[video, minor derailment]

[shiningwaters]

It still happened. Even though I tried to warn Terra, even though I tried to warn the Master...Terra still failed. The darkness still appeared when we sparred--is it my fault somehow?

[Off in the distance, a gruff, old voice can be heard faintly]

Not here, you won't. I have to keep up appearances.

...Wait, that's Master Xehanort's voice. Who's he talking to?

...I need to talk to Terra.

Comments

[makewayforroze]

I don't know what happened but I know it's not your fault.

[shiningwaters]

I don't know. For some reason, I seem to bring out the worst in him.

[makewayforroze]

What do you mean you bring out the worst in him? If he's angry, that's not your fault.

[shiningwaters]

We've always competed with each other, since we were children. I guess I never realized how seriously he took it.

[makewayforroze]

Have you talked to him about it?

[shiningwaters]

Not yet, and I'm going to find him. I didn't think I'd have to talk to him about this.

[makewayforroze]

What DID happen?

[shiningwaters]

It was a duel--just a normal part of the exam. We'd trained together for years, so Master Eraqus thought it would be good for us to gauge our skills against each other. But when I came at him, shadows appeared around his hand for a moment, and he had to try to suppress it before he could counter.

[makewayforroze]

Shadows? That doesn't sound like something that would happen just because he wanted to be as good as you.

[shiningwaters]

That's why I'm so worried. I don't know what might have set that off.

[makewayforroze]

Did it happen last time?

[shiningwaters]

Yes. Exactly the same way.

[makewayforroze]

You never figured out what it was?

[shiningwaters]

No. Darkness usually comes from an excess of negative emotions, and before now, there weren't any hard feelings between us. I don't know what it could be reacting to.

[makewayforroze]

I remember, last time, you had to go on a journey, after. What will you do now?

[shiningwaters]

If it's starting all over again, I think I'll have to help the other worlds again. But I don't want to leave it to chance this time.

[makewayforroze]

No, you shouldn't. If there's something we want, we need to work toward it, not just hope it turns out.

...Will it be easier this time? Or just as lonely?

[shiningwaters]

I know what to expect this time, which might be better. But maybe, if I've got the community, I should try to get some help.

[makewayforroze]

You should. I can't fight but I'll help in another way, if I can.

[shiningwaters]

Evacuations could be a big help. Just keeping people away from danger.

[makewayforroze]

As long as they're not dangerous, I'll be happy to give them a place to stay. I have to take care of my son first but if you know they're safe, they're welcome in my home.

[shiningwaters]

I don't think it would have to be long-term, but thank you for the offer. There are plenty of people in each world who can help protect their people, but some seem more lost than others.

[makewayforroze]

We all need a bit of help, sometimes. [Even if she's learned the importance of self strength, friends are good, too.] So I won't turn them away.

[shiningwaters]

I'll do what I can to ease the pressure off anyone.

[makewayforroze]

And I'll help.

[text]

[former_endboss]

...I think you need to eavesdrop a bit more.

Re: [text]

[shiningwaters]

I'm trying. Unfortunately, they keep moving. ...Wait, I know the other voice!

Re: [text]

[former_endboss]

It's all very cloak and dagger. Or at least, that's how it feels.

Re: [text]

[shiningwaters]

It is, and now I'm worried. That other voice is someone named Vanitas--I've fought him before.

[text]

[former_endboss]

I won't distract you then. This may be critical snooping.

Re: [text]

[shiningwaters]

They just split up. I don't know which one I should follow...

[text]

[former_endboss]

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

Re: [text]

[shiningwaters]

Right. No matter what Master Xehanort's up to, if he has to try to seem good here, then I can afford to leave him alone for a little while. Vanitas, on the other hand, is definitely hostile.

[former_endboss]

Exactly. I'm glad that I don't have to spell everything out for everyone here.

[shiningwaters]

Now, I'm really worried. He's heading toward the bedrooms.

[former_endboss]

Would anyone be there right now?

[shiningwaters]

Ven might have gone back to his room. He's not as strong as we are--he won't stand a chance!

[former_endboss]

Stay your blade a moment. Towards and might are no reason to abandon stealth.

[shiningwaters]

You're right. And if I do anything sudden, it might give him a reason to attack Ven.

[former_endboss]

I don't think I can give you much more timely advice from here on out-if things escalate, they'll probably do so quickly.

[shiningwaters]

Thanks. I think all I can do is wait and be ready.