Chapter Text
Once everyone is debriefed in Master Yen Sid’s study, they disperse into the kitchen to eat and celebrate. Riku felt too stifled and adrenaline spiked to stay with the large group. They were all still tensed and cautious.
He crossed the threshold of the Mysterious Tower and sat on the steps, looking into the sky. He sighs and rests his elbow on his knee.
The war was finally over. A few major hits taken and healed with no losses. Hopefully Mickey would give them some weeks to rest and recuperate before eradicating the lingering Heartless.
A deep yet dulcet voice brings him out of his reverie.
“You’ve grown so much. I knew the moment I felt your light those years ago, you would become something impressive. Thank you for not giving up on me when I fell into the abyss.”
Riku looks down to find Aqua settling next to him.
“Master Aqua... I’ve had my share of run-ins with the darkness. I can’t imagine how it must have been down there for ten years. I’m glad we got you out in time.”
She gives him a sad smile. “Holding on to getting Ven and Terra back safely kept me sane. It was lonely wandering the long hallways. You don’t feel hunger, thirst or sleepy in the Darkness, so fighting off the Heartless felt never ending. I sensed darkness in you. But it is controlled and used for good. I am proud of how you’ve handled all that has been thrown at you. It is not my place to take credit for that, but you should know how important you are. Anyways,” she ruffles his hair, “congratulations, new Master Riku. This victory was well-deserved. Mickey is making us all take a break for two weeks. Then it’s back to business.”
Riku ducks his head, hiding the faint flush that overcomes his face. “Thank you. That means a lot Master Aqua.”
“Just call me Aqua, Riku. We are all equals here.”
“Aqua it is then. Why aren’t you inside?”
“I needed a breather. Being trapped for so long has left me high strung around this many people. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to keep Ven and Terra handcuffed to me. But they shouldn’t miss out on the celebrations. How about you? Why aren’t you in there with your friends?”
“I still can’t get rid of the adrenaline from the battle and they would try to wrestle me into every conversation and everyone would be too close for comfort. My heart is in tune with Sora and Kairi, so I know they’re okay. The night sky always calms me down.”
“It is so beautiful. There’s this one world you should visit. My glider went careening into a warp site because of a G-Firaga gummi piece attaching itself to the gear. I landed in a world called Eos. There were so many people and interesting smells. But I was on a mission, so I had to leave quickly. I never got the chance to go back. I’ll probably visit in the future. But I think you’d fit in perfectly.”
“I’ll make that the stop after Halloween Town. Sora wants to take me to go meet all the friends he’s made.”
“A Victory Lap then? That’s great!”
“Yeah, basically. Although, Kairi is going to be staying in Radiant Garden to find out more about her family.”
“How nice. She seems like a sweet and fierce girl. I hope she finds what she’s looking for. As for you now, we have to go inside and eat then sleep for a few days.”
They get up and walk back inside the Tower.
“Thanks for the company.”
“Anytime, Riku. Keep me updated.”
They joined the loud racket behind the door.
“Where’d you guys go?! I’ve saved some cake!” yells Sora.
Riku chuckles. “Thanks.”
With one last shared smile, Aqua and Riku take their seats and dig in.