//------------------------------//
// Nobody's trip to the future 
// Story: Life of a Nobody 
// by Xinrick 
//------------------------------//

My Training with Arpeggio was simpler that my other weapons so far. The basics of it was learning to align my thoughts/actions with the tune of the music I played. Demy helped me memorized the healing spells, which thankfully the longest of which was half a minute, but healed the most, but also the slowest.

Demy even showed me some of the more frowned upon songs affiliated with it’s spells. Some were understandable. Mind control, causing internal bleeding, freezing one targets blood from within, others were a tad strange, such as a spell called Incubation, the song of which was a challenge to play, and the result would be an aquatic, sentient creature that did what told until death.

“Now then, Ben, Remember this one Key rule,” Medy began explaining as I listened with intent. “If you are performing a massive spell, and let your emotions cloud your focus, one wrong flick of the strings and the spell and/or attack will backlash at you, and you will die. Only one person has ever survived a Master level spell with these kinds of weapons backlashing, and that was because his ally was a good healer.”

“Okay then…” I said. “Honestly...I thought this would be the most complicated considering I'm learning to wield a weapon, waterbending, how to play certain music, and learn how to play this thing in the first place.” I said honestly.

“You can make up songs off the top of your head, but learning to play these weapons are really the hardest part, and memorizing what notes to play the song for attacking and spellcasting is fairly easy.” Medy explained, tuning his own instrument/weapon. I never looked at his closely. It was wood, unlike Arpeggio, which was a metal of some sorts, and had runeworks of sorts engraved along the neck and a few nics, knife carved from the looks of it, in its body. Seven in all.

“What's with the runes and knife nics?” I asked curiously.

“Hm?” He pondered, proceeding to look upon his own weapon. “Oh, right. This was my dad’s. Growing up my sis and I worked with Mom, Dad, and my uncle working on our kelp and koral farm. Sharks were a real pain back home, and whenever dad killed a big one, and I mean bigger than you and I stacked on top of one another, he carved a nic into his weapon with one of their own teeth.”

“And he killed seven of them?” I asked, finding this fascinating.

“Yup. Their teeth made great knives, jaws made good decor, and the meat sold well. All in all we did well…”

“I'm sensing a ‘but’ here.” I said worriedly.

“Dad lent me his to practice with some friends in town… when I came back, there was only my sister...and a lot of blood and...limbs. It was a smaller shark, and a bit fat, but fast. It got what it wanted and left. After that Trident ordered guards to patrol the whole farming oceans. Mad work hard, and for our loss, he gave us a steady allowance from the crown that will continue until that money is needed elsewhere. Elsewhere came when I was about sixteen. By then sis was working in a salon and I just messed with this thing, feeling...responsible… I left, walked dry land for a long time till I came across a world traveler I hitch hiked with. Time went on, one thing led to another. I’m twenty two now and not too long ago you saved my sis and I from slavery.”

“Okay then.” I said. “That's...quite a thing.” I muttered. “But...you still have a good life right now right?”

“I’m putting dad’s tool to good use. I’d say so.” Demy said simply, finishing his tuning. “Alright then, well, that’s about it. I taught you everything I know.”

“Now, do I just get it with you saying ‘I mastered it’ or do I have to beat you in a fight?” I frowned, looking over Arpeggio for the symbol to show I mastered it.

“These may be weapons, but they are still instruments dude, no one can ‘Master’ these things, it’s just how much skill you have.”

“Ya see, my other weapons actually had symbols on them to signify I've mastered them…” I told him, pulling out Fair Game and showing him the symbol on it. “Its appeared for all my other weapons either through fighting my master, doing a specific thing or was told I mastered it.”

“Well, I dunno what to tell you there. If it’s a fight you need sorry, look elsewhere. I only use Dad’s tool to protect and heal, fighting and duals are a big no.”

“Okay then.” I said, still looking over the thing. “Sorry…”

“It’s alright.” Medy said, standing up and stretching. “Well, I’m gonna head back to the hospital. Kids are gonna be let out soon, and I wanna play them a few more tunes before they head home.”

“Alright.” I nodded. “Hope it'll all go well.” I said, wondering what I have to do to fully master it. “Hey...what is the purpose of this?” I asked, motioning to my Sitar. “Like...as a ‘weapon’.”

“Huh...Well I’m not sure. Did you make it?” Medy asks, tilting his head as he pulled his arms behind his head to lean it into the connected grip of his hands.

“No…” I said. “Funny thing is...in another time this was your Nobody’s weapon.” I said, handing Arpeggio over to him. “You can look it over if you want.”

“Huh?” He said, taking the weapon/instrument in his hands. I could tell from his expression that it felt natural for him to hold it. “It’s...quality made, that’s for sure. Titanium strings, a body made from I don’t even know what, but this thing looks like it can tank if used as a blunt object.” He said, finally letting himself play a few strings, before hearing the first few notes, then proceed to toss it half into the water. “I hate it.”

“Why do you hate it?” I asked, walking over and picking it out of the water. “Is it not tuned or what?”

He sat in the sand, legs crossed as he bore a rather grumpy expression. “It’s perfect. It’s body built to resonate the music for ears great distances away can hear, string so well tuned and strong, the player never need fear a retuning or a string breaking. It’s the perfect weapons for fighting, and the perfect instrument for playing, but, it lacks heart. When you play it, it sounds fine, but when I played it, the notes felt tuneless, and hollow.”

I held Arpeggio and played the notes gently. “Dance Water Dance.” I said, closing my eyes and playing a tune that seemed to come to me when I said that, water swirling around me as water clones were made, the music sounding soothing and nice, but held a mysterious undertone that only water could hold.

When the song ended, and the water clones disbursed, Demy sat there, expression unchanged but thoughtfulness was in his eyes. “I just don’t get it.” He said, sighing. “In your hands, it played properly, in mine...it was emotionless.”

I frowned, looking over it. “Hmm…” I muttered, deciding this time to use my Assistant to see what was up with this thing.



Arpeggio

Type: Instrumental Weapon
Att: Varies
Def: 0
Mag 20

Arpeggio was created with unique ores found only within The Realm Between, AKA, Nothingness. These ores rarely slip into the realms of light and darkness, and outside it’s respected realm, is nearly indestructible. It’s the only weapons of the Organization 13, to be crafted with these materials and in this manner. When played by a Nobody, or being possessing Nothingness, it will play with heart, and it’s music will influencing the spells and attacks used with it(+15 to physical attacks, +17 to magic attacks/spells typically). But, when wielded by a being with a heart and no connection to Nothingness it’s music will play hollow, and empty, and drastically reduce its effectiveness(-20 to Physical attacks, -25 to magical attacks/spells).



“Okay then, apparently this thing was made from materials in the Realm of Nothing...so that's why it's hollow for you and not me.” I said simply.

“Huh. What about it's sewn in song?” Medy asked, much to my confusion. He rolled his eyes at this. “Each of these weapons has a special sewn in song, the song given to it that holds a special place to it's wielder/player.”

“No idea…” I said, gently plucking the strings. “Hmm…” I muttered, wondering if it's the same song that Demyx used in his fight. “Sewn in music…” I muttered, trying to figure out what kind of song this thing had. “A song that holds a special place to me…” I muttered, lost in thought as I just played whatever came to mind.

The notes I played felt...random. There wasn’t a tune or rhythm. Damn it.  “Maybe you should try to keep a clear head. These songs aren’t exactly easy learn if your sitar was acquired rather than made.”

“Maybe…” I muttered, taking a deep breath and trying to clear my usually clouded head. “Hmm…”

Clearing my mind was a tad troubling, but I soon could hear the faint sounds of it’s Sewn in Song. It wasn’t what I expected, but it was pretty good all the same. It was very up beat, alive, and full of life.

“Holy shit.” Demy said. I opened my eyes and Arpeggio was glowing, runes running along its neck, it’s color changing from a pale blue to a bright, vibrant blue, and it’s mastered symbol was on it’s top. “Now that...was cool.”

I smiled. “Hooray!” I cheered happily. “Never heard of the song but I liked it.” I said honestly, glad to see it was more bright and the master symbol was there. “Know the song?”

“Nope. Never heard of it.” Demy stated. “Well, guess you’re done here. What next for you?”

“Next up…” I said, checking my Assistant for the time so I didn't miss my meeting with Death. The time was still pretty early. I had at least three hours to kill. “No idea…” I frowned, but my stomach growled. “Okay maybe food time, know any good places around here?” I asked, not really knowing the layout of New Manehattan.

“Nope. We just have the Cafe, food donations from all around are sent and served there. No restaurants have been built here yet.”

“Right, well better go off to the Cafe...actually, do you know where Papyrus is?” I asked curiously, having forgotten to try and talk to the guy considering Sans gave him the crown if memory serves. “Just wondering.”

“In the Cafe. He cooks there all the time.” Demy said.

I was going to reply, but I felt this twinge in my head, this...agonizing roar of...something. Something was very, very wrong with Nothingness. I lurched, clutching my head as blood came from my eyes, nose and mouth. Something was being made...something that Nothingness can’t stand for. “Fuck me…” I mutter, weakly snapping my fingers as a DTN appear. “Okay you...take me to...wherever the hell…” I muttered, curing myself so I felt good enough before entering the portal to whatever the hell is going on.

I walked into it, and collapsed, seeing an armored foot step before me as all went black.





I woke up sore all over. Everything was...pain. Wincing, I moved to get up. I saw my cloak was missing, and I was in a bedroom. The decor was...surreal. Grey, white, and black, with only the wood and a few paintings and tapestries popping against the colors. I noticed the door, the Nobody symbol painted on the dark brown wood… Am I...in the castle?

“Don’t. Move.” A voice said. I looked around, not seeing anything or anyone...until I looked up. My eyes widened at the sight of an old man, eye’s long since gone bad, all wrinkled skin and bones, hair a light grey, and wearing a cloak that bore similarities to the Sniper nobodies… he was pointing Sharp Shooters at me. “My king has ordered me to keep you here until he arrives.”

“I was going to go to...wherever the hell that massive disturbance was...why am I here?” I asked groggily, still in pain from whatever the hell happened.

“The King needs you. You are now the only one in line for his crown. What Kexez has done, tossed him out for the running.”

“Valingar.” The door opened with the King of Nothing entering, looking up and who must be...the Archer. “You can take your leave.” The old man nodded, teleporting away as the king walked up to me. “How are you feeling, my heir?” He asked. Calm and sympathy in his voice.

“Oh you know, just got done mastering Arpeggio and then suddenly Kexez is being a cunt. So I’d say I'm doing fine." I said honestly. “So, besides me not having dried blood on my head, what happened?”

“Kexez, and the Nobody known as Spoiled Rich. You know them both, correct?”

“I didn't know Spoiled was a Nobody but yes, I do know the two I want to murder.” I said honestly.

“They have formed an alliance, and committed an act that disobeys the natural order of all realms. Kexez, Nothingness, and Light, Spoiled, Nothingness and darkness. What they created will be a great danger to us all.”

“Is it worse than a Delete?” I asked curiously.

“It may as well be. Tell me, what do you know about Nobodies like Spoiled and Kexez?”

“Ones fueled by Psychopath blood and the other is a complete and total bitch. But Organization level nobodies? Um...not much to be perfectly honest.” I said with a frown. “All I know is that they're strong enough to keep their original bodies and selves to a certain extent if that's at all correct.”

“Correct. Typically, without a heart, their bodies are also infertile. However, Kexez’s connection to Kingdom hearts overrides that, and all the darkness Spoiled has collected within her allows her to work around such restrictions. In sort, they are parenting a being of light, darkness, and nothing. I’ve allowed Spoiled, Core before her, and Kexez to exist because they interested me with what they have done, but this has gone too far. Never have all three been brought together. Such a being could unravel the laws that keep the balance between the four realms.”

“And now all they need is Void and out comes Captain Planet.” I said sarcastically. “But great, I need to murder an infant because their too strong apparently, wonders.”

“It won’t be that easy Ben. This child will be protected. Imagine it, a heart fueld with Non Existence, and forged from the strongest of light and darkness. While so much as near Spoiled while she has this abomination growing within her, every heartless in the realm of darkness will be after you, and Nobodies may not obey you if it’s will is stronger. If this child is born, then from there it becomes a battle of who takes it to raise.” He placed a hand on my shoulder, and even though he was fully armored, I could feel him staring into mine. “If this child is not killed before it’s birth, whoever takes it and raises it will have a weapon the likes of which the X-blade might not overcome.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
“Well...that's not good.” I frowned. “But...might as well keep the child away from Spoiled and Kexez.” I said, not sure how this whole thing is gonna work out.

“If you can not kill it before it is birthed, then keep it away from evil influences. Whatever it is, it will be the first, and let’s hope only one of it’s kind.”

“If I've learned anything from this crazy life of mine, it's only going to get worse.” I shook my head. “Like how I thought Core was the big bad, then Psychopaths...and then Deletes and their Galactus rules...” I frowned. “But...all I can hope for is that the kid, when he's born cause fuck if it's going to be an ‘if’, is that he or she is raised by a good family and treated right.” I say honestly, not sure if I'll be the lucky guy to have the super baby here. “So, know anyone that can teach me how to use Ethereal Blades or a Claymore?” I asked, hoping to know about those two so I can speed up training as well as know who I can train with cause I don't know anyone who can train me in those two weapons.

“Hm. My General and Archer are the only ones of the original council of mine still alive. Claymore I can teach, but the Ethereal blades are a whole other matter entirely.”

“Of course…” I sighed out. “But that's great to know.”

“Once you have mastered Lunatic, I will inform you about how to Master the Ethereal blades. Understood?”

“Yep.” I nodded. “So, where's the training area?”

“There is none. At least, not anymore.” The king said, exiting the room as I followed. Outside this room was...ruins… Walls crumbled and cracked, large sections of roof caved in or collapsed completely. We came to a bridge… There was a long fall down to an unseeable ground...but all I could see of what should have been a massive and tall castle, was part of a corner of what must have been the main building, and the tower behind us we exited.

“God damn…” I muttered. “What happened?”

“This castle as I and the rest of the council were here before your single reality and world became multiple. Core breaking it apart, creating the stars and the multiverse shattered this castle. Your realities were never meant to be what they are, they existed to be whole.” He said simply, his voice toneless and emotionless. Still, I could feel hints of sadness. “This castle was large enough that all of Home and then some could all walk and live in it without worry or overcrowding and lack of space. Now, bearly a nano percentage remains.”

“Well...I'm sure I can fix it up.” I said honestly.

“If the worlds and realities are made whole again, then this castle’s damage will also be undone. Till such time this castle is to remain as is, a reminder of its past glory. Rebuild the building but lose it’s meaning. At least Ruins and rubble can tell history.”

“True…” I said. “But rebuilding can help bring back said glory, sometimes it's good to rebuild great things.”

The king kept walking, but turned his head to look at me. “Perhaps when you claim the crown, you can make that change. For now so long as I adorn it, this place will remain as is.”

“Of course.” I nodded. “So, how am I going to learn Lunatic?”I asked, not knowing how this weapon would be taught.

“One of the few remaining rooms here is the Cathedral. It’s there where my General lives and awaits orders.” He said, stopping just before an edge of the unstable floor to a far...far drop.

“So...it's down there?” I asked curiously,not knowing the layout of the place.

“Yes, don’t worry about the fall, ths realm has no meaning to injury or death.” He spoke, before kicking his heavy foot into my back and sent me falling. Trying, I attempted to summon any weapon to help me fly...none came.

“Shit!” I yelped, trying to fly without any of my weapons since I mastered them. “Come on…” I muttered worriedly.

Sadly, nothing came to me, and I hit the ground...hard. I wasn’t dead, but I was really sore. I groaned from the pain as I forced myself up. The ground shook with a loud crash that appeared next to me. The king landed on his feet, seemingly unphased by the fall. “I expected you able to call forth at least one of your weapons.” He said.

“I don't know why none came…” I frowned, trying to summon any of my weapons again.

“Hmm… I was afraid of this.” The king said, crossing his arms in thought. “Unlike Keyblades, our weapons have no counterparts, when given to a chosen council member, they are given a weaker copy. Since you summon my weapons, and vise versa, while we are within the same reality, only the strongest of us can summon them. For this I must leave Nothingness while you train with Grapth. So the weapons may come to you.”

“Well that sucks.” I frowned. “But...I suppose it makes enough sense I suppose. So, Grapth...what kind of person are they?” I asked, wanting to know who I was going to deal with at least a little before meeting them.

“I met Grapth in my travels, before I became king of nothing, before this realm had such title.” He started, walking as I followed him. “He wanted to create a weapon as large as a claymore, but was built for attacking area’s outside it’s point of impact. His end result was Lunatic, a weapon forged from a moon that survived it’s own solar systems destruction when it’s sun collapse into itself, and became a black hole. Grapth himself has been rather stirn, speaking only what needs to be spoken and being the image of blunt. He cuts no corners or gives slack.”

“Wait, Lunatic was made from a moon that survived a sun collapsing? Damn.” I said, honestly surprised by my weapons history. “But okay then, better to have a straightforward teacher than anything.”

“Yes. Fact is, The General is the only one of the council who can take the crown if the current king is to fall without an heir. In truth, Lunatic is stronger than Skysplitter in both speed, strength and density. In fact, under the moon, Lunatics power can equal that to a moon crashing full speed into a world, obliterating it to the core. Skysplitter may be able to split a world in half, but Lunatic is the strongest of all the weapons we’ve forged.”

“Wow.” I said. “But...What about my other weapons? I know Graceful Dahlia came from a Demon Tree, but what about the others?” I asked, intrigued by the weapons origins. 

“Hm. I guess we have some time.” He spoke, leading me into what what must have been one impressive library in it’s time, but now, books and scrolls lay scattered all around. Twilight would be pissed. He took a seat at the only table in the room, as did I. “So, which do you want to know about first?” The king asked, several Dusks came up, placing bowls of fruit, sandwiches and some drinks and cups for us before leaving. 

“Lindworm, let's go with one of my favorite weapons.” I said, looking over the food.

“Alright then. Now tell me, how many spears makeup Lindworm?”

“Six if memory serves.” I said.

“Heheheheheh, only six?” He questioned me with a laugh. “Lindworm is made from wind itself. So long as there's air, you can summon forth countless of them. At a cost, however. The more you summon, the less air their is in the world you are on. Summon too many, the world you are on will choke.”

“Oh…” I frowned. “Thats...a thing. Well...let's go with Fair Game here.”

“Fair game was made from materials found not of this dimension. It’s metals come from a dimension completely alien to all reflections. As you can guess they’re work through telepathy, changing size, sharp to dull, physical attacks to magic attacks, and can create pocket dimensions within the second dimension, allowing you to imprison those weak enough to be captured.”

“Dorlu helped make me learn that.” I said honestly. “What about Skysplitter? I always wondered why it was called Skysplitter when it's an earth weapon.”

“Skysplitter was...found, actually. It’s name from an epic battle we fought against demons eons back. It fell from the sky itself and its impact created a blast so powerful everything for ten thousand miles around was wiped out. My bridge keeper claimed it as a trophy, but it’s true origins were never known to us wholly.”

“Huh. Looks like I'm gonna do some research on the thing.” I said, finding that interesting. “Frozen Pride?”

“A comet that lost it’s speed, and was stuck in space. We realized it’s magical properties and soon came to understand that, is the wielder wanted it so, it’s ice could stop fifteen suns exploding and could become sharp enough to penetrate through dimensions and tear space apart. That, however, requires an almost lethal amount of magic.”

“Cool...uh...no pun intended.” I said nervously. “What about my Lexicon? Book of...Retribution I think it's called?”

“Ah. That one was a proud moment for us all. It’s a book crafted with illusion. In fact, that book technically does not exist, yet exists in all places in space and time, there fore, all answers you’d ever need can be found within its infinite pages.” The king then laughed, taking a drink of ale through a small crack in his helmet. “Well, save for one answer.”

“What's that?” I asked curiously.

“Cript’s death. Time and time again since I met him I searched for that answer, and time and time again the pages displayed blank to me. That means one of two things. Either the book does not know, or Cript is truly immortal… or perhaps he has always been dead. Who knows?”

“I do…” I said. “Truth took it...the thing from Full Metal Alchemist took his death.”

“Truth? Oh, then that is an issue… or perhaps it was part of events meant to transpire?” The king said, making me tilt my head in confusion. “Truth exists across all time, from the very beginning, to the eventual end. Some argue that Truth, and the Admin that made this realm before it was given to Cript worked together to forge it. It might be possible, given that information, that Cript’s stollen death, was used to become a fact of creation, and is the very reason all things seem to die...save for him. If you look at it like that, it’s a paradox in a sense.”

“Wow…” I muttered. “That...is a thing.” I said, taking an apple and biting into it. “But...what about Eternal Flames?” I asked, wondering about my chakrams.

“Forged from twin suns, both so small yet burns so hot they melt space itself. Making them was tricky, but once we crafted them, their fires can burn so hot they can create suns in empty space, and bring enough light to make the landscapes of void itself visible for several feet. That, is a near impossibility.” 

“Jeez, talk about needing a light.” I said in surprise. “Interdiction, why not go to light sabers here.”

“I forged them personally.” The king admitted, making my eyes rise up. “Core claimed to be the first Nobody, but that title is rightfully mine.” He said, summoning one of them in his left hand. “Half my heart went into one blade, the other half, the second blade. Equal parts light and darkness within each. They are the strength of a heart put into weapon form. So long as you use them with courage and bravery, and fear no threats, their strength will not waver from you.”

“Wow.” I blinked. “Maybe I should have left that for last cause...that's quite a thing.” I said honestly. “Um...I was told about Sharpshooters, apparently their some really expensive and rare gun arrows made from either stars or actual suns…” I said. “Is there anything about Sharpshooters I don't know about?”

“No, actually, that’s about it. Most are magic based or enchanted in some way, but the ones the Archer uses are his own creation...he makes and sells them for a hefty profit. His loyalty is undeterable, but his greed often gets the better of him. Then again, can’t say I blame him. When I met him he was a penniless thief who couldn’t rob me with a dagger held at my throat. I took him along originally for extra carry weight, but when trouble came he picked up a crossbow and his true talents shined. He’s the oldest of my allies, and I’m glad he’s still alive with me to this day.”

I nodded. “Yeah...funny how similar he sounds like Braig.” I chuckled. “But...what about Arpeggio? Seems like a pretty special sitar if only Nobody’s or people with the power of Nothing can use it.”

“It was made when we first began crafting this castle. It was an attempt to infuse Nothing into a nonliving object. It worked, but it became weaponized, and bound to water when it spilled upon it. It was the first and only of its kind.”

“Interesting.” I said. “And I guess Foudre was literally made out of lightning?”

“Close. We forged them from Thor’s baby teeth. Hehehehehe. We are banned from Asgard till the end of time itself.” He began laughing from fond memories. “Too bad too, they have the best ales and booze.”

“Huh...I wonder if that extends to me.” I wondered. “Question...given that things are a bit weird...do you know who Organization Thirteen is?” I asked curiously.

“Of course. Despite they only exist in a single reflection now, I know well of them. Imposters, copy cats, but their motives weren’t as noble as yours.” The king said… One reflection...but didn’t Core…?

“Wait, what do you mean ‘one reflection’? And imposters? I mean, sure they wanted to create their own Kingdom Hearts but…” I trailed off, not knowing how different they are.

“I just call them imposters for daring to wield our weapons without my authority. As for their existence...you didn’t feel it?”

“There's a lot of things I don't know, plus I...barely trained with Nothingness to begin with so there's that.” I frowned. “What did I miss while I had an ass ton of other things happen?”

“To put it into words you can easily understand, Kexez created a Keyblade replica of the PC Ansem the wise stored Roxas in when repairing Sora’s heart for that week. As a Keyblade, it was able to create and simulate an entire reflection, that is where the Core you encountered came from. His goal before the tainted blood in him was to bring back the three heroes. You know them as Sora, Riku, and Kairi. Now though, he plains to wait out til Xehanort brings the seven lights and thirteen darknesses. Once all are gathered he plans to take them all, and forge his own version of the X-blade, and a heart that can fulfil his tainted blood’s wishes.”

“Well...that's going to have to take forever cause not only are all the heroes dead but so is every Xehanort if Yellow was anything to go by.” I said honestly.

“Time in his created reflection moves fast. If I calculate it correct when Core appeared compared to when he created it, the birth of Xehanort is just...several weeks away. Til he is of age to wield a Keyblade, a month later. Time can be a fickle thing, can’t it?”

“Yeah...time is one hell of a thing.” I said honestly. “Especially when on one world it's half a year, on another it's a few hundred.”

“I estimate that those three, and Xehanort's plan will come around to his perfect grasp of them...within maximum one year. That will be interesting, an X-blade for the Psychopaths. What a dark day that will be.”

“I'm gonna make damn sure that doesn't happen.” I frowned. “I know enough about those bastards to know...giving them X will be bad...but...not as bad as Deletes…” I said worriedly.

“Either way. In all my years I’ve learned not to keep an open mind to hope.” The king said, taking another swig of his ale. “So, anything else?”

“Um…” I think for a moment. “Well...what was your council like?” I asked, a bit curious about his group of comrades.

“Ever hear of king Arthur and his round table?” He asked, pointing his thumb to himself. “Merlin stole that from me. Old hack was good, but not that original.”

“You mean the one living in Radiant Garden or a different Merlin?” I asked, given that multiverses are confusing sometimes.

“They are the same person.” He said, taking another swig of ale. “His world advanced, forgetting magic so he left, wanting to further his studies and train well. He was one of the original you know.”

“Huh, cool.” I said. “But...you said the General and Archer are still alive…”

“Some grew too old, time caught up with them...others…” He muttered, chugging the rest of his ale and began another bottle, finishing it half way before speaking… “The Keyblade war took many… They could not resist the call to arms… I don’t even know why my scribe left at all? His lexicon was left behind too… He was a dear friend.”

“Well...I hope they're all in a better place.” I said. “I'm...sorry for bringing up their deaths…” 

“It’s alright. If there is no one left alive to tell their stories, then they truly will be dead.” The king said, taking another swig of ale. “When you live for so long, you tend to hang on to the past as much as possible, remember when times were simpler.” He stood up, walking over to a half collapsed bookcase and taking out a tome. He walked back over and handed it to me. “Here, this may be of interest to you sooner rather than later.”

The book was plain, leather cover and was rather thick. There was no title on the cover, so I opened it, and inside my eyes widened. It was…. An image of me, older, very much so. It was sketched, drawn in ink and showed me in the king's armor, wielding that greatsword Keyblade Joy told me about and I was in his armor, only without the helmet. “How...in the hell?” I muttered.

“This is a tomb of prophecies. Each image tells a thousand words. But only one single line will matter to you in the end. That, is what you will hear. Go on, touch the page, and hear a future that could be. A future that matters to you, and you alone.”

I gulped, having a bad feeling about this but I did what I was told, touching the page and hoping my future won't be bleak and...filled with the joys of family even if I looked kind of cool in that spot.

A child of code that lives in contentment. All your wounds shall soon be mended. A greater sky awaits thee and all it’s wonders shall one day be yours too to plunder.

A voice, it was like it came from everywhere spoke to me as I regained my senses. I looked down at the page...it was blank now. “The book works once a day, once a day per person.” The king said. “What did it tell you?”

“A child of code that lives in contentment. All your wounds shall soon be mended. A greater sky awaits thee and all its wonders shall one day be yours too to plunder.” I said, word for word. “Well, glad to hear my life will be fine in the future...and hey, more adventures in the future.”

“Sounds grand. You best hold onto that then.” The king said, closing the book for me. “It’s the only thing from...my old life I kept. It’s yours now.”

“Really?” I asked him.

“Yes. At your current rate, I won’t be surprised if you claim my crown within the year...Huh?” We both looked to the doorway. There was...someone there. He was dressed in black armor with blue decals along the tips of his armors various points in its design. 

“Hello.” I said to the armored person. “And who might you be?” I asked, wondering how the hell this person got here.

“That’s ____ Ben. The original maker of this realm.” The king said… when he said the man’s name… I know I heard it… but I can’t remember it.

“Haven’t seen you in a long time.” The… That guy said.

“You only ever met me once ___. You remember that from so long ago?”

“I may forget my oldest of past, but I still remember you.”

“And...why can't I hear ___?” I asked. “Or...say it apparently?”

“Any who know or hear my true name forget and become deff to it. My own doing. Even among admins, names have power.” ___ explained. “I’ve come to speak with him, if you don’t mind?”

“Like I can even stop you?” The king said. “Best go hear what he has to say Ben. He rarely talks to those outside of Cript, and a few other select allies.”

“I'm just gonna call you Lord, just to save myself some headache.” I said.

“If that’s what you wish.” Lord said as we walked away. We turned a corner then… Wait, what?

I looked around, we were in a...cemetery of sorts, graves as far as the eye can see. The moon was high in the sky… where are the stars? “And...where are we? What happened to the stars?” I asked worriedly.

“This is your distant future, after all, if I am correct, your realities were all once one. Why would there be a need for stars when all the worlds and realities are one now?”

“Because I'm talking about stars as in the bright balls of gas, not worlds.” I said honestly.

“One World. One moon. One sun.” He said simply. “Three’s are funny, aren’t they?”

“Threes always been a magic number for some reason.” I shrugged, checking the graves. “But...the future huh? Let me guess...these are all the dead from the war and subsequent merging of all the world's?” I asked, fearing I'll see my family among the graves.

“Yes, and no. This is vastly far into your future. You see, Cript and I have a plan of sorts we want to undertake, after we finally end his father. This reality, this future, isn’t just your realm, Ben. All admin realities, fuzed together, and expanded across all of the untouched creation. This world, Ben, is as infinite as you can get. Every possibility under one sky, all sharing the same moon, sun, and ground. It will be in no way peaceful, but, it will be simple. Simple is always best, in my opinion.”

“Too bad ‘simple’ is a thing that not many are allowed to have.” I said. “But...you and Cript want to make all realities like this? One Home for all?” 

“Yes. In short, not all admins, in fact the vast majority of them are quite corrupt. This plan will make Admins all but obsolete, rendering them into beings as lowly as gods. Of course, to mortals, gods are still higher beings, but it will put an end to them, save for myself, and Cript.”

“Interesting…” I said, trying to think about the entire thing. “But...you and Cript remain in power, wouldn't the other admins call you out on bullshit?”

“Admins draw power from how much of untouch creation they have...colonized, for lack of a better word. Cript and I turning all of untouched infinity into a single world and realm of existence will make us quite literally, the strongest admins ever to exist. That interests me non however. I just want to put my long since corrupt brethren to rest, and Cript, well, you know he only ever thinks of his family. We won’t rule this land, we will just live on it. I’ve always enjoyed blacksmithing, inventing, and Cript….even in retirement, he’ll explore til there is nothing left. Which, as we both know in a world that is infinite, won’t ever end. At heart, he is still a traveling mage.”

“I can imagine.” I said honestly. “But...why talk to me about this if I may ask? Sure I'll be the new king of your realm but…” I trailed off, feeling like there's a little more to it than that.

“No. Heh. Not a chance. You’ll be king of Nothing...damn that sounds weird.  Anyway, come.” He said, leading me further into the graveyard. We arrived at a tomb. It was decorated with hearts and Kingdom Keys. “Can you guess who’s grave this is?”

“It's decorated with hearts and Kingdom Keys…” I frowned. “Zeke?” I asked, knowing since he's connected to Kingdom Hearts and is a living Keyblade it seemed to kind of add up.

“Yes. This night marks the ten thousand mark since his death. He lived a good long life too. Not many formal mortals can lived to be sixteen billion.” I about fell over.

“Excuse me, sixteen billion? What about me and the others?” I asked curiously.

“See for yourself.” He said, looking to the side, and I saw...the king? No...there’s a dog tail sticking out behind him… me? My future self walked passed us, likely unable to see us, and kneeled before the grave.

“Been a while Zeke. Sorry the others couldn’t come. The foretellers are busy governing Union city, and John is keeping the edge of Void territory from any creatures escaping. Your kids are here and there. Blake and Nyx have families of their own, and, well… They couldn’t make it.” My future self said, taking a seat before the tomb.

“If Zeke's sixteen billion...how old is everyone else?” I asked curiously.

“Just turned a thousand years older. You all reached above god levels of power, and as such, gain the power to choose when to die. Zeke went on for a long time after his wives died. Of course, even his alicorn ones, Luna and Celestia, both died from age five billion years back. His kids, all grown up, families and jobs. The lives of immortals are destined to be a lonely one, unless you choose otherwise. Zeke kept on, because all he had left was Trixie, the two of them shared in body, and heart. Sadly, her heart, still that of a mortal, unlike Zeke’s, also too died. Finally he accepted death years later.”

“Well...at least he had a good run I suppose.” I said, seeing the old me sit there next to his long dead friend. “But...I suppose the future is actually bright for everyone?”

“Yes. quite.” Lord said, the old me speaking again.

“It’s been hard, you know. Every now and then I swear I hear your voice, or see you. Heh… Rolland is doing well, he and Ashire have really kicked it off. Funny… considering their origins.” The older me said, taking off the helmet and… I didn’t look that old at all! I looked mid thirties at most! “I’ve been wondering, as to why and how you out of all of us, decided to die first. I remember my youth, and thinking...I’d be gone first. Yet, here I am...and there you are… it’s ironic. I once asked Cript, if he could bring you back, at least for a day, but he said that if they wanted to die, he can’t bring them back. Not a lack of power or possibility, but that he won’t disrupt the deads slumber. I guess I can understand that.”

“So that's why...” I muttered. “Well...I suppose bringing my world's Shining Armor back might not be a good decision…”

“I always asked Cript if him fusing everything into one included the afterlife, but he just gives me this smug smile and stays silent. These days I wonder how he keeps from being bored. Not much to do. FIghting void with John, exploring with Cript, it all becomes repetitive at some point. Maybe it’s because there’s nothing to fight? Heh, nah. I know why. It’s because it feels like we’re purposeless now. That’s it…” My older self stood up, taking a bow before the tomb of Zeke. “Til next time, my friend.”

The world became warped, everything flashed grey and black til it became clear again… we were in the same spot, but the cemetery looked...abandoned almost. Vines and grass grew without control, and the headstones all were aged and cracked. “Damn…” I frowned, wondering what happened to cause this to seem abandoned. “Did something happen?”

“This is nineteen thousand, four hundred and fifty thousand centillion years from the time I last showed you.” He said as a blast of what looked like Electricity and nothingness exploded in the sky. “Tell me, what do all immortals who continuously refuse their deaths soon fall to?” He asked as another one lit up the sky like an atom bomb.

“Madness?” I asked curiously.

“Yes.” The blue lightning then struck the ground. From the light, I saw Cript...standing above...me… My head was helmet less, the armor cracked and broken, and my face… I looked mangy, and...mad.

“Heheheheheh. GAH!” I was laughing before Cript jabbed a glowing white sword into my chest, and I went...limp…

“I’m sorry Ben… You should not have avoided your death for so long… especially when you no longer had purpose…” Cript said, closing my eyes before pulling a shovel out of his assistant and began digging. “It’s almost fitting, to die and be buried next to your oldest friend.” Cript said to himself, oblivious to us, unable to see us.

“What, was I too stubborn to die or something?” I asked.

“Even after all your wives passed, and your bloodline was lost to the genepool, you kept on, but to be devoid of purpose and reject death. It drives all to insanity. Cript stays sane even after he has suffered your fate, because he swore to protect his family. His family may be lost to the population, but that just means, in his eyes, every living being is his family. His to protect. I avoid it, to keep a promise. To who, I don’t recall a name, All I recall was that promise, and their blood...on my hands.” Lord sighed. Cript finished the hole, and placed me inside it. Then burred me, my nothingness greatsword Keyblade appearing before him and he struck it into the ground… my headstone.

“Rest easy now...my son” Cript said, pulling out a list. “Ben, gone… Now onto John and Jenny… Then they will all finally be at rest, and freed from madness.” He said, vanishing into thin air.

“To not put off death.” Lord said simply. “Not when you no longer have purpose to the world, or purpose of self.”

“Jeez…” I muttered. “This is...quite a thing.”

“Don’t worry about Nothingness.” Lord said, the world shifting again… this time, we were in a large grass field, nothing but a nearby rock half in the ground for miles it seemed. “It will find a new king.”

“Good…” I nodded. “And...where are we now?”


“I figured you wouldn't recognize it. This is still the graveyard. After Cript dealt with the last of you to go mad, life had to restart from the medieval age just about. Things where quiet for a time, but…” 

“Connie wait up!” We both turned around. I spotted a gold and grey wolf pup, and a human kid both running down the nearby hill. Connie seemed to be the human girl.

“Catch me first Lagan!” The girl said. As the girl ran passed the large rock, the wolf pup, Lagan, it seemed, took a step, then jumped back clutching his foot. “Owe! Ouch…” 

“Huh? What did you step on?” Connie asked.

“Some dumb pointy rock.” Lagan said, the kids tearing out some of the tall grass, showing a dirty small piece of metal.

“It looks like something old.” Connie said, grabbing it and lifting it up...only for a chain to follow, then stop from a certain point in the ground… it’s...my keyblade? “It’s stuck Lagan!” The girl said, pulling hard.

“Oh, here.” The pup said, starting to dig...and dig rather well. “Wow! Connie, I think it’s a sword!”

“Legends never die.” Lord said, he sounded happy as the two kids dug out my Keyblade. “Even when long forgotten.”

“I suppose forgotten stuff can be a lot stronger than you'd think.” I said, having always been told nothing truly dies if it's remembered. “Well...looks like Lagan and Connie are gonna have a fun adventure ahead of them if they found my keyblade.”

The two kids finished pulling out my oversized keyblade, and admired it, even in it’s dirty, rusted and dirt covered appearance. “Wow!” The two kids said.

“Let’s go show our parents!” Lagan said.

“Yeah! Bet my dad can make it look nice. It kinda looks like those Keyblades from the old stories.” Connie said, the two each carrying it from one end as they walked back up the hill.

I saw Lord follow them, and I followed him. Just passed the hill was...a town. Wood and stone houses, not too big, and a lake flowed just a bit further ahead. “Amazing how life finds a means of getting back to where it once was. I didn’t make it like that, yet, here it is.”

“No matter what happens, the cycle keeps going.” I said, looking at the town. “Nice and cozy town…” I muttered, finding such a thing nice considering all I've been through.

We followed them to a tavern. ‘The Old Man’ it was called. Inside was fairly busy, people of all kinds drinking and eating. “Dad!” Connie said, the barkeep looking over. “Look what Lagan and I found!”

“Wow… go take that to the blacksmith, he can probably fix it up for you.”

We followed the kids to the blacksmith. He was human, skin tone of a latino, and thick black hair. On the wall behind him had… lords armor? I looked over at Lord, who just nodded. “Mr. Davenport! My dad said you could fix this.” Connie said, handing it to the man that… I think is Lord?

“Your Mr. Davenport?” I asked, remembering how he said he liked to create things.

“A false name for a false life. Every now and then I take up an identity, and just live a life of whatever comes. Blacksmithing is a nice hobby.”

“Sure, just put it over there.” Lord said, or rather, Davenport. The kids did as told then ran off. Once they were gone, he grabbed it, and walked over to a nearby shop. ‘Odds N Ends’ it was called. Inside was various things, tools, utensils, cloths, and such. The clerk at the desk...Cript? “Hey.”

“Yo.” Cript said. “I see Ben’s old Keyblade of Nothingness is with you.”

“Yup. Connie and Lagan found it.”

“Told you a town set up here would have someone find it soon.” Cript said.

“Yes yes. After founding it and faking our deaths we came back to make sure. Well, guess those kids are the next chosin.”

“You spawn the enemies if I start the timer for the quest to start?”

“As always.” Lord-Davenport said, everything turning to black now.

“So, what did you think?”

“Well...besides me becoming a bad guy I'm glad to see the future is good at least.” I shrugged. “Better it be good than dead.”

“You’ll only turn if you let yourself. So, either accept your death when the world no longer has purpose for you, or you can no longer make your own.”

“I'm sure I'll figure something out.” I said. “I've got a good...eternity to figure it out right?”

“Just about. Just never speak of this. Telling the others can alter things, for better or worse.”

“I'm stupid, but I'm not that stupid.” I said, knowing talking about the future can be a bit tricky.

“Well, that was about it. Just wanted to give Cript’s chosen a taste of the future.” He says, vanishing and...leaving me here...

“And how the hell am I supposed to get back to the castle!?!” I called out into the darkness, not really knowing how I got ‘here’ to begin with. “Never mind…” I grumbled, checking to see if I can actually summon Reunion to get back.

Nothing came. Not my Keyblade. Not my other weapons, the only thing that happened was my assistant flashed. I saw a long hp bar appear and the name ‘The Last One’ appear.

“Nani le fuck.” I frowned, looking around for whoever I just engaged in combat with.

“Once was a hero who fought for them all…” Someone sang, quick footsteps moving as a fire was lit on a wooden pole next to me...corpses...as far as the light went around...corpses… 

“What the hell…” I muttered, backing away from the fire and corpses.

“Bright and safe was the land, in all.” They sang again, another torch lighting up behind me…. I was standing on more corpses, when I turned around… this torch was inside Lord’s chest, his head impaled by a sword and his armor cracked and chipped all over.

“Hello?” I asked, hoping to get an answer here.

“Long did the people he cared for live, and madness took hold and brought death on a whim.” Torches lit up the world...the entire ground was nothing but death, bodies long since rotted and decaying. I ran, tripping over and when I looked before me… our keyblades. Reunion, the Nothingness Keyblade, X-blade, the foretellers, Fenrir, Aqua as a Keyblade after she died...all shattered into shards, all arranged like if they were whole.

“What did you do!?!” I barked, looking around for whoever did this.

“For a guardians purpose is to protect all who live.” I heard a thud. I turned around, seeing an arm...stab right through me. I looked up...Cript?! “But what is he now, with everyone dead?” His eyes...like mine when he… Madness...he’s gone mad…





“GAH!” I yelled, jumping up and clenching my chest. Did...was that...the end of...time, life...what? “I have so many questions...“ I said to myself worriedly.

”Nobody escapes madness.” I heard Lord’s voice speak in my head. ”Mortality keeps life going. That was...everyone became immortal...everyone went mad. Cript and I had to… and he went mad, from that. When the time comes, I’ll give you all a choice. Live long lives with all you care for, or live forever, and lose it all, slowly.”

“Jesus…” I muttered worriedly. “That's...a very scary thing…” I said worriedly. “I'd like not to go mad and...have that happen.”

”When the time comes, you all and Cript will be given a choice to have your immortality removed, and when the Home is created, we will decide how long what types of races live. Death can not be removed from life.“

“Yeah, living for a long ass time is one thing, not being able to die is another.” I said. “But...wait Cript can't die, he literally had it taken from him.”

”Which is why he needs purpose, always. Less what you saw, become the future, and end of all.”

“Oh dear…” I looked worried. “Maybe I can figure out how to give him back his mortality?” I asked, hoping there was the possibility of getting it back. “Is there a way?”

”Yes, but in time. For now, gain strength. You’ll need it.”

“Alright…” I nodded. “Time to train with Lunatic…” I said, looking around to see if I'm back at the castle.

I was, I was in the library, and on the table was the king...sleeping? “Hello?” I asked the king, hoping he wasn't sleeping so he could show me where my new master is.

“Huh?” The king said, getting up with a stretch and a yawn. “About time. You were gone for like three hours.” He said, getting out of the chair.

“Well...we had a lot to talk about.” I said. “So...I suppose I can finally meet my new master?”

“Yes. This way then.”



To be continued...