Between the lines of fear and blame (spoilers)

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[There's a Terra trekking through one of the Dressing Room hallways. A passerby wouldn't have to be too observant to notice that the wide-eyed, slack-jawed, and all-around bewildered expression on his face pretty much reads "new arrival". He might as well have a flashing arrow hanging over his head, pointing out just how new to this place he is. He doesn't seem all that intimidated by the abrupt change in his surroundings or by the many doubles wandering around, though: as far as he's concerned, this is a dream. It has to be a dream, right? That's the only explanation that makes any sense.

Even if, with the initial adrenaline rush tapering off, he still feels as tired- no, as mentally and physically exhausted as he had moments before he'd found himself in this dream world, even if it had hurt when he'd caught the edge of his shoe on the floor, tripped, and hit the wall with his shoulder earlier, even if his shoulder still aches now, this has to be a dream. It has to be.

Rubbing at his arm again, he stops to lean against a closed door. He slumps against it, letting his heavy eyelids shut for just a second or two. It is about then that the door gives way, swinging out from under his weight. Terra's deposited none too gracefully onto the cold ground inside the room. He can't help the startled shout and gasp that escapes his throat as he lands on his sore shoulder.

He stays down at first, working to get the air back into his lungs, as well as to will away the pain. He won't waste precious energy summoning his Keyblade to Cure spell something as minor as a bruise. Terra lifts his head a moment later only to notice the dimly lit path that snakes out ahead of him. Darkness surrounds the path on both sides. Strange formations decorated by glowing blue streaks jut out of the shadows. He all but scrambles to his feet, aforementioned soreness forgotten.]

No... Not again! Not back here again!

[A soft, shuffling groan from somewhere deep within the darkness is his answer. Yes, Terra. Oh yes. The Darksides appear one at a time, drawing themselves up to their full heights. Terra can only stare at first, but finally the fear is replaced by a tired flicker of aggravation... or maybe that's determination. He holds his hand out as if to summon his Keyblade only to reconsider before the weapon appears. His fingers hurriedly search one of his hakama's pockets instead. His glare flicks from the orange charm he soon produces, up to the Darksides.]

If this is how it has to be...

[He holds the charm to his chest, closes his eyes tight, and waits. Trust. He's got to trust in that bond. He even thinks to smile, remembering the first time those flashes of light, those Keyblades, helped him out of a tight spot. He'll never again forget how much his friends mean to him or how much he means to his friends.

...

Anyone who happens to be walking down that corridor might find themselves being run into by a man who, despite his size, has been flung back through the doorway by the impact of one of the Darkside's attacks.]



[ooc: From exmariascientia's AU. Spoilers hinted at under cut, comment spoilers.]

Comments

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[She peers at it, at him... it almost hurts to have to say it, with the way he's acting so enthusiastic, but-]

I'm afraid I haven't seen anything like that. It's - ah. Pretty, though.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[That enthusiasm drains right out of him. He sighs, slumping as he fingers the charm.]

Yeah... You made it.

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[A gentle headshake. It's sad to see, but she's not going to lie to him just to make him happy.]

Sorry - I'm more of a scientist than an artist. I don't think I could do something like that.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

A scientist?

[He can't even imagine his friend messing with science. It's one thing for her to look so different, but...]

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[She shrugs, smiles. Maybe this has gotten through to him, she thinks.]

Well, I'm still fairly new, but Master Ansem tells me I have a talent for it.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[He clutches the charm tighter and uses his free hand to rub at his head. What to do, what to say.]

Master Ansem? Is he a Keyblade Master, too?

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[Another headshake, with a slight puzzled look on her face - that term means something, she's sure, but it doesn't fit the situation.]

No. He's the ruler of Radiant Garden.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

Radiant Garden... Right. That's where we were. That's where I found you.

[That makes sense, at least.]

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

At least you know it, then... it's a good place. I've lived there as long as I can remember.

[She stops. Her turn to rub her head.]

Although I'll admit, that hasn't been that long.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

How long has it been?

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

Months, a year - things are a bit blurry.

[Another bit of a shrug.]

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

Seems longer than that.

[Years longer, but it was always so hard to tell on that side.]

I'm... My name's Terra.

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

Hm. Well, Terra.

[She nods, smiles, in acknowledgement. And before he starts with this 'Aqua' nonsense again, she'll get things straight-]

Mine's Xehanort.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[Nice try, Xehanort. Except at the sound of that name, his expression hardens.]

You're wrong. Your name is Aqua. You're a Keyblade Master. You were Master Eraqus' student! You're Ven's friend! You're my friend!

[Getting upset about it might not help, but with the exhaustion, the stress, and the injuries getting to him, he doesn't have the presence of mind to keep himself calm.]

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[Her face falls. Hardens slightly.]

You think I don't know my own name? I'll - I won't rule out that we might have known each other before I lost my memory, but that's something I think I know!

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[His outburst comes to an end as swiftly as it began. He touches his fingers to his chest, over his own heart. When she'd turned the Keyblade on herself... Was that what had done this to her?]

You really don't remember anything... Do you?

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[She sighs. Well, better he isn't raging, at least. Though she's a little wary as she replies-]

No. I don't.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[His head drops and he turns his focus to the floor, keeping quiet for a while longer. All his fault. No escaping that.]

You're Aqua.

[But he sighs, too. Third time won't be a charm.]

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[It isn't.]

Please. Stop it. Maybe she's here somewhere, I don't know. But that isn't me.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

[He does stop... but he's not about to walk away.]

I'm sorry.

[That he couldn't save her, but he doesn't mention that part.]

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[She gives a nod in acknowledgement.]

Is there ... anything you need while we're here?

[She might not be this friend he's talking about, but no reason not to be civil.]

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

No.

[He can't think of anything. He might be tired and he might be hungry, but the things he really needs- an answer or a solution to this mess- aren't going to appear out of nowhere. He shakes his head to back up his answer.]

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

Ah, well. [A slight sympathetic smile.] I'd say just go get some rest, then. ...If my advice means a lot right now. You look like you need it.

[exsolumsomnia.livejournal.com]

Sleep?

[His chuckles humorlessly. Even if someone presented him with the most comfortable bed in the universe, he's not sure he could get to sleep.]

Where are you going?

[exmariascientia.livejournal.com]

[She gives a bit of a 'huh' expression at his reaction.] If you can. And I was just on my way to the library...