I don't own anything associated with Kingdom Hearts. It belongs to Square Enix/Disney.

Relaxation

Aqua stood in the castle's doorway. In front of her lay the great expanse of the world. Grasses swayed in the wind, as did the blue and white flowers that lay in clumps around the field. In the near distance, dark pines rose high into the sky, nearly shielding the distant, white-capped mountains from view.

She took a step forwards. The stars gleamed above, like they, too, celebrated her freedom. She stared at them, stared at everything around her, and then finally looked back to her two companions.

Leaning on the open doors, Terra and Ven watched her sadly. The older boy spoke first, saying, "It's best you leave. Master Eraqus isn't going to accept you. Not now."

Aqua nodded. Her eyes on the sky again, she summoned her keyblade – her X-Blade –and planted it in the ground next to her. She raised her hand up to her armoured shoulder –

"Wait!"

Having been stricken with an important thought, Terra ran up to him. She shrunk away, still not quite trusting him.

"Take this," he ordered. Out of his pocket, he pulled out Aqua's old Wayfinder.

She took it, and examined it. It didn't seem to move her, and she lifted it towards him, as if giving it back.

"I know it doesn't mean much to you now," Terra said. "But maybe, someday, it will."

He closed her hand over the charm, and pushed it back towards her. Obeying his urging, she placed the Wayfinder around her neck.

"Thanks," she murmured. She glanced at Ven. "You, too."

Neither of them said anything.

With no further fanfare, she left, leaving her one-time best friends behind. As the star marking her form grew smaller and smaller, Terra held Ven, crying silently as the younger boy broke down. They'd done what they'd had to do, but that didn't mean they enjoyed it.

"Master's going to be so mad," Ven mumbled.

Terra sighed. "Yeah, he will be. I'll handle him tomorrow."

By this time, Aqua had completely faded from view. They stared up at the sky for a few minutes more, hoping beyond hope that her light would return, that she would come back. But that ship had already passed, had set sail the moment they'd set her free.

He looked down at his Wayfinder. He held it tight in his fist, holding it and squeezing it right above his heart. The glass seemed so cold now.

"Let's go inside," Terra said. "I'll make you some hot chocolate, okay, Ven?"

He doubted it would do much for him, doubted either of them would have much in the way of relaxation in the upcoming days, but maybe it would help a little.

As Terra went to close the doors, he caught a glimpse of the night sky. It occurred to him that they had no way of finding her, and that there was no guarantee they would ever see her again.

And if he was honest with himself, maybe it would be best if they didn't.

... Still a happier ending than Those Who Fight Monsters. Honestly, I have no idea what happened; this story was originally supposed to end on a hope spot.

Anyways, I am strongly considering a sequel to this story, I just haven't figured out what format to use. I don't want to write it as a regular story, and I don't want to do another 100 theme challenge. So, if you know of any other challenges/formats (apart from songfics), give me a shout please!

Review Response:

blogger05: Sorry, this is the end. For now. Aquanitas is just too much fun to forget about (I would have considered doing an ask blog for her, except I can't draw XD) Hope you enjoyed it!