Kingdom Hearts: Kingdom Hearts: Light Chaser

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After getting Tinarah’s attention, Kosmo started to fly around Lumen for the remainder of the time while they talked. The boy also bit his under lip and clenched his hands at the thought of saying it, but he eventually came to his senses and let go of the though and spoke out with a joyful voice. “Weeeell... I’m one of Master Sanda’s students... rather her last student... The name’s Lumen Hindell. And my flying friend here is Kosmo. We were all in battle, Heartless had swarmed the castle. Everyone was locked in combat, I was doing my best to keep up. Then I saw an opening where we could escape. I tried to find Master Sanda, but... she was overcomed by so many Heartless, I couldn’t reach her because they kept blocking the path. Then someone rescued me from the mess. He was able to get me out of their, however... I was the only one that made it out. We camped for a day in the outskirts, then he left on his glider and pointed me the direction here. Made a few hours ride, and here we are.” The boy then finished as he spread his hand out, and as if on cue Kosmo landed on his arm and crawled up back to his shoulder. Lumen smirked at this as he reached to his large satchel and pulled out a wooden lute with three strings, he plucked the instrument and continued on, “I also heard of the events that were going on, so I’m here to offer as much help as possible.” After he plucked the right tunes of his lute, he started to play a lovely melody as Kosmo danced a little bit to the song.

 

Illiana didn't seem to agree with his assesment on her but it didn't matter too much. "I wouldn't say everyone, but isn't there anyone you can trust beside yourself? Must be a lonely life you're living otherwise, but hey if that's how you like it who am I to judge. As a soldier, I prefer to have people beside me that I can count on when it matters, bonds forged in the heat of battle you know, you're all in the line of fire together anyways so might as well make the most of it, even if it hurts losing them later." Boreas said, he thought of Captain Tharsus and other comrades he had lost in the field. "I can tell for a fact she can handle herself alright in combat, after all when you were making a miserable attempt at fighting your brother, and Adalric fought Dentro, I was charged with fighting her. I'd imagine you want to ask her about Koa and I can't blame you for caring about family, if she proves that she can be counted on when it matters, I'm willing to tone down the scepticism. You're right though she's on a trial run and we'll see where it goes." Boreas said his tone changing a little when speaking of family, given the fact that the first thing she had asked him when she came to was what had happened to Koa after she had gone down and the girl appeared at that same time it made a good place to ask for informaton about him if they had worked together. "Also you seemed rather intrigued about what Take asked me, any particular reason for that?" He could rein in his curiosity with Torrin, but that didn't particularly extend to others, before their fight when she had called Koa her little brother she had mentioned a war back home, perhaps he wasn't the only one that had fought other people.​

 

Qamar was surprised to see Selene emerge from Stamatis' door. Her eyes saw the tome in the woman's hands. "I'm glad I'm strong." she sighed. "Yes, I was looking for Master Stamatis." she confirmed with Selene. Qamar grumbled, knowing he was now off to talk with Thallasa and Varos. Selene readjusted herself and then went on a tangent, talking about taking some books to Gero. Some kind of spell was hidden within this book, but there was an enchantment. "This castle is full of those, huh?" she commented as Selene went on and on. Though Qamar did smirk, stifling a small chuckle at the thought of Stamatis having a sweet tooth. Qamar did give Selene a look as if she wanted to just move on and find somebody else. Selene caught onto that and Qamar scratched her cheek.

"I get that same feeling. I feel like none of them want to teach my any kind of secrets. I'm a student, shouldn't they trust me?" she spoke out. She reached forward and grabbed the tome, holding it gently. It was heavy, but Qamar had a good enough grip. "A-Anyway Master Selene....I'll walk this with you to Master Gero. I suppose I can talk to him instead of Master Stamatis." she said. Her plans didn't change just because Stamatis was unavailable. Besides, Qamar noticed Varos was late to breakfast, so clearly there was a reason and Stamatis would want to know. "I have so many questions I want to ask Master Gero, do you think he'll even talk to me?" she asked Selene as they walked. "He seems like such a busy man, I'd hate to bother him..."​

 

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Take really wasn't sure what he was going to do at this point. He knew he was riled up after seeing the dragon, probably to an unnecessary degree than he needed to be. And with the way conversations seemed to be going today, he didn't wanna even bother trying since he knew he'd probably piss off someone. He thought about just going out for a jog, probably the same route Boreas took them all on the first time he jogged. But his mind became distracted by hearing a constant mewing and Nini looking up at him. He looked down at her with the most unamused face ever but eventually asked, "What, are you hungry?" at the question the cat started running and headed towards the front of the castle, so Take just went along with this ride since there was nothing better to do. Nini kept a little bit of a pace ahead and kept stopping occasionally to look back and see if Take was still following her, and he was doing so at a rather glacial pace. He had no idea where this cat was going but the further and further they got from the castle the more he kept looking back in hesitation. He stopped a minute to keep looking at the castle and not long after he did Nini stopped in her spot and kept mewing again. He sighed and said, "Alright. Alright..." and continued on.

He didn't really pay attention to the direction there, just kind of watching the tiny black cat walk until she suddenly started running and Take looked better in that direction. The first thing he noticed was the spot, which he admittedly found quite beautiful and peaceful. Then he noticed the stones and wasn't entirely sure what was going on until he got closer and gave a closer look at the stone. When the realization hit, he felt quite a bit of sudden heartache. They were little grave markers. They didn't look like the ones he had at his home so it had taken him a bit longer but he understood. He watched Nini shift her way over towards the one marked for Mika and curl up beside it looking sad. Takehiko knelt on down closer towards them and looked at the names. These weren't people he knew very well and he knew that.

Mika, the first of Choma's students he met who he was grouped with in Eventide, someone with a lot of energy and a good sense of humor. someone Take felt guilt over the fact he may have been able to save her had he not been idly chatting by with Torrin. Glyde, the kid who randomly fell from the sky one day and wouldn't wake up, who was quiet and distant but a pretty good gunner who he wished he gave a lot more praise and appreciation when he was there. Adalric, someone he barely knew who he thought seemed pretty approachable and was definitely a good fighter. And Dentro, someone who may have caused them quite a bit of grief over being on the other side, but maybe in other circumstances could have been someone he got along with very well.

The boy sat in silence and closed his eyes for a moment, and in his mind he could see the graves of his brothers in front of him. He didn't exactly remember when he stopped going to mourn, probably before Yasushi died. He only remembered seeing his grave once anyway. He felt so much anger and sadness and a bittersweet feeling looking back at the positive memories he had with them. The positive memories he had with Mika and Glyde even though they were few. And a deep feeling of worry that he was going to feel this way again about another person if there were more losses. He knew there were casualties in war and accepted that, but it didn't mean it was easy to cope with when you knew them beyond a face and a name. He took a deep breath to calm down and stop thinking about it too much. He had the urge to get up and go and do something so he wasn't wasting his time. But at the same time there was so much he didn't know if he really wanted to think about anything. And without really thinking about it he had started to meditate inwardly. Not really thinking about anything. Just listening to the wind rustling the leaves, the quiet snoring a breathing of Nini, and just the sounds of nature.
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It was as she expected. Gero would only look at her and not even greet her. As far as she knew, he probably had no time for her. Staring off at Selene leaving, Qamar turned back to Gero. She averted her eyes from his as she tried to piece together what she wanted to say. Taking a deep breath she looked straight at Gero. "Good morning Master Gero." She started off, sounding awkward. "I've been a student here a long time. I've listened to my Master and the other Masters here along the way. But still I've wondered things after I was sent out with the new students. They all seem to be under the impression we're sent to do the dirty work of the Council. They act like the Masters here are just sitting around doing nothing. This isn't true, is it? I don't remember a day when I wasn't seeing somebody leaving or coming. I've met so many Masters yet these students claim they're just not doing anything....or rather, that's the feeling they give." Qamar paused, crossing her arms. "On the other hand, I've been a student long enough, can I not be taught at least what the current goal is with the Council? It may seems silly, but I hope to be a member some day or even just be a great Master. I was hoping I was trusted enough that I wouldn't be told the same story as the other students."

Qamar lowered her arms and gave Gero a bow. "Master Gero, please don't think I'm being selfish. I just want to know more. I've lived the past 6 years not knowing my past and barely knowing anything else. I want to know everything. I can handle it, I promise you."​

 

So, Fost was gone now, as were most of the people who had heard the announcement of her presence. She supposed that meant she would have to stick with Tinarah for now. Overall not a bad situation to be in. If she had to have an impromptu escort, at least it was someone she herself was going to be an impromptu bodyguard for. Trust might still be an issue, but she had made her decision in spite of that. Tinarah herself was the only person so far who was judging her by her words and actions other than who she had sided with. It was quite refreshing really, considering that they had met the others here a grand total of once so far, and she had thought she made her reluctant stance on having to fight them pretty clear at the time... Though, she supposed that didn't necessarily mean she had.

Whatever the case, Tinarah was okay.

"Thank you." When someone was kind to you, you thanked them. It was that simple.

When the boy, Lumen had first began inquiring them, Tinarah had silently pled for help with the situation with her eyes. However, Chrys had only shrugged. It was unfortunate, but in spite of all her political training, she tripped over her tongue more often than not. At least, in social situations... she seemed extremely loaded up on words whenever she was feeling an indescribable surge of attitude. That said, since neither of the other parties was being actively hostile, she was effectively tongue tied.

The dragons dancing was cute though.

"That's generous of you." She said in regards to the offered help, still feeling relatively at a loss.
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While he was playing his lute he noticed the look on Tinarah’s and Chrys’ faces, it seems that they weren’t that much of the social people, but that didn’t bother him much. Lumen was, at most, a loose cannon about... a hundred percent at the time. He lives lively and loved meeting new people, with time, he’ll warm to their hearts as friends. What he also noticed is that he noticed Tinarah eyeing his lute so he decided to speak, “Oh? You like my lute? Yeah, my great grandfather passed it to me before he passed away. He was a simple jongleur, which is in other words a simple friendly traveler. I always loved to listen about his stories, songs, and he even had a pet dog named Shedo. She’s sweet. His dying wish was for me to see the world beyond, and tell his tale of exploring. I’m kinda rambling at this point, heh...” Then came the question of if Tinarah wanted to show them around, instantly Lumen put his lute away as Kosmo curled into the boys scarf like a hammock. “Why that would be wonderful! I’d love to see the castle and meet some of the others that are here. There... are others right? I’m just eager to meet new people, makes me feel known in the worlds.” He said with an energetic voice as he bolted up the stairs two steps at a time, until he got to the halfway point and turned to the two girls and spoke out, “I uh... also have to speak to the Council about something important. So once you show me around, maybe you could point me to where I can find them?” Lumen finished with some hesitation and curiosity in his voice, he wants to give the news about Master Varos and his presence as soon as possible, but that can wait. What he really wants right now is a lay of the land and people to meet.

 

She stood straight and listened closely to Gero. She already knew that the Council was to protect the Seven. Though Gero did seem disinterested in her, at least he was answering her questions. She didn't blame him, she was just a student. She probably didn't even have what it takes to be a Master in his eyes. In any case, she continued to listen to him. She also knew that she was not to disturb the world order. If there were any worlds that were disturbed, she could only imagine the consequences. She did learn that the Light Chaser was once a member of the Council. Kind of sad that he ended up the way he is now, though. Though it is rather scary how powerful he is. What could be giving him such powers? Qamar tapped her chin as Gero mused about the Light Chaser's powers. Though he did get into the nitty gritty and revealed a book. This book contained such great information that Qamar stared in disbelief. "That's....incredible." she uttered. After he finished, he informed her that that was the limit of what he will tell her. "To think that such a thing exists, I can understand why it's not common knowledge..."

"Master, that's more than enough. I know I'm still a student, but I hope to learn more some day." she looked around Gero's room a moment but turned back to him. "By the way, Master, does the Light Chaser not have a name? Humm.....no, don't answer that...I don't want to dig up anything I shouldn't." she said, shaking her head. Closing her eyes, she put her hands behind her back. "Let me ask something unrelated...."

Then she had to figure how to word this as not to anger Gero. "Well, I know that there are wielders from the Realm of Darkness. Torrin and Boreas are the first two I can think about. Can you tell me a little bit about that? I mean, do they go against what the Council stands for or are they on good terms?" she asked, shrugging a little.​

 

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So they just needed to take advantage of the numbers they had over them. He could see that working for the students, but for the Light Chaser himself. Well as it stood right now, he could see more of the risks, but the possibility of it working was there as well. It left him feeling unsure about it all as a whole despite wanting a better way to go about it. Thankfully this wouldn't be something that would come up anytime soon. "Maybe we can come up with something better than just 'gang up on him' while we're here."

 

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"We'll find a way to best him," Aria chimed in. "We are going to start training soon, or so I heard. In the meantime, did you get any breakfast?" she asked the newcomer and then looked to Tinarah's brother. "Chrono? If not, I can make something for you really quick, maybe add some hot chocolate to the mix. You must be hungry." She was trying to be nice and considerate of the new guy. It sounded like he had been through a lot and needed a friendly face. Aria didn't mind helping out in that case.

 

Chrono and Torrin both had good points. On one hand, they had the advantage of numbers and the people here seemed more than capable wielders. On the other, rushing a powerful foe with no clear strategy seemed incredibly reckless. He heard Aria and a new person chime in, giving an incline of his head."We'll hammer out more details. I still feel weary from my trip."​

 

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"Light Chaser," Aria emphasized with a giggle. "Think of it as someone chasing pure hearts. Like me. I'm apparently a pure heart. And pure hearts have light in them. Light that the Light Chaser wants for himself. A-Anyways..." She cleared her throat and clapped her hands together. "Hot chocolate time! Follow me." Aria led the group of boys to the kitchen where she glanced at the time. Morning was nearly over, but they could still have a nice brunch. Breakfast for lunch. Aria found an apron and tied it around her waist, getting ready to get down to some serious cooking business. She grabbed a pan, some eggs, slices of bacon, slices of bread, and some oil. She quickly got the breakfast started on the pan, and then went to go make the hot chocolate. She found a pot cocoa powder, sugar, whole milk, half-and-half cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. She placed the milk and cream in the saucepan and began to heat up the pan. She then stirred the cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl, keeping an eye on the breakfast cooking in the pan. "There's many ways to make hot chocolate," she mused out-loud. "And since I have the proper ingredients at hand, I can make my Aunt Anja's specialty. Well, not entirely. She made her own marshmallows fluff, but I'm not going to take the time for that."

When the milk finally heated up, Aria took a teaspoon at a time and poured it in the bowl of other ingredients, mixing it together until it made a nice chocolate paste. Once that was done, she poured the mix back in the pot and stirred it until it was all mixed together again. With that ready to go, Aria focused her attention back on the breakfast for the newcomer and toasted the bread. She then scrambled the eggs and flipped the bacon, getting them ready to go. Once they completely cooked, she slid breakfast on a plate and put the slices of toast along side of the other breakfast ingredients and then handed it to Kal. "Here you go. If you need anything else, lemme know and I'm sure I can make it or find it." She then pulled out five mugs and a bag of mini marshmallows, putting the marshmallows in each cup. She put a dash of vanilla extract in the hot chocolate mix, and then poured an even amount out in each of the mugs. She turned off the heat on the stove, and then handed the mugs to Kal, Chrono, Torrin, and Enzo before taking one for herself. "I hope it tastes okay to you guys," she thought aloud. She then took a sip and hummed out happily, leaning against the counter. "I needed this... Oh, you said you already ate, but do you want another breakfast as well?"

 

"Er..." she averted her eyes. He had totally seen through her question. Though she didn't expect much else, she just didn't realize he'd pick up on it immediately. Her mind was indeed put at ease when he assured her that a little darkness wasn't what the Council was actually afraid of. It was that the Light Chaser was going about it completely wrong. "And the Light Chaser wishes to upset that balance." she affirmed. He went on to confirm that not all darkness is bad. Though Gero did seem to not reference Torrin, so she was curious about that part. Though he did go on to say that he could not answer the standing between the Council and King Joch. "Right, I'm sorry Master Gero, you've not been back too long. Things did change while you were gone, I'm sure." she nodded.

"I have one last question and I'll leave you to do your reading." she started off. "It may seem too soon for this, but I've witnessed the Light Chaser's students' powers myself. They far exceed our own. This is due in part that our side having a lot of fresh blades. I fear with their current powers, he's going to try and give them their Mark of Mastery. I know it's not my place, but I hope that is not the case and we have time to do our own growth. Do you think we have the time? I'm worried about the worlds that are going to be lost..." she looked at the ground. "Even I wasn't strong enough to take down a student of his without resorting to using my darkness heavily."

Clearing her throat and giving a small bow. "Sorry, I was on a tangent there. So that really wasn't a question..." she apologized. "U-Um...m....maybe I can bring you something to eat? A nice lunch? I..I was getting hungry myself." she offered. "I have to bring something to my Master anyway. Gotta make sure he eats." she chuckled.​