until it was nearly on top of him. “Duncan!” Sora exclaimed, stopping the water but it was too late the beast couldn't even stop itself. Auron ran at full pelt towards a terrified Duncan who had begun to shiver in fright. There was a flash of light and Auron leapt into the air with Duncan and landed on the other side of the beast.
“You okay kid?” Auron asked as he held the kid. Duncan nodded slowly and turned to look at the beast which had stopped moving. Auron checked Duncan was safe while Sora rushed over but as Sora came to a halt the beast split into quarters and then fell to the ground.
“H- H- How?” Duncan just barely stammered the question.
“Don't worry, it's only to be used for dangerous situations” Auron explained.
“So what was that?” Sora asked as he looked at the beast fading into pink dots.
“I was hoping that you knew the answer” Auron replied.

* * *

“You okay kid?” Sora asked, Duncan nodded as Auron carried him towards the castle.
“Sora” a female voice called
“Wait there” Sora called back as Duncan's eyes became wide. Auron placed him onto the ground and they watched as his body began to fly about unwillingly and blood trickled from his mouth
“What do we do!?” Auron exclaimed
“There's nothing we can do but watch” Sora replied. Auron felt sick to his stomach but Sora had seen this before on his travels.

[Talmon]

The field of electricity faded and Tidus dropped to the floor, limp and lifeless. “Giving up, buddy?” she called over. There was no response. “Tee?” Erin called, dropping her guard slightly. She regretted it immediately as he burst to his feet and threw the blade. She tensed her stomach muscles as tightly as they would go and bent backwards until her hands were holding onto her ankles. The blade flew over her contorted body but as she looked over her shoulder she saw it shooting backwards; towards her ankles. She burst back up and breathed in deeply but as she was unable to fully uncoil in time a strike from Tidus was felt from behind and then he appeared in front of her and smacked her with the butt of his blade. Erin groaned as blood spilled from her nose and one more hit knocked her onto the ground. He swung the blade downwards – towards Erin – but she, just barely, lifted her pole and blocked the attack. The sound of the wood clashing and then straining was heard and Erin’s pole snapped. She struck out with both of the split blades and hooked them behind his ankles and pulled. The sword still hit her in the chest but now he was on the floor she could escape.

Erin blinked and energy trickled from her fingers. It was dark green in colour and it swirled around her arms like a muddy mass. Lifting her arms quickly she whipped with the energy. The tendrils hit either side of Tidus with a thump and then she swung downwards again. Tidus moaned and then rolled to the side to avoid coming into contact with Erin’s dope magic. Erin groaned in strain as she lifted them up and started to spin with them. Tidus avoided the initial strike but the tendrils split into smaller whips and eventually he was caught by one to the cheek. “You’ve been hitting the gym” Tidus panted as he bounced from foot to foot and side to side to avoid the whips.
“Oh yes!” Erin exclaimed.
“It won’t help” Tidus laughed. He ducked under all of the tendrils almost without warning, dodged all the way to her shocked frame, and placed one palm over the other. Energy gathered into his palms from the spirits of those he had lost and formed a spinning yellow disc. He slipped under her arms and then looked her in the face before planting his hands into her stomach and pushing. The result sent her rocketing backwards while spinning continuously. The tendrils snapped and faded and Erin hit the ground, unconscious. “Good match” he panted.

* * *

Wakka moved the ball from hand to hand calculatingly while Duncan panted heavily. Erin and Tidus had already begun to fight but they hadn’t even started yet. Wakka smiled at him “You ready brah?” he called over, his relaxed, soothing tones echoing across the plain.
“Yeah… just- wait there- a second” Duncan panted
“I heard: yeah” he laughed. He grinned and began to spin the ball with one hand. At first it was gentle but it accelerated until it was nothing more than a blue and yellow blur of rubber. He arched his arm back and then threw the ball. It rocketed towards Duncan, spinning all the while. To calculate where it would hit or from where was impossible. He just needed to stop it. Erin could use magic but Duncan really couldn’t so that wasn’t an option. He wasn’t very fast either. The ball neared and Duncan made his choice.

-Flashback-
[2 years and 360 days ago]

Duncan woke up three days later in a strange room. He was laid on the soft, freshly cleaned white linen of a king sized oak bed with several spare pillows and there were a few decorations around the room. To the right was a window with a sill either side – big enough to sit on – and to the left was the large oak door. He noticed a lot of it was ornate oak and wondered why just this wood had been chosen. The walls were stone and they refracted the light of the grand stone fireplace that was blazing straight ahead beautifully. A bookcase was either side of the fireplace – packed with books – and yet again it was carved out of oak. He slowly got up from the bed and ignored the cool draft that swept in from the open window so that he could get to the door and further investigate his surroundings.

He tried the brass handle. It was locked. It was no matter, living as a street urchin he had learned to lock pick early on or risk going hungry. He reached up to pull out a strand of his hair and paused as he felt how clean it was. It had never been this clean! Oh no… had they seen his-? A voice broke his train of thought “Duncan, I’m coming in” it called from the other side of the door. He spun and leapt across the room as the door opened and desperately tried to cover himself up. “Awake, I see” the girl chimed. Duncan nodded, uneasily as she carried over a small wooden tray, strangely enough it was just birch this time. The thought of all the different types of wood flitted back to Duncan’s early memories. He’d smell the pine, hear that voice and then the hand would cover his face and it’d be over. “Duncan, Duncan?” she trumpeted, panicked.
“Erhh” he mumbled
“I was just saying that Sora wanted to see you when you woke up, he’s downstairs in the dining room now” the girl told him, her tone was kind and cherub-like. His initial impression of her appearance was plain but endearing. “It’s Erin, by the way” she muttered.
“Got it”

-End Flashback-

The ball circled around Duncan after it flew over his curled up body until it came in for another attack. Wakka was controlling it without even throwing it. Duncan never understood how he did it but he always wanted to know. He sprang to the side and threw his keyblade. It struck the ball and knocked it to the ground but without it he couldn’t channel his magic. It was a race to the two fallen weapons and Wakka had already started. Duncan ran at top speed, it was only a short sprint and he was closer. He grabbed the keyblade, aimed and fired a ball of fire. Wakka dodged and threw a small bouncy ball. It struck Duncan in the cheek and immediately a bruise began to form but Wakka wasn’t done yet – Duncan shielded his face in pain – Wakka ran forwards and snapped both of his fingers. Two balls appeared in either hand and he threw all four simultaneously. They knocked him off his feet to say the least. Seconds later Wakka had his ball and was prepared to strike again.

Duncan moaned in pain, how could he contend with everyone else? He knew, deep within him, there was a lot of power but Sora insisted that he didn’t use it. Duncan grabbed a chunk of mud as he saw Wakka walk over and waited. Wakka stood over him and lifted the ball – ready to throw it down “Give up?” he asked
“Look up” Duncan retorted. Wakka looked up, shocked but as he looked back down Duncan was gone. He spun to see Duncan behind him with a clump of mud which was smeared all over his eyes as soon as Wakka breathed in, in shock. Duncan ran over to his keyblade, grabbed it and fired three balls of fire in quick succession. Wakka furiously wiped his eyes but even as he cleared them the three balls hit him in the stomach and sent him spiralling backwards, winded. As the air left his lungs Duncan ran over and readied his keyblade, he spun it in his hand until it reached its top speed and he reached a fallen Wakka. He swung it down, expecting to win but the sound of rubber being struck was heard and the keyblade, and Duncan fell backwards. Wakka got to his feet so Duncan scrambled to his own and began to unleash a variety of swings.

He aimed low, Wakka jumped. Wakka swung his right fist, Duncan dodged. Duncan swung from the left, Wakka blocked with his ball. Wakka bounced the ball off Duncan’s face but it didn’t deter Duncan from thrusting the blade into Wakka’s gut and making him stumble backwards. Duncan fired four more shots of fire and then ran around Wakka, unleashing ball after ball. They all continually hit Wakka until he was shrouded in a cloud of smoke. It cleared as a small blue and yellow object burst through it. It smacked Duncan in the side of the head and everything became fuzzy and he fell over, dazed. “Nice try brah” Wakka muttered, panting slightly. Duncan’s eyes glazed over, it was over.

-Flashback-
[2 years and 360 days ago]

Erin left as soon as she saw him pick up the piece of toast but Duncan didn’t feel hungry. He placed it back on the plate and moved it away. He just wanted to get away from all of this now. He climbed out of bed and walked out of the room. There were, immediately, so many other doors but he knew that dining rooms were usually downstairs so he headed to the spiralling staircase and walked down it quietly. He saw a door cracked open and caught a glimpse of Sora sat at a table and so headed down the stairs and to the door quickly. He tapped twice, like his parents had taught him, and then walked in. “Ahhh Duncan” Sora pronounced, without looking up from his work. There was paper strewn in front of him and no keyblade to be seen.
“Erin said-”
“I’m aware, I told her” Sora cut in “Sit down, sit here” he insisted, tapping a chair to his right. He adjusted his hair slightly and then scratched his whiskers. He’d been up all night.

Duncan seated himself in the designated seat and sat quietly as Sora looked at him “Does this not happen often for you?” Sora asked, perplexed
“Wha- What?” Duncan stammered, shocked
“Conversation”
“I guess… I mean… I dunno” Duncan muttered, sheepishly
“Well let’s start here. Where are your parents, Duncan?” Duncan scowled at the mention of them
“Dead” Duncan spat, looking down and away. Sora’s gentle finger touched under Duncan’s chin and lifted his face until their gazes met. Sora inspected Duncan’s face and smiled
“That cut’s healing nicely” he commented with a smile
“How old are you?” Duncan blurted out, as the curiosity consumed him.
“Oh, much too old now Duncan” he chuckled “but if we keep it between me and you then… I’m twenty four years old, or so they say” he whispered before bursting out into a laugh, Duncan smiled, a little. “Now maybe we should talk about you-”

-End Flashback-

Wakka helped Duncan to his feet so that they could watch Tidus and Erin finish their climactic fight.

[Talmon]

“It’s a shame” Erin coughed and spluttered as pushed herself up onto her knees “that it’s not over” she grunted
“You can barely stand, let alone fight” Tidus panted, nearly falling over backwards as he spoke
“You can talk” Erin replied with a cheeky grin. She pushed herself up and flung her hand out to the right; a long tube of pale yellow energy formed in her open hand. She grabbed it tightly as it materialised, the light fading, it became a polished steel pole. “I’m going to be hitting a little harder this time” She told him as the sun danced across the metal.
“No holding back” Tidus told her, swinging his blade to the side he charged. Erin knew she was almost drained already. It made her wonder: why didn’t she give up…

Tidus’ blade flew into her eye line, harder than it had done before. Erin barely lifted her pole up in time to parry the blow before another struck her right thigh, cutting the material covering her pale leg. Another blow to her right arm knocked the pole from her hand and left her staggering backwards. She recovered as quickly as she could, avoiding a blow to her left shoulder so narrowly that she felt the edge of the wooden sword touch her jacket. She pulled the jacket sleeve and took it off in one swift movement, Tidus lifted his blade up to strike her on the head but she swung the jacket around him and pulled him close. “This is awkward” Tidus mumbled as he pressed against her body
“Yeah, it is” Erin stated flatly before she smacked her head against his and pulled the jacket away, knocking him to the ground. He booted her in the kneecap and she fell over herself and landed, face first, on the grass.

Erin was up first, she bounded to her feet and ran for the metal pole, Tidus sat up and threw his sword, making her have to change course, back towards him. Tidus jumped to his feet and balled up his fists “Weaponless? You’re getting big and brave, Tee” Erin laughed as she darted towards him and punched towards his stomach. Tidus took the blow and delivered two quick jabs into her face in response.
“Dad always said not to hit a girl…” he chided himself
“Then how come I’m hitting you?” Erin asked. She punched him with her right fist twice in the face and then swung her left into his side. Tidus nearly crumpled but he immediately punched towards her throat. Erin flipped backwards twice and began running as Tidus recovered his stature. By the time he was ready he couldn’t see her anywhere until he heard the sound of her jacket flapping in the wind.
“Wha-” he began but before he could even finish searching her leg flew down on top of his shoulder. His small frame flew into the ground, flipping once as it hit the ground. He smacked his face against the dirt and groaned. Erin leapt on top of his back and pulled his arms together and pushed them up towards his head
“Give up” she demanded, pushing harder afterwards
“N- No” he replied, clearly in pain

“Does Erin win?” Duncan asked
“Give Tidus time, he’s still got an ace up his sleeve” Wakka replied.
“It’s no- not over yet” Tidus groaned as he dropped his head onto the ground. He lifted his head up abruptly and spat out two dice. “Slice and Dice” he grinned as he spoke the words. The dice flew at Erin like bees, darting, and pounding against her, knocking her up and then back and away.
“You sneaky little-” one of the dice flew into her mouth so Erin spat it out and spun her hand around; three fireballs appeared in a triangle. She held it in front of her and suddenly the dice were bouncing back off an invisible shield
“This is new…” Tidus moaned as he looked at the dice, pathetically making no impact.
“It’s not fair if you have more tricks than me, now, is it?” Erin replied, sweat dripping from her brow. She collapsed her palm and the fire exploded, incinerating the dice. Tidus burst through the smoke and leapt onto her, unleashing blow after blow, knocking her head from side to side.
“Now it’s over” Wakka stated
“Erin doesn’t know that word” Duncan laughed.

Erin lifted up her hand, meekly, and a spark of lightning flew into Tidus’ chest and knocked him back. Both of them slowly got to their feet and looked at each other. Erin’s face was bloody and bruised and Tidus looked no better “Parlay?” Tidus asked
“Last time,” Erin wiped blood from her mouth “I checked, you weren’t the owner of a Jolly Roger”
“Worth a try?” Tidus shrugged. Erin shrugged back and then charged.

* * *

Books sat dormant, dusty on the shelves of wooden bookcases all the way around the room apart from the window which was behind an incredibly tall backed chair and the door, which was small and wooden. The stone flagged flooring was perpetually cold, despite the small chandelier complete with candles that hung, lit, above the ornate red wooden desk near the window. Four, plain wooden chairs sat in front of the desk and all but one were occupied.

Merlin stroked his beard, perplexed as he looked at Dillan “So you have no memories, whatsoever?” Merlin asked, repeating his question
“N- No, Merlin, sir” Dillan mumbled, trembling slightly as the two swordsman flanked him.
“Don’t be shy” Auron insisted, placing his hand on Dillan’s shoulder “Can you help him?” Auron asked, turning to Merlin
“I could try, but with a bit of boppity boh it might not go” Merlin replied, stroking his moustache now.
“Is that a yes or a no?” Leon groaned, frustrated.
“I shall confess, it’s a yes” Merlin announced, grabbing a simple wooden stick with a blue pearl attached to the tip he smacked Dillan on the head, knocking him to the ground
“Dillan?” Auron asked, concerned slightly as the young boy rubbed his head as he lay on the floor. Auron shot Merlin an aggravated look
“I’m not a jerk, I swear, did it work? I really do care” Merlin asked, looking over the table.
“Do you remember anything?” Leon asked as Dillan looked at them both before blacking out “Look what you’ve done now!” Leon shouted at Auron
“Don’t shout at me, I didn’t hit him” Auron growled back
“Now, boys” Merlin interjected
“Shut up” they shouted in unison,
“I just mean that, the boy needs time to rest before we’ll know if what I did worked, don’t get stressed” Merlin explained “take him to his room and watch him soon”
“I can’t believe your giving orders! You hit him with a stick!” Auron yelled
“Correction, magic stick. Are you thick?” Merlin retorted with a childish laugh of glee before he disappeared in a puff of purple smoke.

“I hate that old man” Leon groaned as he lifted Dillan into his arms
“Join the club, bub” Auron walked over to the door and slipped out

* * *

She punched with her right fist but Tidus avoided it and hit her in the stomach with his kneecap. Erin moaned and held it as she staggered backwards, this had gone on too long and she was out of all her options. “End it Tidus, the sun’s going down!” Wakka laughed as a chilly wind swept across the field
“I’m trying!” Tidus called back but as he did Erin burst into his peripheral vision and her fist struck him in his left cheek, spinning him around until her fist flew up into his chin. He staggered back but she was already gone before he could recover. He felt her two, clenched hands, thump onto his back and he fell forwards a little, staggering, trying to regain his balance
“Keep up” Erin whispered in his ear as her elbow hit his side and then her foot stamped onto his. Her fist flew into his face and he fell, finally, onto the ground. Erin stood over him and panted, heavily “Give up… please” she begged. Tidus raised his head and their eyes locked
“I’ll get you later” Tidus finalised, collapsing back onto the ground.
“Told ya, Wakka” Duncan laughed, jabbing him in the side with a huge grin
“Don’t forget who beat who” Wakka chuckled, ruffling his hair as he walked over to the two, exhausted teens.

“Auron will probably want us inside to eat” Wakka told them, helping Tidus to his feet.
“I could eat anything at the moment” Erin drooled
“You look like someone already tried on you” Duncan laughed
“Wait till after I’ve got some protein inside me and we’ll see if you’re still laughing” Erin replied with a mischievous grin. The group got up and staggered inside as the lights began to go on inside the castle.

[Talmon]

“It’s been a long time, Sora” a black hooded figure told him in a husky voice
“I know… I’ve been busy. I’m sorry” Sora walked up to the edge of the shoreline and sat next to the figure who was stood up
“No matter,” he looked up into the sky “why are you here?”
“I need some advice”
“Don’t you always?”
“Please…” Sora begged
“Fine” he sighed “What is it you want to know?”
“I met a young child recently. And he reminds me of… you know…” Sora trailed off; choking on the words he tried to say
“He reminded you of Ventus, did he?” the man asked, turning his head slightly to look at Sora “That is most unfortunate. Continue” he spoke with a lack of emotion as he looked back out to the darkened sea

“Well, the child seems to possess… extraordinary abilities. And it leaves me wondering… is he…”
“Nothing can bring back the dead, Sora, you know this” the man replied
“But… What if, just what if?”
“There is no what if, Sora. You lost it all long ago to save the world once more. You did the right thing and now you can live your life out in peace. Why do you choose to still come here?”
“Because I know that no one died, and so do you!” Sora shouted, standing up as he became agitated
“Sora, your keyblade won’t work on me, calm down” the man mused
“I… I just need help. Why has this child appeared?”
“Now you have finally asked a question I can answer, and then I shall” the man announced. Sora looked at him expectantly “He has arrived to solve the past and find the future, Sora”
“Don’t be cryptic, I need to know!” Sora exclaimed
“Just think about it Sora”
“I’m looking after the worlds; there is no reason for you to bring a child into it!” Sora growled
“I did nothing, you should know by now that everything is fate” the man waved his hand for Sora to go so Sora stepped back and withdrew the star shard “Don’t forget: To wrap up if you can” the man told him, “It’s going to get cold inside” Sora shuddered and the star shard whisked him away.

* * *

They all sat down at the long wooden dining table and waited for the food to be brought to the table. Mud and blood still covered them but it was now dry. Duncan tapped his foot on the golden floor but a quick slap from his left stopped him. Wakka and Tidus sat across from them, both uncomfortable in the tall backed chairs. Auron walked in with Leon. Auron sat at the head of the table and Leon sat in the available seat next to Erin as a cook brought the food in. The large windows to the right of the table had their purple curtains with gold trimmings drawn to allow the candles in the centre of the table and the chandelier to be the primary light source. “You’re all looking messy” Auron commented as a plate of vegetables was placed before each person
“I was looking forward to eating real food” Erin groaned
“I was looking forward to not babysitting tonight, but we can’t all be winners” Auron retorted “Now eat up” he demanded. With a heavy sigh they all began to pick at the various greens, reds and yellows.
“Auron, when will Sora be back?” Duncan asked, wanting to spend as little time on the food as possible
“Never you mind. Make sure you all wash up after this, it looks like you’ve been wrestling a mud goblin” Auron took a drink from his glass and smiled as he looked round the table.

* * *

“Mickey, where are you when I need you?” Sora asked as he looked into the night sky
“He’s always closer than you think, Sora” a familiar voice announced as she climbed across the rocks behind him. Sora turned to see Tifa smiling at him “What’s troubling you,” she asked, sitting down “the boy?”
“Mhmm” Sora replied, looking away from the sky for a second to look at Tifa.
“Don’t be” Tifa insisted, pulling her shawl tighter around her
“Tifa do you ever regret helping me?” Sora asked, looking at the moon with wide eyes
“No, of course not!” she protested “Why would I? We did what we did, with the knowledge we had, and made the best of the circumstances”
“I just wonder what if we never did go and have to face them again” Sora whispered
“Sora you need to stop dwelling on the past,” Tifa touched him lightly on the shoulder so he turned to look at her “You can’t fight the future if your lost in the past, Sora” she explained, pulling him into a hug

* * *

“How’s Dilly?” Erin asked. Auron lifted his head from the doorframe and looked at her. She was leaning against the banner in nothing but a pale pink night gown.
“He’s sleeping” Auron replied
“Who is he?” Erin wondered aloud
“I don’t know. But I didn’t know you or Duncan when I first met you, and look at you two now”
“I guess…” Erin pondered the thought for a moment “but isn’t it strange that this boy just appeared in front of Sora?” she wiped sleep from her eyes and then looked back at Auron
“Fate has a strange way of working, Erin, you know that much”
“Goodnight… Auron”
“Goodnight, Erin, sleep tight,” Erin nodded and walked off to her room. She pulled the charm Yen Sid had made for her out of her dress and clasped it in her hand.
“I’ll try” she whispered

[Talmon]

“But the future is scary, sometimes, Tifa” Sora mumbled
“That doesn’t mean you can walk away. When times seem darkest you have to stand up even taller. What happened to the little kid I once knew who said ‘There’s a light that never goes out’? When did he stop burning so bright?” Tifa spoke with passion, standing up and looking at him
“You know when he disappeared, Tifa, you were there” Sora muttered back, pulling his knees into his chest and hugging them. Tifa felt flattened
“Sora, you can’t give up!” she protested, shaking away her doubt
“What is there left that I can fight for?” Sora turned his head and looked at her, scornfully
“You can fight for the light, for everyone! Like you always have”
“Everyone’s gone Tifa, I’m finally realising,” Sora shouted back, standing up now to look at her “And what are we doing? Having ridiculous airs that we can still fight whatever is coming our way!” His chest heaved but he immediately felt regret as he saw a tear stain Tifa’s cheek. “I didn’t me-”
“Yes you did,” Tifa wiped away the tear “Everyone is gone, and we can’t change that. I miss Yuffie, Cloud, and Aerith!” Tifa bit her lip and looked into Sora’s eyes “What are we going to do, Sora?”

They both looked at each other for what felt like the longest time before they sat back down, looking out across the vast expanse. “We don’t have to do anything yet, Tifa. I spoke to Yen Sid about the random Heartless appearing and he checked it out and said it was energy spikes on the various worlds” Sora reassured her
“Promise me you’ll be careful Sora” Tifa turned and looked at him. Sora stood up
“I will”
“Promise me” she insisted,
“I promise I’ll be careful” Sora stuck his thumb up and grinned. Tifa laughed
“You’re still the same goofball at heart, Sora. I just wish you’d show Duncan and Erin this side” Tifa stopped and a memory tore through her brain, breaking the charms Yen Sid had set in place.

-------------
Flashback
-------------

“Tifa, hold on!” the voice screamed, the hand reached out and she grasped for it, magic swarmed around her, pulling at her from the waist down
“I can’t reach you!” Tifa screamed, looking into those blue eyes
“Try harder, Tifa! We can’t lose you, not now!” the voice screamed, leaning as far as it could
“Leave me, I’ll be fine!”
“No, I won’t leave you!”
“You have to!” a white light enveloped the area.

--------------------
Flashback Over
--------------------

“Arghh!” Tifa gripped her head.
“Is there something wrong?” Sora asked, moving to her side
“No, I just need some sleep” Tifa looked at him and smiled before walking back away
“Sleep well” Sora whispered before the star shard whisked him away again.

* * *

“You didn’t have to stay up all night, ya’know?” Leon announced his presence as he approached Auron with one eye open
“What do you want, Squall?” Auron asked, opening his other eye
Leon seemingly ignored the fact Auron had used his old name “I’ve got to leave Auron, I can’t stay in one place for too long or it’ll catch up to me” Leon swallowed and then looked at Auron “Sometimes I wish I was you,” Leon muttered “And then I remember I’m awesome!” he laughed before running down the stairs silently.
“Probably time to check on the kid” Auron muttered reaching for the door handle
“Morning Auron” Erin chirped as she walked past him removing her nightgown. Auron blushed slightly
“Morning Erin” he sighed
“I’m going for a shower” she told him as she threw it off
“I can tell” Auron replied, exasperated.

“Why’re you going in there?” Erin asked as Auron opened the door
“To check on 01”
“You mean Dilly?” Erin asked, tilting her head in confusion
“Yeah,”
“He’s downstairs” Erin opened the bathroom door and walked in “He said he was hungry so Duncan promised to cook him up a meal” Erin suddenly realised how stupid it sounded and looked back out at Auron. Auron looked back at her and ran to the staircase. Erin grabbed a pink towel, wrapping it around her as she leapt over the banister “Duncan!” she screamed, searching for the menacing pre-teen.

* * *

“This’ll taste good, I promise” Duncan insisted as he finished pouring the chilli powder into the pancake batter. “You can drink it raw” Duncan told him, handing him the jug. Dillan looked at it uneasily. “Drink it” Duncan sighed, watching Dillan
“Okay” Dillan chirped, drinking the entire glass as Erin ran in
“What’d you just do?” she screamed, running over to Duncan and holding him up against the wall
“Oh, nothing” Duncan laughed as Dillan began to search desperately for some water
“Ho- Hot!” Dillan squealed while panting
“This isn’t over” Erin growled, dropping him to the floor and helping Dillan get on the counter next to the sink. She twisted the cold tap “Drink from there” she told him with a smile.

Auron ran in, eyes searching for the prankster he knew all too well “Duncan” he frowned
“Mister Auron!” he chirped, running over and trying to hug him. Erin grabbed him by the collar before he got there
“I don’t think so DunDuns” she whispered in his ear
“If I were you I’d be watching Dillan” Duncan laughed as the younger boy tried to get his head under the tap in an awkward contorted position that left him close to falling off and hurting himself
“Not like that!” Erin moaned, running over to Dillan to help him
“Go upstairs to the training room, Sora’ll be back soon and I don’t want him thinking I left you guys a mess” Auron groaned. Duncan sighed and walked past, looking back to stick his tongue out at Erin who replied in turn with a rude gesture which earned a disapproving look from Auron. “You two, as well” Auron told them as he turned around “As soon as he can breathe again” he added before following Duncan.

* * *

Sora sat on the roof of the clock tower, sea salt ice-cream in one hand and his other hand in his pocket. He bit the end of the ice lolly and then looked around “Where did it all go wrong?” he asked as he waited for the train to arrive.
“Who said it’s all gone wrong?” a familiar voice interjected
“You’re early” Sora commented
“The train was delayed so I walked” they immediately replied, footsteps coming closer “Sora, you’ve been there again, and are worrying, aren’t you?” they asked, standing near him but not sitting
“Yeah…” Sora mumbled, a little embarrassed
“You can’t listen to whatever it is. It’s not the person you think it is” they insisted
“How else am I going to know what to do?” Sora asked, unsure
“Do what you always did before” the voice answered, smiling slightly
“And what’s that?” Sora asked
“Follow your heart” the feet moved next to him and looked out across Traverse Town.

“What if my heart is lost?” Sora asked, after a while
“It’s never been lost, you’ve just forgotten where to look” the voice laughed, the laugh still made Sora smile
“I miss when times were simple. I miss Destiny Island” Sora grumbled
“Well we can’t go back now” the voice chuckled, finally sitting next to him, Sora didn’t turn to face them yet
“Why can’t we?”
“You know why not, idiot”
“I’m not sure I do anymore” Sora finished the ice-cream and checked the stick. “Have you ever got a winner on one of these things?” Sora asked with a laugh
“Once” they replied, Sora turned to face them and smiled

* * *

“Let’s try having an improvement of last time, eh Dillan?” Auron asked as he walked in. Dillan nodded, unsurely. “You’ll do fine; just keep your head up” Auron told him as they walked in to see Duncan, poised, ready with the same keyblade as before. Erin walked in shortly after “Where’ve you been?” he asked
“I had to get changed” Erin told him, indicating the grey sweat pants and lime green top she was now wearing along with her auburn hair tied back into a bunch.
“Okay” Auron took it in and then grabbed the lightest keyblade in the cupboard for Dillan “Try this one” he mumbled, handing the weapon to the small boy. Dillan grabbed it and just barely managed to lift it. “It’ll have to do” Auron sighed.

Duncan breathed deeply “When are we starting?” he whined impatiently
“You can start now,” Auron told him. Duncan moved to run but Auron raised his hand “This time Dillan will go on the offensive and you will learn to defend” Auron insisted, sternly.
“Fine” Duncan pouted
“Go hit him, Dillan” Auron urged
“O- Okay” Dillan stammered a little before walking towards Duncan uneasily
“Seriously?” Duncan groaned “Can I just hit him?”
Dillan looked to Auron for reassurance “He won’t learn until he tries” Auron replied, shaking his head. Dillan turned back and slashed widely with the blade, spinning himself around and missing entirely “Aim for his body, not his weapon” Auron explained. Dillan stopped himself and grabbed the keyblade with both hand before pulling it over his head. He nearly fell backwards from the weight but brought it down straight towards Duncan who effortlessly blocked the slow-paced attack. “Like that, but faster, so he doesn’t see it coming” Auron explained, leaning back against the wall.

* * *

“It won’t be long now” he muttered as the heartless spilled out onto the streets. “Russel, Lexy, ready your keyblades” he ordered. He turned and pointed to the heartless “Crush them, take that darkness and make it your own!” a heartless burst up towards him but he didn’t budge an inch as two keyblade were brought down upon it, turning it into nothing. The two people holding them looked at each other and then leapt down, wasting no time.

* * *

Sora looked out again across the town and then paused “Can you feel that?” he asked, turning to face the figure
“Yup, you know what to do, Sora. Make us proud” the voice replied with a chirp before they were gone. Sora spun back and leapt off the clock tower and to the ground below. He held out his left hand and his keyblade appeared with ease
“I will” Sora assured them before running off towards the heartless.