[IC] 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘋𝘶𝘴𝘬 𝘛𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘢𝘸𝘯 | 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒐 // 𝑻𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂

[AlteredTundra]

Kai's urgency knew no bounds, not when Aira's safety was factored in. He made haste, his legs moving faster than they ever had in their fourteen years of his life. They moved, turning corner after corner, swiping away black shadow creature after black shadow creature with his key...blade. This thing was best referred to as a Keyblade, Kai thought to himself. And as that thought faded into nothingness, Kai’s presence around town did the same.

He finally rounded the corner to Aira’s house and he burst through the door, hesitation non-existent. When he went through the door, the sight of Aira warmed his heart. It grew warmer when he saw her unsafe. He thanked whatever god he could that he got to her house just in the nick of time. It was, as some would say, a miracle. And yet, at the same time he arrived, Kai realized something was terribly, terribly wrong.

He couldn’t properly explain the scene that had unfolded before him, but in a matter of moments, though it seemed like an eternity, Kai bore witness to these tentacle-like things come up from the ground as a strange girl with pink hair stood beside her with a scythe.

The only thing Kai could do in the limited amount of time he was given to see Aira safe, then gone, was watch her disappear into the ground. His name was called out by her two, rosy lips. But she did not hear him call out to her. She was gone before he could do anything.

Kai was absolutely helpless. He couldn’t save her.

He sat there for what felt like hours, his sorrow overtaking him. He had cried and wept for his failures; for how he was utterly useless in protecting her. He swore he would protect her. He swore to that voice that beckoned him. He made a vow that he wanted nothing more than to protect her. He had proven his resolve when he was granted this-this Keyblade. When he has bestowed this weapon, he was able to protect Aira. He even was able to protect his family with it. But when it came down to it, Kai wasn’t able to do anything as she was taken from him.

“I’ve failed you, Aira…”

Do you want to save her, Kai?

Again, he heard the same voice. Though, as he let the words resonate in his mind, Kai gritted his teeth. “Where were you!? Why didn’t you save her!?” He replied angrily, emotional.

I apologize, Kai. I wish there was something I could’ve done.

“You could have stopped it from happening! You claim to know about all of us and you obviously seem to know what’s going to happen. You could’ve helped her!”

There was a long moment of silence, to which Kai was wheezing through his emotions. It was then the voice spoke again. I am truly sorry, Kai. She is out of my reach, but there may be something that can be done. But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?

Trust? How could Kai trust this person when, despite knowing what was going to happen, they couldn’t do anything to stop Aira from being taken from him?

Go to the train station. Take the Purple Rain Train to Main Place. There, you will find an associate of mine. She will take you to a man in the Abandoned Mansion. Can you do that for me?

Kai stood up, not replying to the voice in his head. It wasn’t as though he didn’t hear the words spoken to him. He heard every single word. This was more about him digesting everything that just happened. He was still trying to process that she was gone, but Kai was not the kind of boy who would back down so easily. Aira was his everything. He was the only person of Sunset Terrace that didn’t judge him for his quirkiness. She never gave him a hard time like some of the other kids did. She was never cruel or mean to him. She never abandoned him like other did. She stood by him through thick and then. Even when their old friend, Axis, whom Kai nor Aira heard from in five years, had moved away, she didn’t let that from sticking by his side.

He wouldn’t be able to look himself in the mirror if he didn’t repay the favor.

“I’m in.”

That was all Kai said. He was off to the train station and to Twilight Town to meet this girl...whoever she was. Acting on blind faith was never his cup of tea, but Kai was desperate. He just prayed that his desperation wasn’t leading him down the wrong path.

When Kai reached the train station he saw the train. It started to glow with a brilliant light. As he would go forth, he closed his eyes because of the brightness of the train. When he opened his eyes, he hit a literal wall. Looking around him, he knew immediately something was wrong.

"Where am I?"

[Hero]

A pair of footsteps hit the ground in a hurry, an exasperated breath escaping her. Skidding to a halt, the girl placed her hands on her knees, trying to regulate her breath. As she threw her head up, she watched as a star's light blinked out. Another world, gone. The Darkness was way ahead of schedule, though a pang of guilt hit her as it was likely a result of their search for her. Letting out a sigh, she continued to walk at a slower pace, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. Her blue eyes scanned the plaza, awaiting any new arrivals. To her dismay, none arrived--only the few that were already there remained.

Stomping her right foot in frustration, she let out a sigh. There was nothing she could do but lie low. She was certain they would come for her soon. Somehow, she couldn't quite hide from them, but Traverse Town was different from the rest. Even if they caught up, all she had to do was hop to the next world. Patting her cheeks to perk herself up, she climbed the steps and entered the Accessory Shop.

Inside was a gruff looking man, toothpick in mouth as he rummaged through his inventory. "I know I had that Gummi piece somewhere..." He grumbled to himself, not noticing the young girl enter until she approached the counter. "What's with that look on your face?"

She shook her head, frowning. "Another world has fallen..." She sighed sadly. "I'm at a loss, now. They're moving much faster than I had anticipated. Perhaps it's time to search another world."

"I hear ya, but I'm not done with your ship," He told her. "Just a little longer, then you're good to go. Make sure to let Aerith know you're leaving, then."

Nodding, the girl exited the shop, her hand on her chest. After a moment of thinking, she decided to take his advice and go over to the Third District.

[AlteredTundra]

Wherever he was, Kai didn’t recognize it. The way the sky looked as he glanced was different. The buildings around him, though familiar in the kind of stone and height to his home, was also different. The color wasn’t the same. When he glanced down, even the ground he stood on wasn’t the same as he remembered. Kai started to walk in the only direction he could: behind him. In front of him was a wall, so that was a no-go.

At some point, he made his way from an alleyway he had been in and could only estimate that what he walked into was the main plaza. He saw people around him. Some had looked his way and some didn’t bother to. As his green eyes glanced around the plaza, he saw a cafe, some other buildings that looked like shops, and a lot of people hovering around.

Kai felt like a stranger in a strange land. He saw faces he didn’t recognize and buildings he never had seen before. Nothing about this place was familiar, so he decided to explore. He went down just a general direction, going up a hill to what he perceived as some weird, second level. It still was just so weird for him. The way this place was built and how it was nothing like his home.

As Kai was walking, he found himself thinking about Aira. She had been the constant thought in his mind. No matter where he was or how unknown this place was, she was always on his mind. This continued as he was falling forward as the door he was against opened and he was face-first.

“Oi! Ya alright there, bum?”

Kai looked up and saw a rough-looking, middle-aged man with blond hair and a piece of straw out of his mouth. The man was dressed in a simple white shirt and blue jeans.

“Uh, yeah,” Kai nodded, standing up. He wasn’t hurt, though the fall did take him by surprise. “Sorry for bursting into your shop like that.”

“Don’t sweat it, kid,” the man said, looking at Kai in a weird way. “Ya don’t look like you’re from around here, kid.

Kai laughed nervously, unsure what to say in response. “I suppose I’m not. Truth be told, I don’t even know where here is.”

That response resulted in the older man to chuckle to himself, “I see you must be one of the new arrivals.”

“New arrivals?”

“Ya, we’ve been getting a lot of strays. People coming from portals and Gummy Transport Ships. It’s a real mess. The Heartless are causing a lot of problems.”

“I’m sorry but Heartless? Gummy Ships?” Kai asked, utterly confused by everything this man was saying.

“Jeez Louise, you really don’t know anything, do you?” The man shook his head, approaching Kai, “well for starters, I’m Cid, ya hear? And this here is my shop. Gummy Ships are - well, they’re portable, sometimes single-seated ships that help people go from world to world. This here is called Traverse Town. A lot of those who had their worlds fall to Heartless, these beings of pure evil without hearts, that are attracted to those of purity. They bring worlds to ruin.” Cid told Kai, giving the boy a once look over. “I’m gonna just guess that, based off of how so understanding of all of this, that your world was just taken over by the Heartless.”

Kai didn’t know what to say to that. He didn’t even know what these heartless looked like. Honestly, he still wasn’t sure about anything that was happening right now. All of these new terms and names of things he never knew existed. And now, as Kai glanced back at Cid, he didn’t know what to say to the man.

“I don’t know what to say to all of that. I’m just looking for someone. She was taken from me and..” Kai paused, remembering what Cid had just said. “Wait. You just said that people who had their worlds fall to these heartless are transported here?”

“Ye, that I did.”

So, that must mean.. “Do you get a lot of those people as customers?”

“Sometimes, yes. Why?”

“I’m looking for someone. She was taken from the same place I grew up on. Has a girl my age and around my height come around here?"

“Hmm,” Cid mused, rubbing his beard, “well, there is one but--”

Kai’s eyes lit up like a wave crashing ashore and he immediately grabbed Cid by the shoulders, giving him such a lively look. “Tell me, where did she go?”

“Okay, okay! Calm down, boy. I don’t know if she’s the one you’re looking for, but someone matching that description did just leave my shop about five minutes before you fell in.”

“Where did she go?”

“I can’t tell you with certainty, but I think she went to the Third District--”

Before Cid could finish, Kai was getting ready to head out. He had one foot out the door before Cid stopped him.

“Do you know where it is?”

Kai thought for a moment. It was a long moment, but in the end, he came to the conclusion that new place and Kai’s horrible sense of direction made it impossible for him to lie through this. “ Mr. Cid, I can vehemently say that I do not.”

They exchanged a glance for a full minute until Cid broke the silence. “When you head out of my shop, take a left and go straight through that big door. That should take you to the second district. As soon as you’re there, walk until your first right and then another. Ya got it, kiddo?”

Kai nodded, giving Cid a smile. “Thanks, Cid! Be seeing you~”

“Yeah, later kid.”

Kai swiftly left Cid’s shop, moving his legs as fast as they allowed him. As soon as he arrived at the door, he saw a big ‘2’ on it. He pushed it open and went through with his hopes high.

I’m coming for you, Aira.

[Hero]

Walking along the alleyway towards the Third District, the young girl stretched her arms above her head, though she ended up dropping them shortly afterwards. It looked like Aerith's magic was working, there wasn't a single Heartless in sight. Truthfully, the Second District always left her on edge whenever she had to travel through it. But as always, Aerith came through in a pinch, successfully managing to cast the same magic that protected the First District. She did warn people, however, that the magic was not absolute, and the Heartless could easily come back at any moment.

The quiet gave her a chance to think, especially since she was planning on leaving. She'd have to restock once Cid gave her the okay to go, though her funds were starting to get on the tighter side of things. She knew if she asked, Leon would probably pay, but she always felt bad asking him. He had done enough for her as it is, there was no reason she should trouble him any more than she already had. Actually, if she was leaving, she should probably let him know as well.

Turning the corner, she spotted the large doors leading to the Third District and continued onwards.

[AlteredTundra]

Kai’s journey to the Third District (as Cid called it) went without a hitch. The Second District was relatively the same as the first. It didn’t appear to be as spacious or crowded with people, but the make and model of it were more or less the same - at least to Kai it was. To him, most of the area wasn’t of that much importance. Kai knew where he had to go. According to Cid’s directions, he was to heed his first right and the next one after that.

“So, it should be right around here…”

As Kai turned the second right, he was startled by the sudden appearance of a white dog with black spots spread throughout its entire body, even the tail. It didn’t acknowledge him, though Kai did see where it was heading. Part of him was curious as to where that weirdly-looking dog was going, but he had other matters that were far more important than some puppy that came out of nowhere. Cid said Aira was in the Third District, so that’s where he was going.

As he approached the door, he went to push it open. To his surprise and the cause of his frustration, it didn't budge. Kai would then do it another time. Still, nothing. After a few tries, it finally gave into Kai’s demands. Letting out a sigh of relief, he pushed it open with all of the strength he could muster. As soon as the door opened, briefly, Kai aw brief flashes of...something. They had gone by too fast for him to make heads or tails of it, but what he could make out was fire and something terrible. But that's about it. Shrugging it off, he gripped his head, tumbling into the Third District.

And then B A M

Kai’s head collided with what felt like a brick wall. “Ow, that hurt!” Kai moaned, holding his head hunched over on the ground.

[Hero]

Seeing the lights off in the small house by the steps, she figured she must have just missed Aerith. If she wasn't there, then perhaps she was at Merlin's? Maybe she should have checked there first. Crossing her arms, the girl took a moment to think. She was surprised she hadn't seen Yuffie running around. Still, she shouldn't hang around the Third District for too long, even if it was quiet now, the Heartless could come at any moment.

B A M!

A yelp of surprise, and suddenly she found herself on the floor. What in the world?! Getting to her knees, she rubbed her head, letting out a small whimper. Something had come and hit her from behind, catching her completely by surprise. With a hand on her head, she looked back to see what got her. It looked like a boy had literally walked into her without realizing it, he seemed just as caught off guard as she had been. His face wasn't one she recognized; she figured he must have been a refugee from the world that had recently succumbed to darkness.

Feeling a pang of guilt as the thought crossed her mind, she picked herself up and dusted herself off. She walked over to him, extending her hand to him. "Are you alright?" She asked him.

[AlteredTundra]

"I'm going to need a moment."

Kai was still reeling from the impact he made with what he perceived as a brick wall or something equally sturdy. This was due to the fact that he seemed to be still on the ground, whereas when he glanced up and saw the visage of a young girl who was close to his age, it was obvious she hadn't gotten nearly as much of the impact as he did. It took Kai a few, drawn-out moments for him to get up. As soon as he was able to gather himself, he was finally at a vertical base. It was then he was able to get a better view of the person who he had the pleasure of colliding with.

"Yeah, I think I'm--" Kai stopped himself mid-sentence when he finally laid his eyes on the face of the person he had bumped into. The color of her eyes was different and her hair was a different length. She also was wearing different clothes, but it was her. Kai knew it had to be her. "Aira! You're safe!" Instinctively, Kai embraced her, giving her a tight hug, completely ignoring his previous pain that he had been obviously feeling. The relief and joy in his heart outweighed the temporary, physical pain.

[Hero]

Aira? What? She couldn't quite keep up with his words, his sudden burst of energy actually going so far as to alarm her. Going from wondering about the boy's safety and suddenly she's getting hugged. To say this was a surprise was putting it lightly. There was no escaping it either; he had effectively trapped her, his arms squeezing her tight. He was warm, his embrace full of love and concern, and being so close she could smell the beach on him. But it wasn't meant for her, was it? It was meant for the girl he had mistaken her for. He was glad she was safe...maybe someone from his homeworld. Another prick of guilt hit her, this one harder than the last, and she realized she needed to correct him.

"U-Um..." She gently wriggled herself out of his grasp, her hands on his arms. A look of uncertainty was plastered on her face as she summoned the courage to break the poor boy's heart. "I'm sorry, do I know you...?"

[AlteredTundra]

Kai's heart had sunk when he saw her disappear with that woman with the scythe. He was there in front of her just moments before she faded off into darkness. Additionally, he wasn't able to do anything to help her or save her from whatever fate awaited for her at the other end of that blackness was the worst feeling that Kai had ever felt in his entire life. He had never experienced such an anguish and despair as when he saw her disappear from him - and at such close proximity, too. It was the closest one came to being able to do something, yet at the same time, being totally helpless.

This was why, when Kai saw her in front of him, as close as she was back in her house when she disappeared, he wouldn't let her go. This was why he held her so tight that it was almost to the point of suffocation. "I thought I lost you. I was so worried. And then I was transported to this place. I didn't know what to do. But you're here. And you're safe and you're with me. I've missed you, Aira. God, I've missed you and I'm just so happy to--"

Suddenly Kai felt Aira physically tug away from him, backing away from him.

"I'm sorry, do I know you...?"

"Aira, this is no time for a practical joke. I mean, yes, I enjoy them. And yes, I pull them way too much, but this isn't the time. I was so worried about you, Aira. But you're safe. And you're unharmed. I just am so happy."

[Hero]

Oh no.

Just as she had suspected, he had mistaken her for someone else. Her eyes stared at his, understanding how he must feel. This must have been how her friends felt when they found her in Traverse Town. But to keep the rouse going would only hurt more in the end. She had to be upfront with him as best as she could. Taking away that smile of his was cruel, but it had to be done. Not only, that, however...the warmth she felt wasn't just from being so close, it was a very familiar and nostalgic light he possessed. He had been blessed with the light as well, it seemed. If that was the case, she needed to keep him close.

Taking in a breath, her hand was on her chest as she introduced herself. "I am Cielle, like you I am not of this world," She began to explain as best as she could, feeling a direct approach was the best road to take. "It seems that I remind you of your friend, but I'm sorry to say that I am not Aira. If you're here, however, there is a very good chance your friend is here, too. If you'd like, we can search together, I know the streets well."

[AlteredTundra]

Occasionally, Kai knew Aira was a joker. Growing up with him and always seeing Kai on a daily basis, she had developed that side of her. Whether it was just to blend in with his prankster flare or just so she didn’t seem to be like the odd one out, Kai knew her to have a bit of a practical jokester inside her. However, at some point, even Kai knew when it was time to cease and desist. However, as Kai had noticed, she was milking this like a dry cow.

The blond boy gave her a stern glance, obviously not amused by her continued insistence that she wasn’t Aira. Yeah, we get it. You’re not Aira. Hilarious, but now was the time to cut it out and come back to Planet Kai. “Okay, seriously, Aira. This stopped being funny,” Kai told her, looking her up and down. As his eyes arrived at her eyes. It was the same color as it had always been, but there was something in them that alerted Kai almost immediately. There was something different about them, but Kai couldn’t quite figure what that thing was.

[Hero]

His head injury must have been more serious than what she had initially assumed. Raising an eyebrow at him, Cielle tilted her head to the side, a finger on her cheek as she tried to think. Clearly he had no intention of believing her, even though she was telling him the truth. Denial was a strong medicine, it seemed. Not that she entirely blamed him, but she was at a loss at what to do. No, it was simply out of her hands. If he wasn't going to take her word from it, then she would need help. Turning her face away from him, she kept her eyes on Kai. He seemed so sure, she suddenly felt that she wanted to know why.

But now was not the time or place. "I'm not sure why you would think I was joking. Come, then, I'll ask my friend to take a look at you, her healing magic is stronger than mine," Cielle stated, beckoning him to follow, though as she took the first step forward, something in the air changed. Jumping back, several puffs of darkness formed around them.

"Of course the Heartless would show up," She rolled her eyes as the small Shadow Heartless twitched this way and that around them, extending her left hand out. "Don't worry, I'll protect you, just be sure to stay back." She told him, her hand grasping the air as a burst of light brought forth her weapon.

As the first Heartless decided to take a leap at her, she grasped her Keyblade with both hands, swinging it from bottom to top. Instead of waiting for the rest to take action, however, she decided to clear a path. "Thunder!" She shouted as she raised her Keyblade in the air, watching as a few stray bolts of lightning collided with the Heartless in front of them. "We can go this way!" She told Kai.

[AlteredTundra]

Kai barely had time to grasp what was happening around him. First, Aira — or, for whatever reason, Cielle — had told him about some friend who was gifted in healing magic. He didn’t know what that was supposed to mean to him, or how it had anything to do with getting Aira to cut whatever game she was playing out right this minute. Kai was growing frustrated now, which was a rarity since he was mostly chill and relaxed. But there did come a point in time when Kai had to stand firm and get a bit aggressive.

“Listen—”

Before he could get one more word in, Kai was rendered speechless by a familiar sight. More specifically, the same shadow creatures that wrecked havoc in his town were in front of him and ‘Cielle’. Immediately, Kai looked behind him It was an instinctual response. His go-to when something bad happened was to look for alternate routes However, there were little, black creatures coming from the entrance to the Third District as well. So that killed that plan.

As Kai scrambled mentally, something told him to turn around and face forward. He came to the surprise of a bright light that formed a Keyblade in the hands of this Cielle. He became even more amazed by the sight of the Keyblade, as well as the one holding it, when she raised it up and lightning came down from thin air, striking all of the Heartless in front of them. Within seconds, they all disappeared and faded like they did when Kai experienced them back in Sunset Terrace.

“Wha..how..”

Speechless, Kai wasn’t sure what to say. He approached closer to the front, taking a step in front of her. He turned around and saw how comfortable with that thing she was and how confident she seemed. Kai had read about these wizards in tales that his mother told him about. How they could use magic when they were trained properly. Was Aira one of these wizards? How come Kai never knew this about her? Why didn’t she tell him?

“That was—” Kai, again was interrupted by the heartless. They had jumped up and been nearly three feet away from her. “—Duck. Now!”

Kai jumped over her, using her Keyblade as a stepping stool to gain some additional vertical height. In his left hand, light erupted in it and formed his Keyblade in the same reverse grip as the times previous. He rotated his body, the tips of the weird blade hitting every heartless as if it were nothing. He landed about six feet away from Aira, his oceanic-colored Keyblade held in his hand concealed by the fading shadows and the hearts that followed.

Looking back at Aira..Cielle — whatever she wanted to call herself — Kai gave her a nod.

[Hero]

Aha! So he was a Keyblade wielder as well! That definitely explained the warmth she felt. This boy had a light within him, just as she suspected. Although her excitement was quickly replaced by annoyance as Kai used her weapon as a stepping stone. How rude! She couldn't quite hide her pout of annoyance as he landed, dismissing her keyblade to cross her arms tightly. No, she needed to focus, the last thing she wanted was to get caught off guard again. The best thing to do would be to keep moving as she had planned.

"It isn't safe here, follow me," She stated, leading the way.

As they walked, she could definitely feel him staring at her. It started to make her uncomfortable, all things considered, and any time she looked back, she would catch him looking. Geez, at least he could try to hide it! As she wanted to say something, however, she saw the light on in the little house, and beckoned him to follow as she broke into a run.

Opening the door revealed a cozy room with a few pieces of furniture. The most notable feature was a desk being occupied by the house's resident. She was older than Kai and Cielle, sporting long brown hair wrapped into a braid and kept together by a pink ribbon. Her pink dress was simple, her brown boots touching the floor as she stood from the desk. She looked at them with green eyes, a small frown on her face.

"Cielle? And..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at Kai.

"This is...I don't think I caught his name, actually," Cielle realized. "Aerith, would you please tell him I'm not Aira? He keeps calling me that and doesn't seem to believe me when I tell him otherwise."

"Really now?" Shaking her head, Aerith approached them, looking at Kai. "Hello there. I'm Aerith, what's your name?" She asked him, her gentle voice prodding him for an answer.

[AlteredTundra]

Kai expected some kind of reaction from her like he usually got whenever he saved her hide or did something flashy, but Aira obviously wasn’t feeling like how she usually was. She didn’t smile at him like she usually did, or give him a glance like she always had in the past. Everything since the day at her house was starting to be as if it was a different person; and of course, there was that moment their eyes connected. For whatever reason that Kai couldn’t explain, there was something about her eyes that didn’t seem quite the same. Maybe it was the lighting of this strange place.

At some point, they left the Third District and Kai could only assume, based off of the somewhat familiar architecture, they were in the Second District. Throughout their journey through this district, Kai’s eyes never left her backside, trying to piece together why Aira was acting this way and just what exactly that particular thing in her eyes was. He had convinced himself that perhaps the way her body moved in front of him could lead him to the answer to the biggest question he had been asking himself. When she turned out briefly, Kai, not knowing what to do, waved at her, smiling even

Before long, they arrived a small house. It was quaint and homey. If Kai didn’t know any better, he would say it came from his hometown. It reminded him of his house. Though, as soon as he walked in, it was obvious to him that it wasn’t anything like his house. First off, there was no smell of lemon bars his mother used to make for him after he did what he did for his schooling And the second thing that stood out to him was the people who was in the house; or rather, as soon as he saw the one person, he noticed that she was not his mother. He didn’t even recognize her, but apparently Aira/Cielle knew who she was. It wasn’t long until she revealed her name to be Aerith.

Kai looked over to Aira, ignoring her. He was no longer amused by her games. Instead, he chose to give his full attention to Aerith. “The name’s Kai, Miss Aerith. Pleased to meet ya!” Kai gave her a cheeky grin, his hand out to shake hers

[Hero]

Cielle stared at Kai as he introduced himself. For some reason, she felt like correcting him. Why would she want to do that to someone she just met? That probably was his name, anyway. But it felt like...it felt it wasn't right. Why? Huffing in annoyance, instead she invited herself to have a seat at the table, daintily crossing her legs as she sat properly. The situation was definitely making her feel nostalgic, though she shook it off, simply raising her chin as she watched Aerith and Kai.

Aerith took his hand, politely shaking it before letting go. "Kai, is it? The feeling is mutual," She said, though she took the opportunity to examine him for a moment. Despite the Heartless attacking his world, he didn't have a scratch on him. She was impressed, although she needed to focus on the bigger issue at hand. It seemed to be a case of mistaken identity, although she felt that perhaps Kai was simply in denial. Cielle wasn't looking too pleased, and at Aerith's inquiring look, she waved it away. The brunette supposed she should get right to it, then. Going around the room, she approached the small kitchen counter and pulled out a pot of tea with a few cups. Setting in down on the table, she motioned for Kai to have a seat.

"Tell me, Kai, where are you from?" Aerith asked as she poured out three cups. At Cielle's questioning look, she simply pushed her cup towards her and then took a seat. "Or I suppose what I should be asking is...are you aware your home is no more?"

"Aerith..." Cielle said, though the brunette stopped her by raising her hand.

"He should know where he is," Aerith told her sternly, and then turned her attention back to Kai. "Where we are right now is called Traverse Town. You should know you're a very long way from home. And if you're here, it means your world has fallen to darkness."

[AlteredTundra]

"You're pulling my chain here, aren't you?"

Kai backed away, pacing back and forth as he gave both of them each a stern glance. If was funny in the beginning, got annoying in somewhere in the middle, but now, it was enough. Kai had it with these lies and these jokes. It wasn't funny anymore. It wasn't funny to joke about his world, as they called it, is lost to darkness. Not only that, but the honest truth was that Kai was furious with these two. He didn't know Aerith, so he couldn't blame her, but Aira — she knew better. She knew how Kai didn't like to be played with like this. Maybe for a few rounds, he'd laugh it up like everyone else might. Now, however, Kai wasn't in a laughing mood. On top of everything that happened to him, from Aira disappearing and him being transported to this strange place, he had enough of all of this.

"What kind of game you playing, huh? You honestly expect me to believe that all of the people I love, all of the people I grew up with: my family, my childhood friends, the townspeople, Alexander - all of them are what? Gone?" Kai snapped forward, grabbing Aerith by her collar. "Is that what you're saying, Aerith? Well, is it?" Kai angrily asked, tears starting to flow down his face.

[Hero]

The last thing either of them had expected was the seemingly calm youth to just up and snap. Cielle almost screamed when he grabbed Aerith, but to her surprise, the older girl was still very composed. Indeed, Aerith was very understanding, doing very little, but she knew the news must have been shocking. There was no other way, though: the truth was what he needed to know. Slowly lifting her right hand, she gently wiped away his tears, and once she was done, she pulled him into a sweet embrace. She held onto him tightly, holding him close to her, knowing he would probably lash out at any second.

"It is," She quietly answered Kai. "It's hard to hear, but it's the truth, Kai. You need to understand what we're telling you isn't a joke or a lie. Please believe us."

[AlteredTundra]

Kai fought the embrace immediately, but that didn't stop Aerith from wrapping her arms around him to lock him in. He still fought her, though. He banged his hands lightly against her shoulders, against her back. In the end, however, it was all for naught. Kai couldn't contain the tears any longer. His face was buried in her shoulder, embracing her embrace, feeling as though there was some, small comfort in how motherly she seemed. Even if it was just for a moment, Kai's mind went to his mother and how she always would comfort him whenever he was feeling down about his father never being around, or whenever he was feeling sad about anything. She wouldn't grill him or judge him. His mother, god-bless her wherever she was now, always comforted him by embracing him until he felt better.

That's how it seemed with Aerith. Kai felt better after a minute or two. He was at the point where he was no longer visibly angry. Truth be told, he wasn't angry at Aerith or Aira--Cielle. He was angry at himself. He should've been able to do something to help his family. He should have been able to do something to help everyone. But he was useless. Just like he was useless to stop the heartless from taking over his world, he was powerless to stop Aira from disappearing.

When Kai collected himself, he gave both of them each a glance, sighing. "I just..I can't process this. But, I don't doubt what you say to be the truth," Kai said to Aerith, then turned to face Cielle, "then I guess you aren't Aira. But..." Kai got closer to Cielle, almost to the point of invading her personal space, "you look exactly like her. How can that be?"

[Hero]

Seeing Kai in Aerith's arms made him look so vulnerable. Cielle looked down at her knees, at a loss for words, though she looked up as Aerith released Kai. He finally admitted that he believed them--finally! Before she could properly sigh in relief, however, Kai honed in on her. Gah! Just as she was feeling bad for him, Kai went and invaded her personal space bubble! Cielle shuffled nervously, feeling her cheeks flare up. Why did he have to be so close?! That smell of the sea came to her again, and she had to move her seat a little to get some freedom from him. How was she supposed to know why she had some mysterious identical twin out there?

"That's a good question," Aerith said, stifling a giggle at Cielle's discomfort. "Do you have any family, Cielle?"

The pink haired girl fell quiet for a moment, looking down at the ground. "...W-Well," She started slowly, fiddling with her fingers. "My grandmother told me once that I had a sibling...but they went missing a long time ago."

Aerith put her hand to her chin. "Hmm...I guess we would have known if you had a sister, huh?" She couldn't help but tease slightly. "It would've been hard to hide for your family."

Cielle gave Aerith a glare, a finger to her lips, though she quickly decided to steer the conversation around. "L-Listen, I mentioned it before, but if you've made it here, to Traverse Town, there's a good chance your friend could have as well," She hastily changed the subject. "And if not here, then perhaps in another. Believe it or not, there are many worlds besides yours, this one, and ours."

"That's right," Aerith agreed, smiling. "There\s no need to lose hope just yet."