[IC] Kingdom Hearts: Forbidden Fruits

[Double]

Prologue: Land of Departure

It was a starry night, as usual. On the summit, near the forecourt of the castle, there was a training ground, within it a series of rings hanging on spinning poles to act as targets for practice. But just beyond that was a cliff side where one could get a near perfect view of the night sky. In this particular place, a boy sat on the grass, leaned back against the rock. He looked relaxed, but in reality was anything but that. Instead, he was frustrated, angry even. Events that had transpired earlier that day had put him in a sour mood. He'd come up this place to be alone for a while, but knew it wouldn't last. He figured someone would eventually come by to check on him, but he'd at least get a few moments to himself to think before then, "What's his deal? He's not being fair at all..." said the boy in a mumbled tone as he thought back to earlier that day. A Few Hours Ago "What?" asked Rei in a raised tone, "What do you mean I don't get to take the exam? Why?" he clenched his fists angrily. He and his Master, Yen Sid, were not alone in the main hall of the castle. No, the other Apprentices were gathered as well, and had just been informed that they would be allowed to take the Mark of Mastery Exam tomorrow morning. All of them, that is, except for Rei. Rei stood in angry defiance of Yen Sid's decision, admittedly making a scene but honestly didn't care. "You're not ready yet, Reiner." said Yen Sid, keeping his composure and not even raising his voice, "There is always next time, after all. The discussion is closed. You're all dismissed." well, the discussion may have been over officially, but Yen Sid hadn't heard the last of Rei's complaints. For the rest of the day, once they were home in the Master's tower, Rei tried again and again to change Yen Sid's mind but to no avail. After a while Rei just got fed up with it and stormed out. He'd found his way to the cliff side at the training sight and remained there until well after night fall. Now "Ah, come on!" Rei said, raising his voice as he suddenly got up from the ground. He swung his fist, punching the air in front of him in frustration, "What do they got that I don't? I'm pretty sure I trained just as much as them, so what's the big secret?" he then just sighed, now starting to feel more depressed than angry. He jammed his fists into his pockets and kicked at the grass, "Why do I have to be the one that falls behind...?"

[Demous]

Sayuri walks up the hill watching the sky. She thought about all the work she's put into becoming a Keyblade Master. Now she was so close, 'Now all I have to do is pass the Mark of Mastery. Though to be honest I'm fine as long as I have my Keyblade. Hmm... Becoming a Master. I wonder what that entails,' her thoughts were quickly interupted by familiar shouting. She sighs and walks the rest of the way to the top. She walks up to the lone person standing there and sits on the nearby bench, "Hey Rei. Hope his decision hasn't shaken you too badly. I won't claim to understand what the Master's thinking, but he must have a reason for it. If I was able to give you my spot I would. I was actually looking forward to taking the test with all of us."

[Orior]

A hazy light drifted through the large arching windows in the corridors of the Castle despite the darkness of the sky. Alight with a thousand twinkling points millions of miles away, the night sky still provided illumination on this world. Maybe it was symbolic to the to the world itself, which was a beacon against the intrusive darkness, that even in the night the world was lit enough to be navigable. Tremere's boots made a clacking rapport on the hard tile flooring and the sharp sound echoed in the large, empty hall. It wasn't a strange site to see the girl wandering the halls at night, although she never lacked in energy the next morning. The yawning chasms of the high rounded ceilings draped in shadow did not frighten her; she could not remember the last time she was afraid of the dark. Not since before she had even became an apprentice. The dazzling stars were calling to her this ponderous night. She was anxious about the morning that was to follow. Although she was confident in her abilities, she had never been one too consumed by pride and knew that there was a possibility of failure. Their one fellow apprentice who was told he could not participate had not taken the news very well and seemed to have less of a grasp of similar concepts. Tremere turned a corner, her long arms swaying in the murky light, and found herself in the main hall. Off to her left rose the plinth on which the large master thrones stood resolute in shadow. A few shafts of light shot down in front of the thrones, the contrast of which made them seem pooled in ink. The apprentice stood for a moment, taking in the picturesque image, before turning to the opposite direction and the opposing doors that loomed near wide windows. Steps still clicking, she made her way to that side of the grandiose hall and peered out the window. The landscaping of the area was prim and clean like always. Yellow light shone from several lampposts in the circular courtyard and glinted off the golden colored railings and accents of the building. A wisp of a reflection stared back at her, wide purple eyes shining with the light reflected in their moisture. There was a bit of a commotion outside, but she couldn't see anyone. It must have echoed down from the summit. She only heard a single voice, and she couldn't make out the words or the owner of the voice from so far away. Running her hand on the embroidered wall, she slowly sauntered to the small, single-person door that was cut into its huge cousin, and pushed it open. The night was cool, and a slight breeze made her shiver. Goosebumps rose on her flesh as she passed through the threshold; she wrapped her arms around herself and the door quietly shut behind her. Her black hair swayed in the breeze. She rocked on her feet as she looked out to the sky. A small sigh escaped her as her eyes explored the expanse above, stretching like a canvas across the top of their world, a blanket and a shield, both muffling them and protecting them. Tomorrow should would be tested and judged, and if she was found worthy, she might be able to make her own mark on that canvas. She shuddered.

[Card Captor]

Franky felt real bad for poor Rei. After all of his hard work, he was being prevented from taking the Mark of Mastery Exam. It really didn't make any sense at all. There wasn't anything wrong with him, so why wasn't he being allowed to take the exam? Franky wished that he knew what the Master was thinking, because as far as he could tell, none of this made any sense. "I'm starting to get a really bad feeling about this" he said as he laid down on the hill "this just doesn't seem right." Franky was no longer as excited for the Mark of Mastery Exam as he was before, the sense of dread that he felt "is anyone else feeling uneasy about the exam?" he asked the others

[Renny]

Jinsei - Shadowed Light After yesterday's announcement, Jin found himself fully trusting in Yen Sid's decision, though he knew not the reason why. If Master Yin Sid had found Rei unworthy and himself so, then it had to be good reason. The youth stood outside, unable to find sleep that night. Which usually was not a problem but with the all-important Mark of Mastery tomorrow, it was heavily on his mind. I will pass that test. I haven't been training and working my butt off just to fail. And after I do I'll fix everything that's wrong. I'll help rebuild and I'll help protect. That is the promise I've made to myself. When he heard the door sway open and looked upon Tremere, he smiled almost instantly. He had to admit, as beautiful as she was, that it seemed almost natural for him to have a crush on her. Even if she did inspire more life out of him than usual, it was worth the over-optimism. He turned towards her, his large smile falling into lightheartedness as he walked over and unraveled his crimson scarf from his neck. It wasn't much but he'd bet it was better than nothing. He held it out to her with both hands. His unorthodox clothing was contradicting, with his left sleeve being long and the other short, and his Hakama being the same. Still, he wanted her to use it. Just as her purple eyes had held a mysterious quality to them, his crimson ones were oddly bright. "You couldn't sleep either? tomorrow is the big day," he said. "I'm cheering for you, Trem."

[Double]

Rei glanced behind him at Sayuri. He was right, his privacy had indeed not lasted long at all. He looked forward again, this time looking up at the stars and holding his arms behind his head, "He's patronizing me, I just know it." no, Rei didn't mean that at all, but he was just in one of those moods that made people say things they didn't really mean. He spotted a shooting star just then and closed his eyes, actually making a wish that the Master would change his mind. Yeah, like that would actually work. Can't blame a guy for trying. "So what are you doing way out here? I mean I'd be asleep by now if I were in your shoes." he sat back down on the grass with a heavy sigh. He had to admit he was pretty tired by now, but going back home meant talking to the Master and he didn't feel like dealing with that just yet. No, he was much more interested in just relaxing under the stars for a while longer.

[Demous]

Sayuri looked up at the stars as Rei spoke and saw the same shooting star, 'Hmm... A shooting star. Well I guess I have to make a wish,' she moves over to the nearby bench and sits down, "Oh I rarely sleep this early. I enjoy standing out here at night. I'm mostly up here to remenise. I've spent many nights up here doing late night training. I believe I've asked you up here to help me train a couple times as well. Besides as much as I want to be a master," she holds her hand out and summons her keyblade, "I'm happy as long as I have a place to belong. I don't need much else."

[Card Captor]

"I've been having trouble sleeping" Franky answered "and the more I try, the more restless I become, so I decided to wait until I become tired. Watching the stars sounded like a good way to pass the time." His attention was caught by the shooting star. Although for some reason it filled him with a sense of dread "I don't know why...but I've been having a lot of anxiety lately, and it's been making me...well...restless. Like I can sense something bad is going to happen, but I can't tell what. I'm not sure if it's my nerves acting up because it's almost time for the Mark of Mastery Exam...or something else"

[Orior]

Tremere cast her purple gaze down at the sound of a voice. Jinsei, one of her fellow apprentices, had escaped her notice when she had exited the castle. He stood, dully illuminated at this hour, in his haphazardly cut clothing that the young woman didn't quiet understand but found charming. His dark hair pulled back around his effeminate features, he worked to unwrap the red scarf coiled around his neck. A genuine smile lit her fair features as he offered his scarf, and the girl took it gladly with a slight bow. She wrapped it first around her neck and then her shoulders, cradling the ends in her hands on her chest. "Thank you, Jin, and I hope you do well," She said with a nod, her lips holding onto her smile. "I usually roam around a bit a night, though tonight I feel a bit less inclined to seep than most." She wandered out a bit farther with slow, unbalanced steps, but kept her gaze on Jin's vibrant eyes. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?" She stopped near the banister and leaned back against it, peering up at him with her head cocked to the side.

[Renny]

Jinsei - Shadowed Light He followed her shaky steps, although they looked more purposeful to him. He looked downward with a small smile, thinking of the returned compliment she had given him. As, reciprocal as it was, it still made him happy to hear it from her. If she had wished him well than surely the others had as well. And even if they didn't, it wasn't like he was doing this for them. He had always loved the tales and legends, he had a deep respect for the Bearers and would do anything to uphold their legacy. His hands found themselves behind the small of his back. "Ah, tomorrow," he sighed. He had been avoiding the topic since learning about it, only tonight had he really let it wrack his nerves. "Its... unnerving if nothing else. I've been trying to figure out the tests, the possibilities, and I'm coming up blank. I just hope its something I excel in." He chuckled nervously. "What about you? you said you can't sleep so you must be thinking about it pretty strongly." He folded his arms over his chest to shield himself from the cold. "Even though you don't have anything to worry about. You have a strong heart," he told her.

[Double]

Rei chuckled in spite of himself at Franky's response, "It's just your nerves. If there was really some disaster coming I'm pretty sure Master would have warned us by now." at that moment a leaf floated over his face and gently touched his nose before the wind picked up and blew it away. Rei rubbed his nose instinctively in response and said, "If you ask me, you guys have this exam in the bag. You'll ace it for sure, I just know it..." Yeah, and then I'll have to play a tough game of catch up. He yawned, realizing he was getting tired despite his mood. He got up, giving his arms and good stretch before taking a few steps toward home, "I'm turning in for the night. See you guys tomorrow." and after that he left. It was time to face the music. Master Yen Sid had long since set up his own personal tower to serve as his living quarters. He'd been using it to study magic and sorcery long before he became a Keybearer, and after he did he began using it for his own personal training. He never expected to raise any children here, but he took in the young Reiner nonetheless, having not been able to bring himself to make the boy grow up as an orphan. He was sitting at a table reading a parchment when Reiner entered, having returned from wherever it was he spent the evening. Yen Sid looked up at his student and gestured for him to sit down. Rei did so, having fully expected a long-winded lecture but was surprised when Yen Sid instead used his magic to conjure a chessboard with its pieces all set up. This wasn't the first time they'd played, but this was the last thing Rei expected his Master to do after his outburst earlier that day. "So... you're not changing your mind, are you?" asked Rei, making the first move by sliding a pawn two spaces ahead. The Master silently shook his head and made a similar opening move. Rei sighed in disappointed, "...of course not." then moved one of his knights forward, "Tell me why, at least. If there's something I'm lacking, tell me what it is and I'll work on it." Yen Sid closed his in contemplation, "If you must ask me what it is you lack, then you have not overcome it yet." he responded gently as he made another move on the chess board, "For as long as you've trained you have been eager to fight and prove yourself. But what purpose does it serve? Strength or knowledge for no other sake than their own is meaningless. For when a seeker of knowledge or power finally obtains the power he seeks, then his life becomes empty and hollow." as he said all this, the two had been going back and forth in their chess game. Yen Sid was obviously the superior chess player, but Rei had been showing a noticeable improvement as of late. "What's wrong with bettering myself? I thought that was one of the foundations of our training..." "Indeed," responded Yen Sid with a kindly nod, "but that alone is insufficient. Power of any kind, be it strength, knowledge, or skill, is only truly meaningful when used for something other than oneself." "Okay," Rei said, his King piece becoming more in danger as Yen Sid's pieces closed in on it, "what should I do with my power then?" Yen Sid close his and shook his head with a heavy heart, "That, dear boy, is why you are not ready." "I think I understand," lied Rei, and he stood from the table, "You'd better rest, you're gonna have a long day tomorrow with that exam." he left the table to go to bed, but not before silently tipping over his king piece to surrender the game to Yen Sid. That must have been thousandth game they played over the years and not once had Rei been able to to win. Still, he liked to think he was getting closer to a win with each passing game.

[Demous]

Sayuri waved as Rei left still looking up at the stars, "You need to relax. Whatever happens tomorrow will happen. There is no reason to worry about it until it does," she stays silent for a couple minutes before hopping up and walking towards the middle of the area, "Speaking of tomorrow wanna spar? It can't hurt as long as we get enough sleep right?" Either way I'm gonna practice up here," she turns back to where Franky was and smirks, "Or are you afraid I'll trounce you again?"

[Card Captor]

Franky shrugged "eh, I'm not too worried about getting beaten in fight against someone who's been training as long as I have. Especially if there isn't anything at stake." Franky said to Sayuri as he readied his Keyblade "I thought you knew me well enough to know that." Despite the fact that nothing had been really solved, or that he hadn't gotten any real confirmation that the impending sense of doom he had was just his imagination, Franky was starting to feel better. "Besides, even if you do kick my ass, I'll make sure that you'll have to work yours off to do it"

[Orior]

Collaborative Post. Orior x Renny

---

Tremere listened to her peer respectfully with a cocked head. Her brows knit together at Jin's reluctance to the topic, and she hoped she hadn't made him uncomfortable. "You have been training longer than I have, Jin. No matter what kind of test the master gives us, you're going to do great." She folded her hands in her lap, gathering the end's of the boy's red scarf.

"I... Yes. The test is on my mind," She said with a strained half smile, her glossy eyes rolling to the pavement. She wasn't really worried about the test itself as much as what would come after. She doubted her ability to uphold the responsibility of a true master. "It means a lot to hear that, Jin." She flashed him a grateful look.

Jinsei smiled back. To see her smile in response to his words made his heart quicken even more, he hoped he should no signs of it. He reached up and touched the side of his neck, his fingers gently rubbing as he thought of his next words. Whenever she was around he made sure to speak carefully, to choose his words where otherwise he'd speak rashly.

"Well, I try," he responded with a wide grin. "Its not everyday a young lad gets a shot at their dream. For as long as I could remember I've respected the Bearers of old, wanted nothing more than to be one and uphold the light... now that the chance has come, I find it hard to admit I'm rooting for another. Though, I could think of no one other than you to root for besides myself."

"I'm rambling, I know. But I can't help it." He looked up towards the darkness overhead, the stars gleamed especially bright to him. "Legends are watching and I want to be remembered as someone who wanted nothing else than to convey the power of light."

The young girl stood, "You are strong, Jin. You'll be remembered. Though for what you'r actions will decide," Tremere thought Jin was strong and able, despite the distance she kept from his heated routine, and had confidence he would do well. She found his words slightly inspiring, if only for the fact that they were both candidly honest and flattering. A pink blush colored her cheeks. She wanted to say they were all friends and rooting for each other, but she didn't, because she wasn't sure if that was how he meant it.

She followed his gaze to the sky, "I like to think that if there is anyone watching that they at least see the effort we all put in... I'm not always the strongest, but I try my best, and I think that's enough." Her gaze met his, her pales fingers curling around the scarf bundled at her neck. "I don't mind when you ramble," her voice was quieter, and then she cleared her throat and added, "I didn't really have any plans to do anything else. Maybe it'll help us both sleep." She rubbed the soft fabric of his scarf between her fingers.

"Who knew, its looks like my rambling does have a use after," he said kindly, turning to look at her. She had touched the fabric of his scarf gently and it sprung an idea into his mind. Tilting his head to observe her even further, he smirked. "Do you like it? the scarf that is. You can have it, think of it as a good luck charm... and a thanks for listening to my heart."

He didn't have a problem telling her that her words had comforted him, that he took solace in that thought. If the legends from the ages were looking on at him, he could only hope that they were proud of his effort. Even still, it wouldn't keep him from trying to do even greater things for the worlds. "When I was little I use to get into fights all the time. Now that I've come this far, I can't for the life of me figure out why but I remember that it felt right. Like they deserved what I gave them."

"What do you think, do I look like the type to beat up people senselessly?" Jin asked.

"..You want me to have it?" She replied with wide eyes. She looked at the item in question, running her hands down the trailing ends. "If you are certain, then I'd be glad to accept it. It's very warm." Tremere rarely received gifts and the gesture lightened her anxiety about the upcoming test. "Thank you, Jin."

"You? A bully?" She said lightly, a look of disbelief on her face. When she had been younger, she spent little time with the other apprentices, and hadn't known that about Jin. A small giggle fell from her lips at the thought. She shook her head with a bemused smile, putting a dainty hand on her cheek. "That's a little hard to imagine." She was surprised at how open he was to her; although, this was one of the more honest conversations she had been part of in a while. "No... That's not the kind of person you are." She bit her lip and shivered once more.

Jin let his head drop just a bit, wanting to hide the joy in his eyes. He was sure she knew but he just couldn't bare showing such naked emotion to her, even if it was only in the eyes. He smiled faintly, though he wanted for it be so much wider. "...Thanks, Trem. It really made me feel better."

Catching the sight of her shiver, Jin figured it was time for the two of them to return to their beds. The night was especially beautiful but it was often magical times like this when it could be its most unforgiving. Nervously, he rubbed the back of his head and smiled. "Well... I think I'm heading to sleep now," he lied, knowing that he'd simply be staring up at the ceiling the rest of the night. "You should do the same, Trem. Tomorrows the big day after all, remember I'm rooting for you."

At the mention of sleep, Tremere unexpectedly let out a small yawn. She blinked a few times and then bobbed her head in the smallest of nods. "It is getting late." She glanced toward the door and then back to Jin. She was much more likened to the idea of going to bed after their conversation. "I'm rooting for you too, Jin. I hope you and I both do well." The girl patted his shoulder and her hand lingered there as she moved away, a genuine smile on her face. She walked slowly to the large castle doors, her eyes on him. She hefted it open and disappeared inside.

[Demous]

Sayuri grinned at Franky's response, "Well I would hope you would make me work for my victory. An easy win isn't something I enjoy. The harder and longer the fight the better," she stands a short away from Franky. Though it looks like she's just standing there anyone who's fought her knows she's more then ready. As she gets in position an idea occours to her, "Why don't we do this without magic? It'll be an even match and it'll be an easier rest right?

[Card Captor]

Franky honestly wasn't sure about no magic making the fight easier, or how it was supposed to make things fair. However, he didn't have any complaints about it, so he accepted her terms "alright then, sounds fine to me." Taking his Keyblade out, he got into a battle stance and said to Sayuri "I'll let you make the first move. Lady's first and everything." Without any magic, this was going to be a close ranged fight the entire time, but he was okay with that.