Kingdom Hearts: World Keeper [Re:Joined]

Great Mastery On Vytal

Trees begin to change from green to yellow and orange, leaves dance around as they safely land near to where they detached before the wind picks up on strength. One in a red tone delicately lands on the funeral wreath. Aqua picks it up, noticing its tiny holes.
"The caterpillars were really hungry this year, huh?", she states quietly and turns to Xion and Yang, handing them Ven's and Terra's Wayfinder in order to clean them. They hung on the Master's Defender ever since it was placed there. Haven't been touched until now. The other two nod, keeping the conversation just as quiet out of respect for the old Master, who is just sitting in front of his old friend's grave.

"Viola, you really do not have to sit next to me.", his raspy voice mutters once he's done processing of what is in front of him. She pets over his shoulder and bends over to look him in the face: "I don't want you to be alone, Master. You'll just suppress your emotions again."
She nods as something lights up on her ear. Despite it causing his eye to twitch from the sudden brightness of reflected light, it still gives him a moment to smile. She's happy with the piercings too. They did hurt at first, but after a nasty infection and lots of band aid applying, the struggle is finally over and she's able to wear the accessories with confidence. Oh, how Sora instantly wanted to get earrings too after he took a look at Viola's result. Looks like he already changed his mind, though.

Bells are heard.
Aqua and Xion slowly stand up and hang everything back to where it should be.
"Half an hour before the Mark. I can't wait for you guys to see how it all works!", Aqua's voice becomes more confident, the others laugh out of excitement.
Yang hooks her arm around Aqua while swinging side to side: "You sound like you're the one doing it, Master!"
"Well, I sit on a throne, that's almost the same thing!", Aqua explains and suddenly gasps: "Oh! Vi, can you help me with a little surprise for later?"
Viola nods after a reassuring gesture from her Master. They soon head off after he assists her to get up properly while Aqua quickly bends down to say goodbye to the grave.

"Xehanort, you should get ready too, I think.", Xion begins to speak, he turns around staring at her. Finally realizing what she said, he answers with a short yes before looking at the grave again.
"He was like a brother to you, right?", Yang decides to ask him and he only nods in silence.
"I never truly had the time to grief before. If I may be honest.", Master Xehanort explains with a strangely soft voice. The howling of the wind stops now, a few orange leaves land on the grass.
"You do not have to worry about me. Leave already, if you like."
"I never leave Ruby alone whenever she's talking to mom's grave. It's just decency."

Xion now gasps: "Oh, I didn't know... my condolences. But I thought you are step-sisters?"
Yang smiles while stretching her arms: "We are, but I consider Summer my mom anyway. She was awesome."

"What happened to your, well... Biological mother? If you do not mind me asking.", Xehanort stutters.
Yang's eyes narrow a little but her smile doesn't dissappear: "She just left one day. I don't know why. Not even my uncle knows."
Xion seems to be a little perplexed: "And you don't look for her?"

After humming, Yang streaks her long hair back: "I kind of do, but finding her isn't as important as being there for everyone else. Why leave people who love me for someone who abandoned me? I won't let this search take control."
Xion understands now and nods in agreement. It's a good point to be made for sure. To be there for your loved ones. Yes, that truly is more important than chasing the past. Both their phones suddenly ring.
It's time.

"For the first time in more than ten years, we all gathered in these halls to cheer for our friend, brother, pupil... Somebody and of course loved one, Terra. Today you'll be examined for the Mark of Mastery.", Riku's speech ends as everyone else stands on the sidelines to clap. Terra is the only person in the middle of the room standing stiff, probably because of the pressure. Riku nods and sits down on the right throne, for Aqua to stand up from the left.