#searching for Selph

[muttkep]

"Self - the Lost Nightmaren" WIP

For anyone who doesn't know, I was actually a big fan of the NiGHTS series back in my high school days. Admititly I only grew up with "Journey of Dreams" as the original "Into Dreams" was created before I was born. However, the world of dreams that SEGA DreamCast had made deeply fascinated me and remains a fond memory to this day I happen to have a story in mind for. This is not that.

A short while ago, I found myself drifting back to my NiGHTS days and decided to revisit a video by a user called DiGi Valentine on YouTube. It felt nice to revisit this character analysis when one of their videos popped up in my recommendation. It was called "Searching for Selph." A documentary about an unused boss discovered in the game's code that has taken years to datamine in an attempt to preserve the original NiGHTS into Dreams. This fascinated me, and what's more, no official art of the scraped character has been discovered yet. There are assets and even an unused song in the data files, but no art has been dug up. My mind went crazy thinking about what this character could look like, so I did some digging myself with the current research, evidence, and possible theories concocted in the last 2 years. This is the result of that brain child, with scribbled notes for good measure.

Now, this is how I think the character COULD look based on the things I've found and looking at other artistic interpretations. This is in no way canon. If anyone is curious about the character or even the project itself, I highly recommend this👇video and its updates:

Let's hope that someday we can find what this character looks like.

[suranastair]

Your OC as the Solar System: Tag Game

Rules: Bold what applies - italicize sometimes - strike out never. (Bonus): Color the ones that especially fit. Tag some friends to play along!

~ Selph Surana ~

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just.. way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

Anyone that sees this is welcome to play! 💖

[mortissanguis]

tag game

Was tagged by @lovebitesandcrosses search ‘your name’+core together on Pinterest and pick 6 photos! (I decided to pick photos from a few of my names though they all were. scarily accurate) I'm tagging @dumpster-diving-scientist @canniba1ize @sacredmutt @selph @playlander @kn1fecvt

[nightopianfoxgirl]

Super Long Mid-Year Update

I hate doing these but it’s warranted. My activity has been dry for a bit and you can expect it to continue to go down. Reasons why: college courses for one more year, learning to drive, job searching, and participating in a massive project. Things will be affected.

Commissions

My obligations to the courses and the project take priority. Though my commissions will remain open, it may take longer for an order(s) to be completed in a timely manner until the end of the year.

YouTube/DeviantArt Posts

Artwork and videos will become less frequent or will be short, low effort pieces such as sketches and memes. If something of worth is brought up, I will do my best to come to it. Maybe some still-life studies here and there or competition entries because I’m saving for a Clip Studio upgrade.

Ask the UnderNet Sisters

Unfortunately, I will be closing the ask blog. It was fun while it lasted, but after the first, embarrassing blow and a couple other things, I lost steam. I apologize for the long delay. Any questions submitted before this announcement will be answered soon. If interest in the series picks up again, I will consider re-opening the blog.

MMBN: Shadow of a Blazing Fire

Chapter 12 has passed the rough draft and storyboarding phases. Won’t lie that this is the chapter I’ve been dying to get to! I’m shooting for an October release for its 4th anniversary like last year’s failed launch. I will not get into details as to why that happened, but this time is (hopefully) going to be better. Blazing Fire is my longest running series so far. I want to give it more love even if most don’t care for it. Do what makes you happy, and I have to thank you guys for putting up with it.

Selph Part 2

I fully intend to continue the mini series based on my unhinged theory. There is a twist I want to try, but that will require extra hands. Keep your eyes open for more information! I promise you will love your-selph when it comes around.

I’m very sorry for the inconvenience, but that’s how life is at times, and it’s only going to get worse when I find a full-time job. Thank you all for sticking around and the support. See you later and stay safe out there. These times are crazy.

[shadowqueen402]

Part 4 for The Jester And The Dragon?

Time Skip to Post-JOD, where Nightmaren!Shiofuki and Reala are trying their best to find all surviving Nightmarens, but when they believe that they've found them all, they encounter Selph, who reveals Nightmaren!Shiofuki's secret to Reala, who can't even find it in his heart to even be mad at Nightmaren!Shiofuki, while she's just filled to the brim with pure fear and she runs and hides away. Reala then spends the rest of the night looking for her, and once he finds her, he comforts her, letting her know that he still loves her.

(Yes I think the last 3 parts were taking place between NID and JOD)

Aww, okay. Sorry for the long wait.

After the defeat of Wizeman and the two Visitors were sent home, Reala and Shiofuki began their search. They started to look for any surviving Nightmarens that they could convince to join them. It wasn't easy to say the least. Especially when it came to finding the Third-level Nightmarens.

After finding some Nightmarens, Reala flew beside Shiofuki. "Is that everyone that we found?" He asked.

"I think so," Shiofuki said. "Let's get going—" She was suddenly interrupted by an unfamiliar laughter that rang in the air. Appearing in front of them was a strange Nightmaren clashed in yellow and blue. "Who is that?"

"Selph…" Reala said with a low growl. He was not too fond of this Nightmaren.

"Long time no see, Reala," Selph said with a smirk. "I see that you're hanging out with one of the two traitors."

"Traitor?" Reala asked, growing confused. "Shiofuki is not a traitor. She would never betray me."

"See that's where you're wrong," Selph replied as he grabbed Shiofuki. "I've been watching every Nightmaren the entire time as well as listening to their conversations. Shiofuki didn't want to be Wizeman's loyal subject, so she left Nightmare without his knowledge."

Reala's eyes widened. Shiofuki, who struggled to free herself, was filled to the brim with pure fear. NiGHTS's warning echoed into her mind now that the truth was out.

But surprisingly, instead of getting angered, Reala had a worried look on his face. Something that was seldom seen before. "Surely, there has to be an explanation for this…" He said, hoping to talk things out.

"Ah, there is," Selph said while holding Shiofuki hostage. "See, your lover here was sick and tired of Wizeman's dictatorship, but she knew that if she outright announced that she was leaving Nightmare, you would view her as a traitor. So she left in a discreet way that nobody, not even Wizeman, would suspect. Now that you have your explanation, do you still love her, despite what she's done?"

Reala clenched his fists in annoyance of Selph's taunting. Then he glared up at him and responded, "I do still love her. She still looked after me regardless of the side that she's on. And that's all that matters to me the most."

Selph huffed and released Shiofuki before he vanished away. But after she was released, Shiofuki just ran away and hid. "Shiofuki!" Reala called to her, but she didn't respond back. With a sigh, he went to go look for her.

Reala didn't expect for the search to last all night. But he eventually found Shiofuki in Delight City. "Shiofuki…" He said, grabbing her attention. This startled the Nightmaren as she jumped and turned to face Reala.

"W-What are you doing here?" Shiofuki asked. "I-I didn't want you to learn the truth…"

"That you left Nightmare without my knowledge? Or Wizeman's?" Reala replied, feeling sorry for her. "Were you frightened that I would be mad at you?"

"Are you mad at me?" Shiofuki asked, wiping her tears away. "I saw how upset you were when your sister left Nightmare. You viewed her as a traitor…"

"You may have left Nightmare, but you didn't leave me," Reala said in a comforting tone. "You still stuck around and watched me despite the fact that you were not on Nightmare's side. That's all that I needed. I still love you, no matter what."

Shiofuki smiled at Reala, her fears suddenly vanishing. Before she knew it, she found herself kissing Reala on the lips. She had Reala's back, and her lover had hers.

[spyroid101]

So it just occurred to me in the Archie graphic novels Reala and NiGHTS do this sort of.. 'reverse' dualisation (if i'm remembering it correctly its been a while since i read them) with Elliot, Claris and that one bully kid whos name i forget where while the kids ended up in the Nightmaren's forms in Nightopia, Reala and NiGHTS took control of their human bodies in the waking world. With that in mind, would Selph try something like that in their goal to become human should he learn of it?

In my headcanon world, Dulization is indeed something ALL Nightmaren can do, even the Third Levels!

Though, with Third Level's sapience level being on par with your typical animal, Dualizing with then usually tends to be an accident that typically only lasts for a short while, before the connection is cut. (Ever have a short dream where you're a small animal like a fish, getting chased and caught by a predator, like a shark? You accidentally Dualized with a Third Level!)

But while they all CAN, not a lot of them WILL, especially these days anymore. Even if the Nightmaren ultimately has the power leverage... that's still a LOT of openness and trust you gotta give your potential prey, to just- let them merge with your heart like that... Quite a few find the process too invasive for their tastes, and choose to use the hands-off, distanced approach.

And then Wizeman started demanding large quantities of whole, undrained Ideya, and ultimately the practice become obsolete in favor of just mugging Visitors for whatever they're powerful enough to grab and booking it.

As for the Freaky Friday body flip version of Dulization from the comic, I don't headcanon that as how Dulization is intended to work... but it does occasionally happen! Only, it's more of a bug then a feature.

It kinda sometimes happens when there's a mix of the Visitor waking up, while attempting to back out mid-Dualization. It doesn't tend to last too long, and will just appear to others like the human is sleepwalking, as the whole process is... Well, it's a very disorienting, uncomfortable experience for everyone.

Including Selph when it first happened to them.

But their experiences with this are part of what forged the links in their brain, to equate Wizeman to that of a Paternal figure, rather then just a creator.

...Something that... while not entirely incorrect... was far from what they ever hoped it to be...

As for IF they would try it, if they COULD do this on command?

...They might... consider it... but ultimately probably wouldn't pull the trigger.

Casually, they wouldn't be eager to just trust and completely give up total control of their body to just... ANYONE (Who KNOWS what they'd be doing with it?!)

And if they'd found a way to make the switch permanent, like they want...

...

...Too many risks involved, and no way back if they messed up. Not every Visiter's Ideya shines the same, and they have to assume Wizeman's had to be extraordinary, back when he was human...

No. If they want to reach perfection, to become human and ascend as he did, they can't go the easy way out and hope for the best.

They need to pick and chose to collect the most perfect quality Ideya they can find, from as many visitors as they need to search through.

[paintedwithapalette]

SoKai Week Day 1 - Paopu Fruit 

Word Count: 4, 054

--------------------------

To Sora and Kairi, it was like being on an emotional high. 

Through time, their bond had hardened like concrete—impenetrable. It was beyond latent feelings at this point, it was a harmonious compound of encouragement, support, admiration, and most of all, trust. 

With their hands intertwined and legs dangling as they were bundled together close on the paopu fruit tree, these emotions ran rapid with just a single touch. The salty air and the seagulls squawking overhead was nothing short of the pleasantries the two had become familiar with. Though, it would’ve meant little if they didn’t have each other. 

“I don’t think I could ever get tired of this place,” Kairi said, closing her eyes and allowing the wind to gently caress her face. “I know in my heart that this isn’t where I come from, but to me, this is home.”

“It always has been,” Sora validated. 

“You think so?” 

“Of course! This place wouldn’t be the same without you, you know?” Sora sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. “And hey, I’d be a total wreck without you. Do you know how many times I probably would’ve fell to darkness if it weren’t for you being by my side?” 

“True. You’re pretty much hopeless without me,” she teased. 

“Hey!” Fabricating a look of hurt, he pulled her in closer with one swift motion and sent Kairi into a fit of giggles all the while. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“I think even you can figure that out, dork.” 

Another five minutes passed as they wrestled, mostly consisting of Sora trying to pull Kairi in close while she pretended to reject his advances, no matter how much she loved every second of it. As their laughter died down, they settled into a comfortable embrace; the warmth of Sora’s arms encompassed around her petite frame. They sat in a comfortable stillness, no words traded between them as neither broke eye contact until Kairi tucked some hair behind her ear with a soft giggle. 

“What’s that goofy look for?” she asked. 

“Sorry,” Sora apologized insincerely, putting on a grin. “Guess I just don’t want to forget that I’m the luckiest guy in the world.” 

Kairi’s blush intensified along with the ends of her lips. “You’re such a cornball.” 

Sora chuckled nervously as he scratched his cheek as he imagined how much Donald would tease him if he heard that one. “Yeah, well…” 

“It’s okay,” Kairi said. “I like how cheesy you are.” 

“Well, there’s plenty more where that came from!” Sora pulled her in with an even tighter embrace, once again making Kairi burst into laughter. 

When it died down, she rested her palm against his face and used her thumb to travel across the texture of his soft skin. “Looks like you really never did change,” she said.  

Sora smiled, tenderly taking hold of her hand. “Of course I didn’t.” 

Their smiles were radiant, weaved with affection as a sheen of desire shimmered over Kairi’s eyes when she noticed Sora looking at her lips. Their anticipation surged as their proximity decreased, their faces inching closer, closer, and closer... 

“Sora!” 

A yelp escaped them both as whatever tension there may have been dissipated and they held each other even tighter. Their nerves settled as Donald and Goofy entered their light of vision, the voice clearly belonging to the former of the two. 

“Donald? Goofy?” Sora asked. “What’s up?” 

“Riku and the King wanted us to tell you about the bonfire tonight,” Donald explained. “Since we’ll be celebrating the return of a half-pint like you, Sora.” 

Goofy took note of the fact that neither of the two had let go of the other since Donald spooked them. “Gawrsh, I shore hope we aren’t interruptin’ you all.” 

“Uh, no, of course not!” Sora gave a sheepish grin as he rubbed the back of his head. 

“Gee, then how come your face is red, Sora?” Goofy asked.

“Awwww, isn’t that sweet?” Donald teased, clasping his hands together and bringing them up to the side of his face. 

“Could you cut that out?” Sora clenched a fist as Donald burst into laughter. “No offense, but can you two buzz off? Kind of in the middle of something here.” 

“Guess we oughta stop meddlin’ then, a-hyuk,” Goofy said with a chuckle as he made his leave with his usual gangly walk. Donald didn’t stray too far behind. 

“And remember to behave, Sora. Mind your manners,” Donald joked. 

“Knock it off!” Sora shouted as his friends entered the seaside shack. “That’s it. He’s gonna regret this the next time I see him alone with Daisy.” 

Kairi found Sora’s frustration amusing as she placed her hand on his cheek, directing his focus back to her. “Well, don’t worry. We still have plenty of time to ourselves, right?” 

It wasn’t long before whatever Donald had said before became irrelevant as Sora fell into a goofy smile. “Yeah, you’re right.” 

At least, so he thought until a frisbee smacked the back of his head. “Ouch!” Sora cried as he massaged the tender spot and turned around to spot Lea catching the frisbee just in time. Sora should’ve expected as much since it wasn’t uncommon for Lea, Isa, and Ven to have their fairly regular frisbee games around this time. Still, wasn’t it odd that it somehow hit his head? 

“Yo! Sorry ‘bout that,” Lea called, waving. 

“Aww, no biggie,” Sora called back. He returned his focus to Kairi once again but it didn’t take more than a few minutes before the frisbee hit him in the back of the head again. This time, Lea received a frown. 

“Sorry, butterfingers!” Lea said, though this time Sora noticed Ven covering his mouth with both hands while Isa rolled his eyes. 

Sora slowly turned back around to face Kairi, giving him an understanding smile. “Think maybe we should find a different spot?” 

Sora shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I’m sure it’s just an honest mistake.” Despite his words, his eyes narrowed as if he were waiting. Ten minutes passed and nothing occurred. The three seemed to continue about their own business. Sora let out a sigh of relief. 

“Now, where were we?” Sora said, his usual smile returning before it was derailed less than a second later when the frisbee came hurtling right into the back of his head. 

“Sorry again!” Lea apologized through the laughter he was failing horribly to stifle. “M-My fingers slipped!” 

Sora growled, having had more than enough as he pushed himself off the tree, helping Kairi down all the while, as he took her hand and marched towards the seaside shack. Kairi had no objections but was left wondering where their next destination lied. “Where are we going?” she asked, tilting her head to the side. 

“Away from those jerks,” Sora said vaguely. 

When Sora and Kairi exited the seaside shack, Lea and Ven were quick to catch up to them. 

“Aww, where you goin’, buddy?” Lea asked, draping an arm around his shoulder as he pinched Sora’s cheek. “We didn’t mean to interrupt you guys. Was I disrupting the mood? It’s just that you two are just so darn cute.” 

Sora grumbled under his breath but ignored Lea as he led (pulled, more accurately) Kairi inside the Secret Place, ignoring the howls of laughter from Lea and Ventus echoing in the short distance. 

When Sora and Kairi made it inside, the former scoped the place out in search of any unwanted souls in the area. Thankfully, it looked empty as Sora let out a relieved sigh and smiled. He loved all of his friends dearly, but even he wanted some space every now and then to be with the girl of his dreams. He looked back at Kairi, their hands still attached. 

“Think the coast is clear?” Kairi asked with a cheeky grin. 

“Yeah, I think so.” Sora rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry about that. Hope I can at least make it up to you.” 

Kairi shook her head softly as she wrapped her arms around the base of his neck, momentarily catching Sora by surprise before he carefully held her waist, bringing their foreheads together. “You already did.” 

“I did?” 

“Yes,” Kairi answered without hesitation. Her eyes traveled over to the drawings they made as kids handing each other a paopu fruit. “By just being you. I told you before all of this that I wanted you to never change and you haven’t. That’s more than enough for me.” 

“Kairi...” 

Before their lips could seal the deal, they heard a sharp squeal in the short distance. They immediately detached themselves from each other and scoped out the area. 

“Who’s there?” Sora asked, returning to his previous look of defense. 

Kairi narrowed her eyes, taking mindful steps as her eyes wandered over the cave until she heard hushed voices. 

“I told you not to freak out over this, you dip,” said a hushed male voice. 

“Shut up! They’re super cute! What do you want me to do?” asked an equally hushed female voice in return. 

Kairi was able to pinpoint the voices from behind the large rock with a less than flattering face drawn on it. Making sure not to alert whoever happened to be back there, she tiptoed over until she looked behind the rock to find nothing. She raised her eyebrow. 

Meanwhile, Sora turned around and saw two individuals making a poor attempt at being stealthy as they tried to crawl out of the Secret Place unseen. “Hey!” he shouted. 

The two culprits, a.k.a Tidus and Selphie, looked up like deer caught in the headlights. The former of the two bumped into the rear of the latter, sending them both to the ground. 

“Tidus? Selph?” Kairi voiced as she emerged from the other side of the rock. 

Selphie scrambled back up to her feet, knocking Tidus back down in the process as she approached her best girl friend. “I-It’s not what it looks like!” 

Tidus rubbed the sore spot on the back of his head. “Except it’s totally what it looks like.” The comment earned him a scowl from Selphie. 

“Were you two spying on us?” Kairi asked. 

Selphie bit her lip and averted her eyes. “W-Well, that’s uh...”

“It was her idea,” Tidus accused with a sharp finger pointed at Selphie, though the brunette didn’t deny it as she fiddled with her fingers. 

“Selphie...” Kairi admonished. 

“I’m sorry! I just heard you two like to come here a lot Lea and, uh... I dunno, I was a teeny bit curious to see how far you guys were gonna go. And you’re just soooo cute!” 

Sora sighed as he shrugged defeatedly. 

“That’s... sweet, Selphie, but boundaries would be nice sometimes, you know?” Kairi chastised kindly. 

Selphie bowed her head in shame. “Yeah, I know...” 

Sora crossed his arms. He was beginning to think this island was too crowded for his liking. “Well, uh, we’ll leave you two to it then,” he said somewhat hastily. 

Kairi was caught off-guard when Sora moved past Selphie and took her hand in one swift motion as he hurried out of the Secret Place. 

“W-Wait!” Selphie said, reaching out for them. “I just need to know if you guys have gotten to third-ba—” 

Tidus covered Selphie’s mouth and pulled her back before she made the situation any more awkward than she already had. 

“Just don’t, Selph.” 

After having to feel the brunt of Lea’s teasing once again, Sora led Kairi to the wooden door leading to the cove. Sora and Kairi briefly examined the area before hopping across the broken bridge that led to the other side. 

“Watch your step,” Sora warned. 

Kairi puffed out her chest. “Hey, don’t you worry about me, I think by now I’ve learned a thing or twoowhoa!” she sputtered as she nearly tripped over herself when she landed on the other side before Sora caught her in the nick of time. He carefully brought her back up to her feet.

“You okay?” Sora asked with genuine concern. 

Kairi found the will to stop ogling and cast him a smile. “Yes.” 

They stood in a comfortable silence before they heard feet pattering against the sandy surface in the short distance. 

“Woof, woof! Woof, woof!” 

Before he even had a chance to react, Sora was tackled to the floor by Pluto and it only took a second longer for his face to be submerged in the dog’s drool. 

“Aww, Pluto,” Sora whined, though Kairi couldn’t bite back the laughter that escaped her even if she wanted to. Once Sora’s face was appropriately drenched, he moved over to Kairi and would’ve nearly pounced on her as well if Kairi didn’t catch him in time. She still gave him plenty of chin scratches and pets to assure him his appearance wasn’t entirely unwelcome. 

“It’s very nice to see you, too,” Kairi greeted. “How’ve you been, boy?” 

“Gosh,” said a familiar high-pitched voice. “Sorry about that, you two. You know how Pluto can get sometimes.” 

King Mickey approached them along with Riku. The latter chuckled as Kairi took a handkerchief out of one of the pockets of her pink shorts, dabbing Sora’s face once she was free from Pluto. 

“Sorry, were we interrupting something?” Riku asked, a sly grin on his face. 

Sora cleared his throat. “Uh, well...” 

“Yes, you are,” Kairi answered boldly, though her words betrayed the smile on her face. 

Riku raised his hands in defense. “Don’t mind us, we were just trying to get a little training in. But if you needed a little bit of privacy, then by all means...” 

Riku stepped out of the way, presenting the rest of the cove to them, empty and barren for their disposal. Kairi sent an appreciative smile while Sora bashfully scratched his cheek. 

“Thanks, Riku,” Sora said as he and Kairi moved past them. Riku playfully saluted while he and Mickey shared a chuckle. They were about to leave along with Pluto before they saw Lea charging in hot. 

“Hey, Sora! I got somethin’ for ya,” he cried. 

Riku calmly grabbed the back of Lea’s shirt before he could get any closer and yanked him back. “I don’t think so.” 

“No, but it’s really important! I swear,” Lea said.

“What is it?” Mickey asked. 

“I’m locked out of my house and I need his Keyblade to unlock it.” 

Riku and Mickey shared a look. “You do realize more than half of us have Keyblades, right? Matter of fact, don’t you have a Keyblade?” 

“And don’tcha live in Twilight Town?” Mickey added. 

“I… I just moved here?” Lea gave a sheepish grin. “Today, actually. Crazy coincidence, am I right?” 

Riku and Mickey shared a look of disbelief before nodding to affirm they were on the same page. Despite his protests, they grabbed Lea by his shoulders as they dragged him away from the scene. 

Sora and Kairi were left to themselves as their eyes wandered the cove, a wave of nostalgia flooding over them both as memories lurked in every nook and cranny of this area of the island. 

“Hey, remember when the raft used to be here?” Kairi asked as she wrapped her arms behind her back. “It’s almost like... this is where everything started.” 

“How could I forget?” Sora asked with a chuckle. “We worked so hard on that thing. It’s a shame we never got to give it a try.” 

“It’s a nice thought, wondering what would’ve happened had we been together the whole time setting sail on the sea. But honestly...” Kairi walked towards the shore, her arms tied behind her back as she looked to the sky wistfully. “If I could go back and change how everything went down, I don’t think I would.” 

“Really?” Sora tilted his head. 

Mm hm.” Kairi nodded, pursing her lips into a tight smile. “It may not have been ideal, but being able to go inside your heart, being able to see things through your eyes and feel the things that you felt... how much you cared about me and wanted nothing more than to make sure I was safe... maybe we’re this close because of that. And ever since then, no matter what, we always find our way back to each other again.” She turned around and faced him. “I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Not for one second.” 

Sora was left speechless for a moment until a certain warmth washed him over. “Kairi...” he said quietly, his eyes trained on the sand. “I guess sometimes I just wish I could’ve done better for you. You spent all that time having to watch from the sidelines, waiting for me to come home because I kept leaving you all alone. I guess sometimes I wish I could’ve done better for you.”

Kairi sighed, but she settled into a gentle smile as she carefully approached him in good spirits. “Sora, go into your back pocket for me please.” 

Sora raised an eyebrow. “Uh, sure.” 

He did as told and dug into his back pocket and retrieved the good luck charm she had given him all those years ago. Since then, she wanted him to keep it permanently as a reminder of the bond they shared. Sora had come to treasure it deeply. 

“Even if we’re apart, we’re not alone anymore,” Kairi said. “Remember that?” 

Sora looked over the charm and the face, his own face, she drew grinning back at him. His eyes shimmered as the memories came back. “Yeah,” he said. “We made a promise.” 

Kairi nodded. “We did. No matter what happens, no matter how far apart we are...” 

She took Sora’s hand and gently closed them around the good luck charm. 

“We’ll always find each other,” she said with a soft smile. “No matter what.”  

After a moment of silence, Sora nodded. “You’re right.” He gripped his lucky charm harder. “I don’t think I would trade anything in the world for that either.” 

“So, don’t worry about that stuff. In the end, I think it made me stronger. Not just me, but you too. And besides, I love you just the way you are, no matter how much of a hopeless goofball you are.” 

“Thanks, Kai—hey, wait a minute! You take that back.” 

Kairi giggled as she ran away. “But it’s the truth! You said it yourself.” 

Sora grinned. “Okay, you asked for it!” 

Sora chased Kairi all over the cove, leaving no stone unturned as they playfully teased each other all the while. Sora could have easily caught up to her before, but after all the training Kairi had received, she was a lot trickier to catch these days. Their misadventures ranged from running behind the coconut trees to splashing each other in the sea. 

At one point, Kairi was running away after she casted Waterga magic on Sora (which Sora thought was cheating but at least he had an Aeroga spell to dry himself fast). 

“Now, you’re really gonna get it!” Sora declared as he chased after her. 

“I’d like to see you try!” 

Sora looked ahead and put on a look of surprise. “Oh, hey Riku!” 

Kairi stopped in her tracks. “Riku?” Before she had a second longer to react, Sora grabbed her by the waist from behind. 

“Gotcha!” he said, a toothy smile as Kairi kicked her legs out. 

“No!” she said in-between her giggles. “Lemme go, you lazy bum!” 

“Nuh uh, I need my revenge.” Sora put on a malicious smile as he began tickling her sides. Kairi howled with uncontrollable laughter. 

“Sora…! I-I can’t!” Kairi sputtered. 

“Ha! Not so tough are ya now, huuuuhaaaaah!” Sora couldn’t finish his comment before he tripped over himself while backing up. He fell to his back, taking the brunt of the fall while he caught Kairi in the nick of time as she fell on top of his chest. They landed in the middle of shrubbery and gorgeous flowers that bloomed brilliantly near the ladder that led to the zipline. 

After a brief stint of silence, they ultimately laughed at the situation at hand. This felt right. This was how it should’ve been. The stars had aligned and the universe was finally working in their favor. So it seemed, at least. Kairi wanted to last forever. 

But she knew deep down all good things must come to an end. 

“Hey,” she said suddenly. “I have a surprise for you.” 

Before Sora could question her, she went into her back pocket and pulled out a paopu fruit. How she was able to carry that back there, she wasn’t sure but neither of them questioned it. 

“I know we’ve already shared one before, but... I kind of want to relive that moment again,” Kairi admitted.

Sora didn’t say anything. He only offered a smile. A smile that communicated everything it needed to. He told her that she was safe, secure, and free of judgment. He told her that she was the apple of his eyes, the girl of his dreams, and his destiny. He told her how happy he was the first time she asked him to share one with him and he wanted nothing more than to do it again. All with one smile. 

“You know I’ll come back to you, right?” he asked. “I won’t give up. I’ll never give up.” 

Kairi’s smile turned solemn. “Promise?” 

“Promise.” 

Sora took the paopu fruit from her possession and gently grazed his teeth on top of one of the spikes. Kairi took the initiative to nibble the other end, but before either could bite down, she cupped his cheek with her hand. Sora responded by using his index finger and thumb to carefully hold her chin. 

The way he looked into her eyes with such a focus and confidence, it was enough to make a tear stream down her face. No matter what the situation, he always assured her that he would come back. 

They both simultaneously bit down on the paopu fruit, solidifying their destiny to find each other once again, and in a turn of events, the fruit dissipated into sparkles that twinkled against the setting sun. They were still and locked firmly in the moment as they looked into each other’s eyes, her hand and his fingers still attached to each other’s faces, quietly admiring each other until Sora ended up being the first to break it. 

“Don’t ever forget,” he said. “Wherever you go...” 

Then Kairi woke up. 

Reality settled as the memories slowly drifted back as she studied her room, the morning sun peeking through the slits of her blinds and its warmth faded from the translucent curtains. Eventually, she remembered it had been a year and a few months since Sora disappeared. She and the others were still hard at work looking for a way to bring him back home. But for a moment, she was relieved of the pain of her own uncertainty of his whereabouts and her lack of ability to see his kind smile beyond distant memories. It reminded her of the time when she first returned to the islands without Sora or Riku, except it was even more painful because her memory was fully intact. 

He was there. He was so close. She could feel his touch. Everything felt so natural and real. Perhaps, in its own roundabout way, it was? 

Maybe, just maybe... Sora was trying to communicate with her. Perhaps he wanted to assure her that he was okay and that he would return to her, but they could only meet in a dream. As the dream was nearing its end, she did recall her memories slowly rematerializing in the back corners of her mind and she had to assume the same could’ve been said for Sora as well as their fun-filled day on Destiny Islands without a care in the world came to an end. They both remembered that Sora still had to come back and he made sure to promise that he would. 

Yes, it had to be him. Even the impossible couldn’t keep him away from her for long. No matter what the circumstances, Sora found a way. 

Tears welled up in her eyes and they gradually slid down her cheeks as she looked out the window at the bright, morning sky. 

“I’m always with you,” Kairi finished. 

Credit for both of these amazing art pieces goes to my super talented friend, @amyhayanora​!

[chikoriita]

The Search for Sora Ch.1

Read on AO3.org

Kairi came to the island everyday without fail now. It wasn’t like there was anything else to do. Nothing was the same anymore. After everything she had been through, her parents did not pressure her to open up. Kairi didn’t even know where to begin with them. The day she returned, she was inconsolable. All she could remember were tears and frenzy. Her tears, Riku’s tears, and frantic s that she didn’t have the answers to. How could she? The second to last memory she had was pain; a sharp pain in her back and a dull pain in her heart. The last memory was gazing into his blue eyes, his thumb caressing her hand. How was she to know that he would disappear the next instant? She took in a deep breath. If she had known- No. She couldn’t go back to that thinking.

Every morning before dawn, she took her little row boat to the Kid Island. From dawn until dusk, Kairi waited on the beach for any sign. This wasn’t the first time she’d been apart from him, but previously, she didn’t remember him. Was that a blessing or a curse? Last time he returned to her, he came down from the sky right there. She couldn’t risk missing Sora when he returned. This beach was where they spent their childhood. With Riku, they planned their journey to see new worlds on the raft.. If he showed up anywhere, it would be here.

“Want some company?” She looked to her left to find Riku standing beside her.

Kairi patted the sand next to her. “Always.” He hadn’t been on world for a week, and she missed him. These days he was either settling the newly recovered like Roxas, Naminé and Xion or meeting with Master Yen Sid. If not for Riku, she would have been broken beyond hope. He and Sora were the first friends she had, the first people she remembered meeting in her new life.

He took the seat beside her. They sat in heavy silence for a few minutes, but Riku was here for a reason. “I’m worried about him too.”

She looked upward and closed her eyes. “I’m not.”

“You’re not?”

Kairi shook her head. “Sora’s been through so much. How can we undermine that by worrying about him?” She laughed harshly. “Anyway, who am I to judge?”

“It is not your-”

She cut him off. “Save it. I know. Still, I just hope… wish that he isn’t alone.”

Riku put his arm around her shoulders. “That was his reasoning too. He didn’t want you to be alone. Not for one more second, he said.”

Her eyes welled up once more. At least once a day, the tears came back, but she refused to shed anymore. “I wouldn’t have minded!” She cried and dropped her face into her hands. “Not if he was safe.”

He pulled her into a hug. “I failed you both.” The words came out harshly against her hair. “I wanted the strength to protect what truly mattered. What good is that power if I couldn’t protect you? Or him?” A tear drop fell onto her face.

“Do. Not. Say. That.” She held him tightly against her. “We can’t change the past.”

“I should have stayed with you during the battle instead of letting you go off with another novice.” He pulled away from the hug. “Not anymore. I’m not losing sight of what’s important any longer.”

She smiled softly. “Wait till that lazy bum comes back. He doesn’t know how much we miss him.” Riku laughed deeply.

They returned to the silence of before with only the quiet crash of the waves to accompany them. The Destiny Islands were a paradise; other than the night of darkness, Kairi couldn’t remember a cloudy day. It was the flowering season on the island. Even that was ruined by the Keyblade. The same flowers that grew on the island made up her keychain, and she refused to summon her Keyblade anymore.

Kairi shook the thought of her Keyblade away and stared into the horizon. Wait. Who was rowing toward them? No one came out to the island anymore.

“Who is that?” Riku asked, trying to make out the figure. Kairi squinted and saw the tell-tale hairstyle. The guilt settled on her stomach once more but a whole new reason this time.

Selphie rowed faster and faster as if someone was chasing her.

“What is she doing here?”

Riku chuckled. “I don’t know. She looks excited though.” Kairi elbowed him in the stomach. He hadn’t been here for the last year and half. An excited Selphie was more than anyone, even a Keyblade Master, could handle.

They stood up as she tied her boat to the dock. She jumped out with a familiar device in hand. Riku raised his brow. “You gave her your Gummiphone?” He whispered standing up. Kairi followed suit, brushing the sand off her skirt.

“I didn’t need it anymore,” she muttered back.

“You. Guys. This thingamajiggy you have. It’s amazing. There’s a device that takes your picture instantly. I can search for anything. Can you believe how much info-”

“Selph, stop.” Kairi held out her hand, accidentally summoning her Keyblade. Her friend paused mid word and hand mid gesture.

Riku smacked her shoulder. “Good job, Kai. You need to control when you summon it.”

“I don’t want to summon it anyway.”

He didn’t hear her, or he chose to ignore her. Good. She didn’t want to argue with him about that today anyway. They waited a few more seconds for the stop to wear off.

“I didn’t realize your magic was so strong,” Riku commented.

Kairi winced. “It wasn’t before,” she admitted. Maybe if it had been…

“-rmation on it!” Selphie continued where she left off.

Kairi couldn’t stay annoyed at her. Selphie was hyperactive, and most of the time, it was a welcome distraction.

“Good to see you haven’t changed, Selphie.” Riku ruffled her hair.

Selphie grinned in return. “You’re so sweet.”

“Did you come rushing over here to show me my phone?” Kairi asked. She didn’t mind Selphie using the phone. Since she renounced her position as a Guardian, she didn’t need it or the Keyblade anymore. Selphie was free to use it.

“No. I came here to show you the message on the phone.” She stuck the device into Kairi’s face. Personal space was no barrier for Selphie Tilmitt.

Kairi unlocked the phone and went to her inbox. There was a message from Olette. Olette?

Chip and Dale gave up on maintaining any sort of world order after this last debacle. With King Mickey’s blessing and a stern warning from Master Yen Sid, they opened up the GummiWeb to everyone. Mr. McDuck was their first customer, buying up the entire stock of Gummiphones made by the chipmunks. He was not entirely lucrative, however. Scrooge McDuck may be greedy and frugal, but he appreciated the Guardians and their allies from the bottom of his heart. Every ally received a free Gummiphone with no strings attached. Last she heard, the Twilight Town gang went nuts with the news.

She swiped the message open and nearly wept once more. It was a picture of all of their friends in Twilight Town. Lea and Isa. Roxas, Naminé, and Xion. Hayner, Pence and Olette. All of them posed around a crown symbol embedded in the brick behind them.

Kairi paused and thought, Lucky emblems aren’t crowns. Crowns were for-

“What’s the text say?”

Text? She completely missed the message accompanying the picture.

“We found new emblems all over Twilight Town while on a lucky emblem hunt for Mr. McDuck. These are different. They’re not hidden at all. It’s like someone is trying to send a message. Call me when you can,” she read aloud and gasped. “Riku. Do you think- No it has to be a joke.” She pulled back to throw the phone into the ocean. Riku plucked it out of her hand.

“Call first, toss later.” He dialed Olette’s number. Kairi took the phone back from him when the call was accepted. There was a scuffle on the other end of the call.

“Kairi!” A pang hit her heart at the sight. Xion looked straight back at her with a wide smile on her face. She seemed to be in the Usual Spot, the little alleyway the Twilight Town kids made their hangout. The setting sun streamed through the open rafters above her and bathed her in light. Kairi had to admit; light suited her.

“Hi Xion.” Out of all those connected to his heart, Xion was her favorite (she claimed Naminé as her own). Roxas was brave and Ventus kind, but Xion understood Kairi’s pain. After all, she originated from Sora’s memories of Kairi; that alone made her special.

“We miss you and Riku- Roxas, give that back!” The camera pivoted once again to show Roxas.

“Correction. She misses Riku. You are beyond him in every way,” Roxas says to the camera. Riku grunts from behind her.

“Give him a break Roxas,” Another voice says off-camera. Was that Naminé? He points the camera toward her. “Hello!” She waves daintily. The small modicum of class Kairi had before her adventure started all went to Naminé.

Roxas turned the camera back to himself. “Kairi is still my favorite. The original,” he whispers loudly to the phone. “Ow!” he laughs.

“Stop kissing up and give Olette the phone.” Kairi heard Axel say as the camera shifted one more time to the owner.

“We all miss you. But there’s more important things to talk about. Look at this!” She rotated the camera, which now faced a brick wall.

“No way,” Riku whispered. Selphie leaned in closer to see what was on the screen. Kairi didn’t believe it either. There was a bright yellow crown shining on the wall.

Olette continued speaking. “These aren’t any secret. Someone wants us to find them. This one arrived just before your call.”

“It arrived?” Kairi asked. She couldn’t take her eyes off the pulsing crown. It called to her.

The other girl nodded. “These symbols, they show up out of the blue and disappear around a day later. We thought it was a joke, but then we found one yesterday.”

“It’s not just here.” Xion added. “Lea suggested asking Ienzo; there have been two sightings in Radiant Garden.”

Kairi turned to look at Riku. “It can’t be a coincidence, can it? He wears that necklace all the time,” her voice broke at the last word. Selphie put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I hope you don’t mind,” the camera shifted once more to reveal Pence, “but the GummiWeb is full of kids from Twilight Town posting pictures of these symbols. They showed up around the same time… well, you know. So we started a way of tracking where these symbols are.”

“How can you do that?” All this technology was new to the three of them. Even though Riku spent the better part of the year with Ansem the Wise, do not ask him to decipher anything with a computer.

“We posted on the GummiGram that any future crown symbols should be tagged #SearchForSora. Maybe the way they show up means something.” Olette said. “We’ll keep you updated. Bye!” The call ended with a chorus of goodbyes from the Usual Spot. It was a balm to her bruised soul to know that the battle was not in vain. Seeing former Nobodies living their lives gave Kairi hope. It was the little hopes that kept her spirit alive.

“Anything is better than nothing,” Kairi whispered, closing her eyes. Once again, her friends were doing more to help Sora than she was. All she could do is wait on the beach for him to come back.

“Maybe…waiting isn’t good enough.” She remembered a younger, braver Kairi saying once on a beach. What happened to that courage? How could she let Xehanort take that spunk away from her?

“These crowns mean something. I’m going to figure it out,” she said with her right fist clenched around Destiny’s Embrace once more.

“Not without me.” This time, she raised her brow at Riku. He summoned his Keyblade as well. Selphie took a few steps away from them. A wise choice.

“Don’t you have better things to do than babysit, Master Riku?”

He put his Keyblade away and took a step toward her. She did not retreat. Riku narrowed his eyes, and she met his measure for measure. She would not back down this time. He sighed and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Please. Don’t do this without me.”

“Riku, don’t you understand? You’re the one who will end up saving him. It’s always you.” She spoke the truth. If Kairi was part of Sora’s light in the darkness, then Riku was the other half. His inspiration. “You focus on finding him.”

“No. Not without you. Sora said his journey began the day he lost you, but he forgot to mention that I lost you too. I can’t lose either of you anymore. So if you are planning to do this, then I will be with you every step of the way.” His voice cracked.

Kairi’s face crumpled. She promised herself that today she wouldn’t cry, but just like every other day since her return, she failed. Kairi wrapped her arms around her best friend and wept. “Well, then let’s go find our lazy bum.”

Next

Shout out to @elitesora​ and @anheiressofasoldier​ who wanted to read this.

[babakziai]

Adjectives continue their downward spiral, with adverbs likely to follow. Wisdom, grace, and beauty can be had three for a dollar, as they head for a recession. Diaphanous, filigree, pearlescent, and love are now available at wholesale prices. Verbs are still blue-chip investments, but not many are willing to sell. The image market is still strong, but only for those rated AA or higher. Beware of cheap imitations sold by the side of the road. Only the most conservative consider rhyme a good option, but its success in certain circles warrants a brief mention. The ongoing search for fresh metaphor has caused concern among environmental activists, who warn that both the moon and the sea have measurably diminished since the dawn of the Romantic era. Latter-day prosodists are having to settle for menial positions in poultry plants, where an aptitude for repetitive rhythms is considered a valuable trait. The outlook for the future remains uncertain, and troubled times may lie ahead. Supply will continue to outpace demand, and the best of the lot will remain unread. Source: Poetry November 2001 Alexa Selph BiographyMore poems by this author Poem of the Day: Market Forecast Poem of the Day: Market Forecast Poem of The Day {$excerpt:n} Source: Poem of The Day

http://babakziai.org/poem-of-the-day-market-forecast/

[fall2019comm2311]

Week 2 - Vohnny Selph

This new wonderful thing called social media... What to even say about it... What was once supposed to be the thing that could connect us all has degraded into a new method for us all to call each other names. My facebook feed is an embarrassing argument about politics filled with people who don’t understand the concepts of the things their complaining about much less how to implement change. My Instagram feed is little more than what each person I know had to eat that day... (Who cares! Why are you posting pictures of lunch you didn’t make without a recipe you clown shoe!) My L2blah account reverted to neanderthal level grunts and chest-pounding and somehow we all understood the language >< I’ve been trolling noobs since it was a thing and for a long time I thought that was all social media was going to be. Then one day I saw my first add. I noticed that first tracking cookie. I realized these brilliant bastards were big brothering us and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to allow them to. This statement brings me to my next point. Google.com isn’t a social media site. It’s a search engine designed to help us find the information we want. Right?!? WRONG!! The folks at Google give you the information they deem acceptable for you to see (not entirely on purpose like I think they have a grand plan to take over the world or anything) and mine so much information from you that they may very well know more about you than your own mother. Now I doubt very seriously there is some little evil nerd in the basement of the google facility pouring over your specific usage data so he can one day clone you and experiment on your orifices. But keep some lotion handy just in case. We don’t want to anger the little nerd if we don’t have to. All forms of media are inherently social. The fact that we exclude some or many from mass use doesn’t change that fact. I think there is a collective ignorance brought on by groupthink and education strategies to create compliance amongst the populace. Now I don’t think this is inherently a bad thing but I do think we’re holding ourselves back from something far greater. Too bad I’m too busy laughing at memes and cat videos to delve deeper and solve this issue. >< Foiled by the man!

[cherry--a]

In fact, instead of Claris was supposed to be me, because it was drawn from my nightmare. But felt that her role would be appropriate than mine. The nightmare swirled in my head for a long time, and is the only creation, drawn from a nightmare. Imagine that you are just wander in some mansion. There is no electricity in the mansion there, the only light we had was moonlight. So, you just wander and you accidentally see a familiar figure, and you just run behind him to ask for help, or at least to unite in search of an exit. This figure came into the room and closes the door behind him. You run after him and open the door. To your surprise, this figure is no in the room, empty, you are alone. Long looking around the room you hear a whisper behind your back <<...Don't look...>>. You did not have time to think to turn and you close your mouth and grab your throat. Thus you repel, and your legs lifted from the floor. Further, I see no reason to tell more, I just picked up the only highlights for this image. Art belongs to Alice-Hedgeh (me) Сlaris Sinclair and Selph* © SEGA *Selph (or Self) was a deleted Nightmaren boss from the original game, NiGHTS into Dreams. It was intended to be in the game but was deleted from the roster at the last second because Yuji Naka believed the game was "perfect enough". Selph was supposed to be a concealed/secret boss. Yuji Naka said in his interview that Selph was based on the self archetype of Carl Jung's theory and described him as "Myself I could never be exceeded" , which probably meant that Self was also based on vanity/pride or ego. Self's appearance was unfinished prior his deletion. Even through Selph was deleted, a hacker discovered some of the Selph's data in the roster, right before Wizeman's. This jewel of information included a music track of what would have been Selph's battle theme, entitled "Know Thyself," which bears an interesting resemblance to "Dreams, Dreams", leading many fans to believe that Selph has a strong connection to NiGHTS. Furthermore, on the disc for Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, the menu image for NiGHTS notably has a slightly distinct design from the "real" NiGHTS, leading some to believe Selph may strongly resemble NiGHTS. However, no data exists relating to any physical designs for the deleted boss, leaving fans to speculate and invent possible designs for themselves. Another nugget of information discovered were parts for a sort of "mirror staff" and additional information regarding the data, found by another hacker. DeviantArt: https://www.deviantart.com/alice-hedgeh/art/DoN-t-Lo0k-723794910

[chikoriita]

The Search for Sora Ch. 2

Read on AO3.org

1 . 2

Kairi began to rethink her decision. Not her mission; never that. No, she regretted brushing off the Gummiphone as soon as Selphie started her lessons. If they were going to do this, they needed to learn everything about the phone. Selphie was the only one on Destiny Islands that could use the thing. She spent the last three days learning with the originals themselves. Chip and Dale guided her through everything and wished her luck. From their experience, Keyblade wielders couldn’t use technology. Kairi could not, for sure. Her only comfort was that Riku was only slightly less lost.

Riku and Kairi sat at a table with their phones in front of them. Selphie stood at the front of the room with a stern face and arms akimbo. “Riku! Why do you not have a passcode for your phone?” Selphie scolded. “You need to keep your phone protected!”

Kairi suppressed a laugh at Riku’s scowl. “What use is that? The phone isn’t leaving my pocket.” He slouched in his chair, crossing his arms.

Selphie dropped her face in her hands. “You need to protect all the data on your phone. It has to stay your own; data can be corrupted.”

“Do you want another Roxas, Riku?” Kairi teased. “You love him so much.” He turned the scowl onto her. Kairi returned a smile. There was no love lost between those two.

Selphie smacked the table between them. “Focus! Next, let’s review tagging. Kairi?” she asked.

“It’s a label that we can track on a post. If we click on it, we can find other pictures with the same tag. We can even check the location through tags.”

“Excellent.” Selphie shot Riku a look and gestured to Kairi. “Emulate her.”

“Get to the point, Selph,” he sighed. Selphie shrugged and turned back to the chalkboard she used to track their lesson.

Kairi patted him on the hand. “Selphie is doing us the favor,” she reminded. Without these lessons, they would be lost when they went out into the worlds.

“I know, but… it feels like we’re wasting time,” Riku said softly. “The King hasn’t given his approval yet.”

She admitted that this worried her as well. Riku had one stipulation: the King needed to sign off on this expedition. After all, King Mickey was the final authority on the world order. For her part, Kairi planned to trample all over the world order to find any sign of Sora. Chip and Dale informed them that the King was off world visiting Master Yen Sid.

“What if he says no?” Kairi asked, her voice barely breaking through. “Are you going to stay behind?”

Riku looked at her. “What do you want the answer to be?”

Kairi turned away. She wasn’t ready for this conversation yet.

Meanwhile, life had returned close to normal for Donald and Goofy. As close as they could after- they were coping. Queen Minnie forced them to rest along with the King. Donald ruffled his feathers at the order, but the Queen would not budge on this. If they did not relax, she threatened them with exile. The threat straightened Donald and his feathers right away. Goofy took to relaxing better than Donald. Today was a day just like the last few weeks. Goofy forced Donald to lay on the soft courtyard grass, and they both practiced relaxation exercises.

“Breathe in. Then,” Goofy exhaled, “Breathe out.” His eyes were closed and his breathing even.

Donald did not have the same level of success. He quacked angrily. “This is useless!” He jumped up from his position on the ground. “What’s the p- WHAT’S THAT?” He exclaimed.

Goofy sat up, alert. He followed to where Donald pointed. A bright light in the shape of a crown, Sora’s crown, pulsed on the wall.

“You don’t think…” Goofy asked.

“It has to be Sora!” Donald cried hopefully. This was the first sign of the missing boy since they saw him fade from Destiny Islands. It was hard to believe how dear Sora became to their hearts over the last two years. Had it only been two years since they met him? The bright boy they met in Traverse Town changed his life beyond anything he knew.

“Gawrsh, do you think the King knows about this?”

Donald shrugged impatiently. “We have to tell him. Sora needs us!” The mage twirled around to find Daisy standing behind them.

“Donald Duck!” Both Goofy and Donald backed away at the scold. “You know the Queen’s orders were clear.”

Goofy’s face fell. Donald’s eyes glistened. “But Daisy…” he started. Goofy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Daisy’s eyes softened. “I understand. Not everything, but I know that Sora is special to you two. Whenever he returns, he will need you safe and sound.” She pulled him into her arms. He relaxed in her arms; if he had to admit, it was the first time since their

Chip and Dale scurried out of the Gummi Garage. “Oh cool! We found one here!” Chip said excitedly.

“What is it?” Goofy asked.

“We don’t know. They’re popping up all over the worlds on the GummiGram,” Dale explained. “Kairi and Riku want to follow them through the worlds.”

Donald perked up. Daisy glared at him and crossed her arms. “No. You are staying here.”

Goofy supported Donald. “Daisy, they’ll need protectors. Riku is still recovering, and Kairi has never gone off on her own. Sora wouldn’t like it if we left them alone.”

She turned on him. “Neither of you understand, do you? You are the captain of the Royal Guard. And you,” Daisy pivoted to Donald. “You are the Royal Magician. You both are needed here at the castle, not on a wild search throughout the worlds.”

The two hunched over at the realization. Daisy softened the glare. “But we have other, younger options around the castle if you really think they need company.”

Goofy scratched his head. Who was Daisy talking about? The triplets were still in Twilight Town building their empire. Scrooge McDuck made a real difference on those kids. Wait, kids… Goofy met Daisy’s eyes with a gulp. Aw, phooey.

In recent memory, the Royal Guards were more of a decorative group than an active battalion. True, if the need arose, they would protect the Castle with their lives. Still, the youngest recruits yearned for something more. Something more along the lines of their fearless leader, rather than their current occupation: an afternoon game of checkers.

“Come on Max, it’s your move,” PJ yawned. “Hurry it up.” He laid his head on his hands, ready for an afternoon nap. Bobby was already fast asleep in the corner. Of the younger guards, PJ was the most studious and, as Max found out over their years of friendship, the most kind. He figured that PJ compensated for the other half of his notorious family. Living in Pete’s shadow would have been hard for anyone, let alone his straight and narrow son.

Max Goof wasn’t thinking about the game, but instead he contemplated the shift in atmosphere. The halls of Disney Castle were quieter these days. No one would say what was happening above stairs, but all the inhabitants knew there was something afoot. It was no coincidence that it happened when his dad returned this last time. For the last couple of years, the only thing the Guard knew was that Goofy and Donald were out protecting the other worlds and the light. Nothing else. Everyone in Disney Castle understood that the inner workings of the court were a secret. Everyone accepted that fact except Max. He needed answers from someone. Too many odd occurrences happened in the last year and a half for Max to just accept what he was told. This was his dad they were talking about.

If only I knew what question to ask, Max thought with a sigh. He picked up a piece to make his move when a voice chimed in, “Why are you guys playing two-dimensional checkers when we could be playing four-dimensional chess?”

“Aaah!” Both Max and PJ yelled. They turned to find their intruder floating outside their window.

Webbigail Vanderquack, the fledgling wizard fondly known as Webby, landed on the windowsill gracefully and smiled. “Come on, you know that I need to practice my magic. Let’s play!” She looked neat as a pin with her pink witch’s hat strapped neatly to her head and her blue dress flared.

Max groaned. She looked like an angel, but he knew better. After four years of living near Webby, he was hesitant to play any games with her. As the ward of Scrooge McDuck and the mentee of Donald, her mind and magic both terrified him. The last time they attempted chess, Webby opened a portal to a different realm, and then Max drew the line at any board games.

“Webby, we’re just looking for a quiet afternoon,” PJ said with another yawn.

“Hmm.” The younger girl tapped her feather to her chin. “I guess that means you’re too tired to hear what happened in the courtyard today then.”

Max sat up alert. “What happened?”

She jumped onto the ground with dramatic flair. “A crown appeared on the courtyard wall. No one knows from where or how it got there. Donald and Goofy think it’s a sign.”

“A sign of what? That we live in a castle?” PJ asked, nudging Max with his elbow.

Max ignored the friendly ribbing. “What do you think it means?” He asked Webby.

The young wizard shrugged. “I was too far away to hear anything other than Donald’s squawking. Daisy forbid us from going there, remember?”

If history indicated anything, Max knew that Goofy and Donald were about to embark on some crazy adventure without telling anyone. Not this time though; Max was going to put his foot down. His dad was not going to leave Disney Castle without giving him the answers he searched for.

He grabbed his shield and stood up. “Hey Peej, can you hold down the fort?” He got a soft grunt from his soon to be asleep friend. Max figured that was enough affirmation and turned his attention to Webby. “Wanna go snoop around and find the truth?”

If he wasn’t on her side, the smile on her face would have sent chills down his spine. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Sunsets felt incomplete without Sora at their side, but everyday without fail, Kairi and Riku spent the twilight hour at the beach. Kairi was adamant that if he returned on his own, this would be his first stop. Riku let her believe what she needed, and together, they waited on the paopu tree. She appreciated his thoughtfulness, especially today. The King finally received Riku’s message and replied promptly.

-I’m coming ASAP to DI.

The wait was agonizing. The message came through an hour ago, and she wanted to pull out her hair in anticipation. What was taking him so long? How far away had the Mysterious Tower moved?

“Are you two sure about this?” The King’s voice came from behind them. Kairi nearly fell off the tree in shock. When had he arrived? Riku helped her down, and they faced King Mickey together. He wore a somber expression, the same one that he wore the day Kairi returned. “I don’t want your hopes to shatter if you don’t find anything.”

“Mickey,” Riku started. Kairi cut in before he had a chance to continue. “If anything, this is my only hope. He’s out there somewhere, and he’s sending us a message.”

Mickey nodded. “You’re willing to leave everything to go find him, aren’t you?” He asked softly.

She shook her head. “Not everything. Not Riku.” She smiled at her friend. “We both want to find him. It’s only fair you allow him to travel with me.”

The King laughed. “Riku never needed my permission before. I remember a time when he went and took a different form to find Sora,” He pointedly said to Riku.

“I matured since then,” Riku said indignantly.

“You’re a Master now. You are free to traverse the worlds as you see fit.”

“And the world order?” Kairi asked.

Mickey took a minute to ponder the subject. “If Chip and Dale are correct, which they usually are, the world order is no longer so restrictive. After all of Sora, Donald, and Goofy’s meddling, the order was shattered long ago. Besides,” he paused, then said, “All the worlds were one, once upon a time…” He trailed off.

His words struck a faint memory. “The age of fairytales,” Kairi murmured.

Mickey nodded. “The worlds may not be ready for this knowledge however. If you choose to go, at least attempt to keep the order. It will not be easy.”

Riku agreed. “At least we’ll have Donald’s magic to help us blend in.” From what Sora told him, Donald was the last true believer in the world order. He ensured that they fit into every world they visited.

Mickey wore a sheepish grin. “Actually, Donald and Goofy are under mandatory leave, by order of the Queen.”

Kairi’s face fell. Not only would their journey be harder without them, but she looked forward to getting to know them better. Sora spoke highly of the pair.

He must have seen the sad look on her face because not one second later, he patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry Kairi! Chip and Dale informed me that Daisy has come up with a backup plan.”

She punched the air in excitement and turned to Riku. “Are you ready to find him?” Kairi asked, but didn’t find him beside her.

Riku returned to his spot against the tree and looked out to the horizon. “The first time I left the islands, I gave up everything to leave. I thought that you and Sora were with me.” He scoffed. “What a fool that kid was. And now we’re separated again. You were right Kairi.”

“About?” She prodded softly, moving closer to him. Mickey waved goodbye and left the teenagers to their conversation.

“We’re going to be the ones to save him.” He pulled her close with an arm around her shoulder. They watched the sun set one more time and futilely hoped that Sora would once again drop out of the sky to return to them.

“How are you doing that?” she asked him.

The other star pulsed in return. “I’m focusing all my energy into my memories.”

“Do you think they’ll find the connection?” Her star twinkled.

“If it’s my fate, then every step is one closer to home.” His star twirled among the clouds of this world, waiting for his light in the darkness.

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