Castletown (Aqua)

[terra]

It was a rather hot day in Alexandria, and everyone seemed to be lethargic and lazy. Well, to most of the inhabitants it was a gruelling day, to Terra, it wasn’t all that bad, he has experienced worse temperatures, much to his boss’ pleasure.

But still on a rather blazing day, working in front of the kennel with its own great heat mixing in, as he hammered away at imperfect metal, was something that even pushed his tolerance. He had been doing this for hours, constantly placing them back into the fire, and pulling out the next one to start the ritual again. His arm by now was getting sore, they both were as he switched between the two when one got tired, he had long ago abandoned his shirt, only wearing his pants as he continued.

“Ok, break time kid.” The master Blacksmith said making Terra sigh in relief as he placed the latest one he had, back into the embers, and practically collapsed into the chair, his arms practically carolling praises. “You lasted longer than I thought you would kid, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to do that for a good half a day eventually.” The older male said, patting Terra’s shoulder.

Terra released a soft laugh, “Perhaps, but I’m afraid my arms maybe dead tomorrow.” He told him, excepting the glass of water that was handed to him, “Maybe, you’re still young, kid. You might be right as rain tomorrow, you got the body of it.”

“Haha, I suppose I do.”

They sat in silence mostly, Terra trying to regain his breath while the Blacksmith began pulling out the metal to inspect them, though it was always better to do that when the product was finished, it was difficult to tell now what mistakes he had made. “Hey kid.” He called as he placed another metal back on the embers. Terra looked towards him curiously, and grunted as he was roughly given the bucket of water, “Throw this out, we need a fresh one.”

Releasing a small grumble, Terra got up from his seat, and walked outside. Alexandria was still pretty busy, even with this. Releasing a chuckle, he dumped the water into the flower plantation that was on the side, before turning around and heading back.

So...this was peace...

[Aqua]

[Sorry for the wait D8]

Alexandria was bustling as always, even despite the tearing away from their original world and put into a reformed new one. The people seemed as busy as ever, seemingly unaware of the sudden shift of places. Nothing changed their lives- they lived on as they always did- maybe it was an improvement? Whatever they thought it didn't seem to bother them... Walking through the crowds humming a small tune, blue eyes fascinated by almost everything they laid upon-

Aqua the keyblade master walked down the many cobbled roads bypassing merchants, workers, and civilians as they went on with their daily lives. Aqua however wasn't just sight seeing- she was searching for someone.. two someones in fact. Her dear friends... Though she could not remember them very well her heart told her that they existed. They were not some dream she made up... Terra and Ven existed and she felt within herself that they were alive...

She had no doubts...

However finding them would prove nearly impossible without knowing who they really were, yes she knew them as her friends but she couldn't remember their personalities, their likes, dislikes, and even more importantly- their faces... It was as though something blurred them out from her mind's eye- she couldn't place it- though almost crystal clear she could hear their voices, their laughs and smiles- but even that felt so distant...

'I can't forget them.. Terra Ven... please! don't let me forget you!' Her mental plead went unheard to anyone but herself as she steeled herself hoping to control her worried heart. Sighing Aqua continued walking down the roads her tune long forgttn as she cast a glance at a shop- a blacksmith? Curious as she felt a familiar tug at her heartstrings she felt her legs move like casters as she found herself walking into the smithy body bombarded by the heat of the forge. Seeing non one but the blacksmith there,

Aqua felt slightly disappointed 'What was I thinking? Finding someone that can't even remember what he looks like?!' Breathing n the warm air she spoke hoping to gain the smithy's attention- "Er.. hello? Sorry to intrude- I'm looking for someone... a young man..." 'Or I believe I am...' she added as the blue haired woman shifted with a sigh. "Can you help me? sir?"

[terra]

Looking up that Blacksmith was surprised in meeting such a beautiful woman, they didn’t usually enter his shop for weapons, it was usually men, he would get the odd female or so, but they weren’t like this beauty, “No, no its fine My Lady, how can I help you?” He asked, straightening up and reaching for a spare cloth to wipe his hands with. “Looking for someone eh? You got a name, or even a description of him?” Poor girl was separated, probably from her boyfriend, down right shame, she was a beauty, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight if he was the man she was looking for.

Hearing the back door open, he knew it was his apprentice, “One second ma’am.” He told her before turning his head, “Kid! Gonna need your help here! Got a lass who’s lost her boyfriend!” He yelled.

Terra raised his head just has he finished putting the bucket back down and released a small laugh, “One second!” He shouted back, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the small charm that he had on him. The orange star that was definitely precious to him.

”Charms? That’s awfully feminine of you.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?”

Would he ever hear that kind of banter again? From her or him? Because of his choices...his foolishness, others had suffered. “Do you...hate me...?” He muttered to no one as he stared down at it, like it could give him the answer he seek. A small part of him...hope they both hated him, if you’d make it easier if he was despised...that way he would know that they would be protected...they would be safe, away from him.

Pocketing the charm, he released a small sigh, before making his way out of the back to the front where his boss was waiting with, whoever it was. “There he is.” He heard his boss grumble and Terra gave him a slight smile as he crossed his arms over his bare chest, “Sorry, no who is it that...” As his blue eyes slid away and locked with a pair of clear crystal blue ones, his breathing hitched as his eyes widened as he stared at her. To him, nothing about her has changed, she was still beautiful, her hair was still its short length.

A large urge to retreat and hide rose within him, but he didn’t move back, even though his arms unfolded and hung by his sides. It was...

“Aqua...?” He breathed in shock.

---

OOC: Its alright

[Aqua]

Aqua smiled as she listened to the man, though a blush quickly rose as he got the wrong idea shouting at the back to someone about her "boyfriend". "Oh! No- you got the wrong idea, the person I'm looking for isn't my boyfriend! He's-" She breathed her blush fading slowly as she regained her composure, still it was there and Aqua felt awfully embarrassed about it. Suddenly a voice- a voice that sounded so familiar yet not- entered her ears.

Snapping up the blue haired magic user stared as a shirtless young man with deep blue eyes came in- seemingly shocked at her presence. A memory crept up, but it quickly faded before she could grasp it's meaning... "Uh?-" She blinked as though trying to process something, a feeling she couldn't describe entered her being as she locked eyes with Terra.

"How- do you know my name?" She began throughly confused. "Do I know you?"

[terra]

The hurt that came from such an innocent question, almost had Terra recoiling from it, like she had just hit him, no instead, he flinched slightly. So...even after all this, he couldn’t even apologize to her, she stood before him, but clearly, she didn’t know him. The woman that he grew up with, that always looked towards him teasingly, tormenting him in the studies that he was horrible at—which was magic, the one she excelled in—was standing there, but it was not her. She...she had forgotten.

His blue eyes slid shut, was what he done so bad that even she forgot? His actions...he hated the path he followed down.

Taking a large breath he opened his eyes and smiled softly, “Oh, we met once, you helped me before leaving suddenly, it’s good to see you are well.” That’s all he could do. Lie, lie to her about who he was, let her memories of him stay buried in her mind. Let her...let her forget about him, let her finally be happy, as he could never provide that to her. His hands twitched at his sides as that darkness muttered into his mind, playing off the crush it knew he had on her, but she could never return them...not anymore.

Walking a bit forward, towards the counter, he saw his boss giving him a raised brow, but Terra ignored it, instead focused on her. “I didn’t know you had a boyfriend,” He said, his voice filled with cheeriness even though it was forced on his part, he had to keep up this façade, no matter how much it hurt. He was so use to meeting her gaze and having those eyes light up, recognizing him, but seeing the confusion mingling in those depths...it surprised Terra how much it hurt.

But this was his penance he supposed, for the girl he cared for, much more than a friend to no longer know him, and have another’s arms to wrap around her.

It struck him though, if Aqua couldn’t remember him, then Ventus, the boy that was like a brother to him, did he suffer the same thing as her? You have no light... It hissed into his mind with a perverse pleasure echoing in its tone. “Well I can help you look around Alexandria for him if you’d like, I know the city pretty well.” He assured her giving her another smile.

[Aqua]

Eyebrows knitted Aqua tried to recall such a memory that the dark haired youth spoke of. Yet none she could recall- it was as a thick hazy fog clouded her thoughts and memories obscuring the truth from her. The truth that her heart knew was there... "Oh- I see.." She spoke slowly almost hesitant before smiling softly. "Well it's good to see you again!" Her mind though fogged had a feeling of familiarity yet she couldn't place why...

Then came the familiar voice one that felt so assuring, so warm, of someone she felt she should know! Could it be... could he be the one she was searching for? One of the lost friends she was searching for? Terra? Or was it Ven? 'No-' She thought, 'Ven was younger I'm sure...' She finalized as she was pulled out of her thoughts by Terra's smooth voice. A blush rose up suddenly as she felt the heat rise to her face, obviously embarrassed.

"W-What? N-No! I don't have a boyfriend! The one I'm looking for is just a friend!" She covered her lower face with one hand trying hide her embarrassment "Really!" Controlling her emotions she composed herself as the blush slowly faded, though the embarrassment still lingered. Suddenly Terra proposed on helping her find her missing friend- how kind of him...

"Oh- that would be wonderful, thank you-" She paused unsure of how to continue. "Oh- I'm sorry, I didn't get your name," She smiled a bit embarrassed, "It's rude seeing as you have mine and..." She smiled brightly, "May I ask for you're name sir?"

[terra]

Terra mentally cursed, he should’ve known that she would’ve asked him that question sooner or later. He had two options, lie to her about his name, or tell her his name. There was a risk though...a risk that his name would trigger some kind of memory. He clenched his teeth together, but was surprised when the Blacksmith placed one arm on his shoulder and pushed him towards the back.

“For one, put a shirt on when talking to a lady, kid.” He said gruffly, making Terra release a laugh and go to do so. The older male turned back to the little miss, “Sorry about that, Kid most of the time, doesn’t have manners.” He told her with a grin, before that faded slightly. He could tell that the Kid was going to make a mistake, he knew this girl, he saw his eyes light up with surprise and happiness, saw them dim when she did not recognize him in turn. It wasn’t his business, but he wasn’t going to have the Kid’s stupidity ruin this for him.

“You know...the kid helps a lot of people, usually unconsciously.” He told her, “But...he has a stupid habit of making himself seem unimportant.” Please get this hint, he couldn’t help but think, Terra shouldn’t have to hide, not if they were friends, he shouldn’t be shrouding who he was to her truthfully by creating a web of lies.

“What about me?” Terra voiced as he walked back in, his shirt with the two red belts now in place. “Just saying you’re stupid Kid, leaving an old man to do all the work.” The Blacksmith said gaining another laugh from the brown-haired male. Walking around the counter he stood before Aqua and sent her a smile before heading for the door, “Well shall we go look for your friend?” He inquired as he opened the door, waiting for her.

[xigbar]

The heat was strong, but such things weren't a problem for someone like Xigbar. A good sniper knew how to focus on his surroundings and not his body. And Xigbar was one of the best. He stood, carefully out of sight, near the door to a local blacksmith's shop. The old Nobody recognized that new apprentice the instant his scope had rolled over him. That kid with the Keyblade. No doubt about it. How he'd gotten free of the old man, Xigbar had no idea, but he recognized that kid. How could he forget the kid who messed up his face?

And even better, when he'd gotten within earshot, he heard that oh so familiar other voice. A quick peek around the corner had told him all he needed to know; both of those wacky Keybladers were in town. Now if only the runt showed up, it'd be like a happy family reunion.

...

NOT

Xigbar had no intention of letting those two lovebirds enjoy the rest of the day. The white rifle-like weapon that had been in his hands disappeared as if it had never been there a moment before he pulled the corner, stepping into plain view of the blacksmith and his apprentice, blue's back facing him. This would probably feel awful familiar to them; he was even wearing his old suit from his RG days right now. How appropriate. "Looks like you're missin' one. We got the big guy and the Keyblade Master, but you're still missin' the runt. Oh, that's right, he's sittin' high and dry without a heart about now, isn't he? What kind of idiot are you, blue; you've got your boyfriend staring you in the face right there, and you don't even recognize the face of the guy that deep-sixed your precious master. Peh! And here I thought I was rid of you runts."

[Aqua]

[sorry for the fail post guys]

Aqua blushed finally realizing that the young man had no shirt on. Luckily his boss pushed him to the back as she controlled her emotions. She listened intently as the Blacksmith spoke about Terra having no manners. Funny, Aqua could of sworn the man had plenty. As Terra walked back in with a shirt on Aqua smiled, and nodded- as he asked if she was ready to go. Though apart of her still mulled over what his boss said...

he sees himself as unimportant? Was there something she was missing? Shaking her head mentally she began her walk outside with the man that she had no recollection of. Everything felt alright until a voice and a person accompanied by the voice appeared... someone that Aqua felt a deep dislike for. Though- that wasn't right... she never met him before... Feeling the urge to summon her keyblade Aqua refrained as simply settled for a glare on the Nobody. "What do you mean? You're not making any sense!"

Ven? Did he know about Ven? And what did this man mean- was he saying that this guy was the one who killed their Master? That couldn't be right unless he was saying that this man was= "Terra?" She turned to Terra confusion in her eyes as she felt a memory swim to the surface.... "Terra- you're Tera, aren't you?" Aqua asked to the other Keyblade wielder as she bit her lip in confusion. "lease... just answer me truthfully..." Though she was distracted by her past she was still ready for whatever the strange eye patch wearing man had up his sleeve. She wasn't a Master for nothing. "Terra..."

[terra]

At hearing that voice, Terra could feel his whole body tense drastically. No...it wasn’t...it couldn’t be. Braig was...he was alive and here. His teeth gritted together, mostly in anger as another part of him felt rather smug at the eye patch the man now wore on his features, it’s been a long time since he’s seen the other male, but he didn’t seem to change all that much. Still a insufferable attitude, and clothing, but it looked like the other grew out his hair into a ponytail...odd.

Instinctively, Terra’s eyes flashed around, looking for any signs of his ‘master’ or even the man’s companions. Odd. Were they separated and planning on a group attack, or was Braig really just going to make two people with Keyblades annoyed with him?

Well the one-eyed man was always strange...

”Terra?”

Said male tensed before looking back to the blue haired beauty, seeing the confusion and yet hope in her eyes, the way she pleaded with him. He again found himself debating on whether to tell her the truth or not. She truly did not remember him, so it would be so easy just to lie to her, but with Braig here, it would make the lying pointless, the older male would just seek out to contradict everything Terra would say, so...he had to tell her the truth.

Stepping forward, he stopped only when he was shoulder to shoulder with Aqua, but he kept his eyes on Braig as he glanced over to her from the corner of his eye. “Yes. I am Terra.” He said to her before continuing walking forward once more, “Do you hate me now?” He whispered, just for her ears to hear, before his eyes narrowed at the older male.

“So, even you live after all these years Braig.” The brown-haired male said while raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms over his chest, “What are you doing here in Alexandria?”

[xigbar]

Xigbar rolled his eye. Wow, that was astoundingly easy to do. He just laughed in response to Terra's question. "And who made you queen of the world? I could ask you the same thing, Sir Stoic. You know, I've done some low stuff myself, but I don't think I could stoop low enough to lie to my girlfriend. Must really hurt to have your boyfriend step on your heart like that."

Xigbar smirked, his rifle splitting into separate arrowguns as he shrugged his shoulders. He was spoiling for a fight. "And I should mention that I'm not Braig any more. It's Xigbar, courtesy of me being a Nobody. What was it that idiot said? 'Got it memorized'?"