All Good Things 25
For story summary, warnings, pairings, etc, see the first chapter.
Chapter: 25/25
Chapter title: To Those Who Wait
Chapter rating: G
Chapter summary: As Mickey calls all the keyblade wielders to Disney Castle, there are plenty of surprises to celebrate.
"You really think they're going to show up?"
"Oh, I am positive." Mickey is smiling. Then, he smiles all the time nowadays. Becoming a father seems to have made him even more cheerful than before. "I just caught up with them a couple of weeks ago in Traverse Town. They were definitely coming."
"I certainly hope so." Riku folds his arms over his chest. "Sora has been really anxious to see them both. He's been pretty upset that they haven't visited in all this time."
"Well, I think they both needed the alone time." Mickey shrugs. "Sure, it's been half a year, but they have gone through a lot. I've met them a few times, and I really don't think they were ready to face everyone until just recently."
"It can't have been easy for Roxas, wandering around so long without his memories." And even worse for Lea, finding his beloved at last only to not even be recognized. Riku finds it hard to even imagine such a situation. Well, imagining it happening isn't that hard; however, the pain that goes along even with his imagined scenario would certainly be near impossible to bear.
"I don't imagine it was, no." Mickey shakes his head. "And besides memories, he spent all that time without really meeting anyone. He and Lea needed that time to get ready to deal with all the fuss around here."
"Well, there's certainly going to be a lot of life when everyone gets here." It's going to be the first time all the current keyblade bearers have come together since, well, ever. Roxas wasn't there after Xehanort was defeated, and after that everyone has been scattered throughout the worlds. Now everyone has been invited, though, and according to Mickey they are all planning to arrive, too. "Aside from those couple of visits, have they been in any contact since Lea let us know he found Roxas?"
"I know they've been to Radiant Gardens once or twice. Ienzo denies it, but I believe they've been to meet him while others aren't around," Mickey replies. "Not right away, I mean, but Lea has been getting Roxas more used to being around familiar people lately, and Ienzo is a rather safe choice for that. Much less likely to pounce him and start shrieking than, say, Sora."
"That's a good point." Much though he loves Sora, the guy can sometimes be far too enthusiastic. "I've told Sora not to crowd them immediately, but we'll see how many seconds he can remember that."
"Oh, Sora means well. And I'm sure Roxas will live through it. He's had a lot of time to get his memories and feelings straight by now." Mickey smiles. "Xion has met them a couple of times, too. If Roxas could survive her earlier, I'm sure he can deal with Sora now."
"I suppose." Riku chuckles. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to seeing them, too. I mean, last time I saw Lea myself was before he set off for the Land of Lanterns. Not to say I doubt your word when you say he's much better now, he's got Roxas after all, but it's going to be nice to see for myself."
"Oh, I know. Minnie is quite looking forward to it, too. She keeps saying they should just move to the castle like Xion, though I somehow doubt Lea would enjoy settling down for good." Mickey gives an exaggerated sigh. "Sometimes I think she doesn't believe I'm capable of protecting her, with the way she keeps gathering more saviors everywhere."
"Aw, you know that's not true, Your Majesty." He can't help but grin. "She just has a tendency to draw the most capable people to her aid. I'm sure it's no criticism towards you, you've kind of got a kingdom to attend to, after all."
"I wouldn't say that. She did very well in reigning by herself while I was out fighting."
"Of course, but I'm sure the two of you rule even better together. Besides," his grin gets a bit wider, "there are others who need the protection much more than she does."
"Indeed." And now a similar grin takes over Mickey's face. "I can't wait to introduce them to everyone."
There's a very familiar shout somewhere in the distance, in the direction of the castle's garden, and Riku chuckles, turning away from the balcony they had been conversing on. "Well, sounds like you're one step closer to that. Judging by the sound, Sora just spotted Lea and Roxas arriving."
His guess turns out to be indeed correct. As they arrive in the garden, Sora is acting like a whirlwind, running between a somewhat exasperated Lea and an amused-looking Roxas, hugging each one in turn. Kairi and Xion arrive to witness the scene along with them, smiles on their faces.
They have both changed, not that it really surprises him. Last time he saw Roxas, he was physically fourteen; now he's grown to be a man, taller and stronger. The spiky hair is still there, like a cockatoo, though his black coat has been replaced by a colorful cloak, much like Lea's. Riku recalls Mickey mentioning that, the cloak of sunlight given to Lea to shield him. He supposes they have visited old friends, for Roxas to have one too.
"I see Sora's not the only one who has grown in the last couple of years." Riku grins, waiting until his dear light calms down a bit before stepping forward. Roxas gives him a somewhat wary glance, not that Riku can blame him; the only time they've met in person outside Sora's heart wasn't exactly conducive to friendship. Lea, however, chuckles, drawing Roxas close.
"Oh yeah. Looks much more like a grown man now, doesn't he?"
"Oh, shut up." Roxas nudges Lea's side. "One would think you of all people wouldn't want to draw attention to my age, considering I was basically a kid when you first took interest."
"Oi, stop making me sound like some kind of a pervert. You were fifteen by the time you gave me a heart, at a time when I never did anything inappropriate mind you, and eighteen by the time I found you again." Lea ruffles his hair, an action that does not exactly reflect his point that Sora and Roxas are adults now.
Sora takes on an almost impish smile, now. "So does that mean you've done inappropriate things now, then?"
"Hey, spiky, don't ask any questions you're not prepared to answer yourself." Lea points a finger at Sora, then turns to the others. "Ah, hi, Your Majesty. Hope we're not too late or anything."
"Oh, not at all." Mickey grins. "You're not even the last to arrive. We're still waiting for Terra, Aqua, and Ventus to show up."
"Great, more people I don't actually know." However, Roxas seems more amused than apprehensive about this. Apparently their private adventure of half a year did help prepare him for all this bustle. "Though then, considering that I don't even know why we're here, I suppose that's just as well."
"Really?" Riku's head snaps toward Mickey. "You haven't told them?" He hears Sora gasping in shock.
"Well, I suppose it's about time." Mickey grins. "The fact is -"
"They had babies!" Sora interjects, unable to contain himself a moment longer. "King Mickey and Queen Minnie did! Two of them!"
"A prince and a princess," Mickey chuckles, thankfully not minding the interruption, even though the news were his to tell. Though then, if he considered it that important to deliver the news personally, he probably wouldn't have left them until after Sora found out. Riku doubts Sora would ever learn the virtue of patience, certainly not when it comes to exciting news. "We decided to have a party so all the keyblade wielders can meet them."
"Well, I hope you're not too offended that we don't have a gift for the kids, considering the whole no warning thing." Lea raises his eyebrows. "What, did you think I'd stay away if I knew it's all about babies?"
"No, I know you wouldn't want to face Minnie's wrath." As though anyone would. "We just wanted it to be a surprise."
"We've been pretty much off the map for the last half a year, and even before that I was out most of the time and Roxas wasn't in touch with anyone at all," Lea snorts. "I'd think you'd have enough surprises without hiding the reason of the party."
"Oh, come on, Lea." Roxas grins. "It's not like you don't have a surprise for them, too."
"Oh?" Sora's eyes fly wide. "You've got a surprise? What is it? What is it?" He seems about ready to pounce Lea again in his enthusiasm.
"Woah, calm down, kid." Lea grins. "It wouldn't be fair to let you know before everyone is here, would it?"
Riku has to admire Lea's patience as he expertly ignores Sora's incessant questions even as the last three arrive, prompting them to finally gather in the hall decorated for the party. Minnie is there as well, a glowing smile on her face as she gives one of the tiny babies into Mickey's arms, the king's face taking on an expression of delighted wonder even as everyone surrounds them with congratulations.
"Now you can tell us, right, Lea?" And here comes Sora bouncing. "You can't just not tell us!"
"Oh, I don't know." Lea smirks, finally opening the sun-shaped brooch that holds his cloak open, folding it over one arm before glancing around. "Oooh, cookies. I've got to test those!"
Sora's about to go on a tirade about how unfair Lea is being, only to be stopped by Riku's hand on his arm. "Sora, look."
"Look at what?" And oh yes, his beloved is as oblivious as ever.
"At his back." The others have noticed it now, too, murmurs going through everyone as Lea walks away from them to the table, apparently casual though he must be acutely aware of everyone's eyes on the emblem embroidered on the back of his shirt.
"The Mark of Mastery." Xion's eyes widen, and then she rushes forward, apparently deciding it's her place to be the first, as Lea's friend. "You actually passed the exam?"
"Oh yeah." And now Lea laughs and spins around, as though there was any doubt remaining his walking away was entirely deliberate, picking Xion up to give her a little spin. "I told you, didn't I, Riku? I'd catch up sooner or later."
"Yes, you did." Riku can't help but grin. "Congratulations, Lea. You've more than earned it."
"Of course I have. I'm such a big hero nowadays, don't you know?" Lea grins as he now receives everyone's congratulations. "Were you surprised, oh high and mighty King?"
"Well, I didn't know you were going to take the exam, but I'm not at all surprised you passed." Mickey smiles, cradling one of the twins close to his chest. "Though I guess this makes the perfect preamble to our little announcement."
"We have decided what to name our children." Minnie smiles. "And I must say, I think we have found the perfect names."
"We wanted their names to have a heroic quality, to give them a good start. However, we decided not to name them after anyone pure of heart. Even though it's a most precious quality, even the purest hearts can be corrupted by darkness."
"So Mickey suggested we should name them after another kind of hero," Minnie continues. "After the two people who have fought hardest and sacrificed the most to save the ones they love."
Oh. Well, this should be interesting.
"As such, we'd like to thank you all for arriving here to celebrate our children," Mickey grins, "Prince Ricky and Princess Leah." And really, it must take heroic resolve for Lea not to protest at his name being given to the girl even as everyone else starts the party. That, or a grinning Roxas drawing him into a hug.
Right now, it's easy to believe the two babies will have much brighter and less painful lives than those they owe their lives to.
But then, good things come to those who wait. And they all have waited long enough to deserve all good things in the world.
Chapter 24 - The Final Hurdle
Chapter: 25/25
Chapter title: To Those Who Wait
Chapter rating: G
Chapter summary: As Mickey calls all the keyblade wielders to Disney Castle, there are plenty of surprises to celebrate.
"You really think they're going to show up?"
"Oh, I am positive." Mickey is smiling. Then, he smiles all the time nowadays. Becoming a father seems to have made him even more cheerful than before. "I just caught up with them a couple of weeks ago in Traverse Town. They were definitely coming."
"I certainly hope so." Riku folds his arms over his chest. "Sora has been really anxious to see them both. He's been pretty upset that they haven't visited in all this time."
"Well, I think they both needed the alone time." Mickey shrugs. "Sure, it's been half a year, but they have gone through a lot. I've met them a few times, and I really don't think they were ready to face everyone until just recently."
"It can't have been easy for Roxas, wandering around so long without his memories." And even worse for Lea, finding his beloved at last only to not even be recognized. Riku finds it hard to even imagine such a situation. Well, imagining it happening isn't that hard; however, the pain that goes along even with his imagined scenario would certainly be near impossible to bear.
"I don't imagine it was, no." Mickey shakes his head. "And besides memories, he spent all that time without really meeting anyone. He and Lea needed that time to get ready to deal with all the fuss around here."
"Well, there's certainly going to be a lot of life when everyone gets here." It's going to be the first time all the current keyblade bearers have come together since, well, ever. Roxas wasn't there after Xehanort was defeated, and after that everyone has been scattered throughout the worlds. Now everyone has been invited, though, and according to Mickey they are all planning to arrive, too. "Aside from those couple of visits, have they been in any contact since Lea let us know he found Roxas?"
"I know they've been to Radiant Gardens once or twice. Ienzo denies it, but I believe they've been to meet him while others aren't around," Mickey replies. "Not right away, I mean, but Lea has been getting Roxas more used to being around familiar people lately, and Ienzo is a rather safe choice for that. Much less likely to pounce him and start shrieking than, say, Sora."
"That's a good point." Much though he loves Sora, the guy can sometimes be far too enthusiastic. "I've told Sora not to crowd them immediately, but we'll see how many seconds he can remember that."
"Oh, Sora means well. And I'm sure Roxas will live through it. He's had a lot of time to get his memories and feelings straight by now." Mickey smiles. "Xion has met them a couple of times, too. If Roxas could survive her earlier, I'm sure he can deal with Sora now."
"I suppose." Riku chuckles. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to seeing them, too. I mean, last time I saw Lea myself was before he set off for the Land of Lanterns. Not to say I doubt your word when you say he's much better now, he's got Roxas after all, but it's going to be nice to see for myself."
"Oh, I know. Minnie is quite looking forward to it, too. She keeps saying they should just move to the castle like Xion, though I somehow doubt Lea would enjoy settling down for good." Mickey gives an exaggerated sigh. "Sometimes I think she doesn't believe I'm capable of protecting her, with the way she keeps gathering more saviors everywhere."
"Aw, you know that's not true, Your Majesty." He can't help but grin. "She just has a tendency to draw the most capable people to her aid. I'm sure it's no criticism towards you, you've kind of got a kingdom to attend to, after all."
"I wouldn't say that. She did very well in reigning by herself while I was out fighting."
"Of course, but I'm sure the two of you rule even better together. Besides," his grin gets a bit wider, "there are others who need the protection much more than she does."
"Indeed." And now a similar grin takes over Mickey's face. "I can't wait to introduce them to everyone."
There's a very familiar shout somewhere in the distance, in the direction of the castle's garden, and Riku chuckles, turning away from the balcony they had been conversing on. "Well, sounds like you're one step closer to that. Judging by the sound, Sora just spotted Lea and Roxas arriving."
His guess turns out to be indeed correct. As they arrive in the garden, Sora is acting like a whirlwind, running between a somewhat exasperated Lea and an amused-looking Roxas, hugging each one in turn. Kairi and Xion arrive to witness the scene along with them, smiles on their faces.
They have both changed, not that it really surprises him. Last time he saw Roxas, he was physically fourteen; now he's grown to be a man, taller and stronger. The spiky hair is still there, like a cockatoo, though his black coat has been replaced by a colorful cloak, much like Lea's. Riku recalls Mickey mentioning that, the cloak of sunlight given to Lea to shield him. He supposes they have visited old friends, for Roxas to have one too.
"I see Sora's not the only one who has grown in the last couple of years." Riku grins, waiting until his dear light calms down a bit before stepping forward. Roxas gives him a somewhat wary glance, not that Riku can blame him; the only time they've met in person outside Sora's heart wasn't exactly conducive to friendship. Lea, however, chuckles, drawing Roxas close.
"Oh yeah. Looks much more like a grown man now, doesn't he?"
"Oh, shut up." Roxas nudges Lea's side. "One would think you of all people wouldn't want to draw attention to my age, considering I was basically a kid when you first took interest."
"Oi, stop making me sound like some kind of a pervert. You were fifteen by the time you gave me a heart, at a time when I never did anything inappropriate mind you, and eighteen by the time I found you again." Lea ruffles his hair, an action that does not exactly reflect his point that Sora and Roxas are adults now.
Sora takes on an almost impish smile, now. "So does that mean you've done inappropriate things now, then?"
"Hey, spiky, don't ask any questions you're not prepared to answer yourself." Lea points a finger at Sora, then turns to the others. "Ah, hi, Your Majesty. Hope we're not too late or anything."
"Oh, not at all." Mickey grins. "You're not even the last to arrive. We're still waiting for Terra, Aqua, and Ventus to show up."
"Great, more people I don't actually know." However, Roxas seems more amused than apprehensive about this. Apparently their private adventure of half a year did help prepare him for all this bustle. "Though then, considering that I don't even know why we're here, I suppose that's just as well."
"Really?" Riku's head snaps toward Mickey. "You haven't told them?" He hears Sora gasping in shock.
"Well, I suppose it's about time." Mickey grins. "The fact is -"
"They had babies!" Sora interjects, unable to contain himself a moment longer. "King Mickey and Queen Minnie did! Two of them!"
"A prince and a princess," Mickey chuckles, thankfully not minding the interruption, even though the news were his to tell. Though then, if he considered it that important to deliver the news personally, he probably wouldn't have left them until after Sora found out. Riku doubts Sora would ever learn the virtue of patience, certainly not when it comes to exciting news. "We decided to have a party so all the keyblade wielders can meet them."
"Well, I hope you're not too offended that we don't have a gift for the kids, considering the whole no warning thing." Lea raises his eyebrows. "What, did you think I'd stay away if I knew it's all about babies?"
"No, I know you wouldn't want to face Minnie's wrath." As though anyone would. "We just wanted it to be a surprise."
"We've been pretty much off the map for the last half a year, and even before that I was out most of the time and Roxas wasn't in touch with anyone at all," Lea snorts. "I'd think you'd have enough surprises without hiding the reason of the party."
"Oh, come on, Lea." Roxas grins. "It's not like you don't have a surprise for them, too."
"Oh?" Sora's eyes fly wide. "You've got a surprise? What is it? What is it?" He seems about ready to pounce Lea again in his enthusiasm.
"Woah, calm down, kid." Lea grins. "It wouldn't be fair to let you know before everyone is here, would it?"
Riku has to admire Lea's patience as he expertly ignores Sora's incessant questions even as the last three arrive, prompting them to finally gather in the hall decorated for the party. Minnie is there as well, a glowing smile on her face as she gives one of the tiny babies into Mickey's arms, the king's face taking on an expression of delighted wonder even as everyone surrounds them with congratulations.
"Now you can tell us, right, Lea?" And here comes Sora bouncing. "You can't just not tell us!"
"Oh, I don't know." Lea smirks, finally opening the sun-shaped brooch that holds his cloak open, folding it over one arm before glancing around. "Oooh, cookies. I've got to test those!"
Sora's about to go on a tirade about how unfair Lea is being, only to be stopped by Riku's hand on his arm. "Sora, look."
"Look at what?" And oh yes, his beloved is as oblivious as ever.
"At his back." The others have noticed it now, too, murmurs going through everyone as Lea walks away from them to the table, apparently casual though he must be acutely aware of everyone's eyes on the emblem embroidered on the back of his shirt.
"The Mark of Mastery." Xion's eyes widen, and then she rushes forward, apparently deciding it's her place to be the first, as Lea's friend. "You actually passed the exam?"
"Oh yeah." And now Lea laughs and spins around, as though there was any doubt remaining his walking away was entirely deliberate, picking Xion up to give her a little spin. "I told you, didn't I, Riku? I'd catch up sooner or later."
"Yes, you did." Riku can't help but grin. "Congratulations, Lea. You've more than earned it."
"Of course I have. I'm such a big hero nowadays, don't you know?" Lea grins as he now receives everyone's congratulations. "Were you surprised, oh high and mighty King?"
"Well, I didn't know you were going to take the exam, but I'm not at all surprised you passed." Mickey smiles, cradling one of the twins close to his chest. "Though I guess this makes the perfect preamble to our little announcement."
"We have decided what to name our children." Minnie smiles. "And I must say, I think we have found the perfect names."
"We wanted their names to have a heroic quality, to give them a good start. However, we decided not to name them after anyone pure of heart. Even though it's a most precious quality, even the purest hearts can be corrupted by darkness."
"So Mickey suggested we should name them after another kind of hero," Minnie continues. "After the two people who have fought hardest and sacrificed the most to save the ones they love."
Oh. Well, this should be interesting.
"As such, we'd like to thank you all for arriving here to celebrate our children," Mickey grins, "Prince Ricky and Princess Leah." And really, it must take heroic resolve for Lea not to protest at his name being given to the girl even as everyone else starts the party. That, or a grinning Roxas drawing him into a hug.
Right now, it's easy to believe the two babies will have much brighter and less painful lives than those they owe their lives to.
But then, good things come to those who wait. And they all have waited long enough to deserve all good things in the world.
Chapter 24 - The Final Hurdle