#timeline reset

“..Ra…” a voice was yelling at him.

His body hurts though. He didn't want to get up. Riku and him fought that battle and then hit something hard.

“So..ra..” the voice pleaded with him. Shaking his sore body and making it hurt more. “P..ease! Wa..up!”

Sora let a groan out, but could only crack his eyes open. The world around him was spinning and blurry. It was slow to come into focus. He remembered the battle, and he remembered being pulled in with Riku. Judging from the blurred outline of silver, he was still with him.

“Hey,” Riku's voice confirmed his suspicion. “Wake up.”

He managed to one word out, “where?”

“I don't know. We are in an alleyway. I met some grumpy old man. He said he was bringing us something called a potion. We are banged up.” Riku helped him sit up as he talked. “The worst of us is you.”

Sora managed to get his vision to clear up. Riku had some bruises from a fall. Made sense. They fell, well more dropped into Traverse Town. Onto cement of all things. Anyone would be hurt. He felt his friend touch the side of his head. When his hand pulled back, he saw red. He hit his head this time. Great, explained why it was so hard to focus.

“That is bad,” Riku gently turned his head. “I hope this…potion thing works. Hey, don't fall asleep okay?”

“I won't,” Sora took a deep breath. “I'm sorry. We have to find Kairi and I am stalling on it.”

“Hey, we'll find her. We can't find her though, if you can't even stand.” Riku got up and looked away. “Where…”

“Coming!” Cid’s voice rang like a freight train in his ears. “Brought a healer too!”

“A what?” Riku asked.

“Just wait kid.”

Sora soon saw Aerith, Yuffie, Cid and a scowling older brunet named Leon, aka: Squall. All standing him. Aerith had Riku swap places so she could check his head.

“Poor thing. This will help.” She smiled at him. “Heal.”

A warm, gentle wave of magic hit the side of his head. He felt the pain ebb away. She finished her task and nodded.

“There. No blood.”

Sora turned his head to look at her. She was handed a potion. He remembered those. They tasted so gross. She uncorked the green bottle.

“This is going to taste really gross, but it will help with the rest.” Aerith helped him drink most of it down.

Yep. Still tasted as gross as he remembered. He could stomach it thanks to being used to the taste. Now he was feeling better.

“There. Feel better?”

“Mm. Thank you.” Sora looked at Riku. “How do you feel?”

“I feel better wound wise. Still…not sure what happened,” Riku sighed, helping Sora stand up. “But we will find her. We will find Kairi and go back home.”

The brunet could only give a sad smile in return. He said that. To one one, but he said that. In the end, no one went home. They got dragged across the universe. Forced to become Wanderers helping others stay safe. Only to all die at the end of a wasted journey.

“I am sure your friend is around here somewhere. Maybe even in a different world?” Yuffie brought up.

Riku looked at her in shock. Sora didn't flinch at the information, but he gave her his attention and tried to act surprised. It was hard to act. How did anyone do this?

“Do I…know you?” Cid leaned closer to him.

Sora looked at him with actual confusion. Kingdom Hearts said no one would remember, but did Cid have his memories?

“I do know you! You're that pop idol!” Cid shouted. “Man, you got quite the talent!”

Inside, Sora’s knotted stomach relaxed. Riku pulled him close and grinned.

“And I am his best friend! I am so jelly he has talent, but man the spoils I get!” Riku smiled. “Top brand baby~!”

“Man, to have a friend spoil you like that must mean you two are close.” Aerith smiled. “Gift giving is your love language?”

Sora nodded, “yeah. I love to spoil friends and family.” He said.

“You two must be hungry, exhausted and I know you are confused. How about you come with us and we can tell you everything as you eat?” Aerith said.

“I promise, we have all the information you will need. We even have two others who came looking for…what was it again?” Yuffie looked at Squall.

“A key.” The man answered.

“That. Maybe you two have seen it? You can take those Shadow creatures out with it.” She smiled.

“Oh, this thing?” Riku summoned the Keyblade.

The four adults looked at one another and then at them.

“...please come with us and let us explain!” They all said.

Riku held up his hands and dismissed the weapon, “o-okay..” he said, then pulled Sora close. “He comes with me! We never get split up either!”

“Why would we tear you two apart?” Yuffie laughed as she skipped ahead. “I'll tell the other guests we found it!”

Aerith walked behind them and put a hand on their shoulder, “we won't tear you two apart. Let's get some food, okay?” She gently led them out of the alleyway. “Cid, Leon..please get some supplies for them okay? They need rest after eating.”

Riku looked at Sora, keepings firm grip on his arm. The brunet pulled it free but grabbed his friend's hand in return. The gesture gave his friend enough comfort to relax. Things were so different. He didn't meet anyone this quickly. Squall also attacked him. Not just with his gun blade, but with insults. If Kingdom Hearts was the one who had set the difficulty down on certain parts, then he was glad. The first time was so hard. The stress in finding anyone just had him through the roof. Being alone didn't help him once.

Even with Donald and Goofy, Sora always felt alone and lost. No home to go to. No friends or family. He bonded with them over the journey, but at the start. He just felt like an outsider. Something they needed and then would toss to the side once his use was up.

“Hey, are you okay? Are you dizzy?” Riku asked, getting his attention.

“Hm? Oh, no. Just…thinking.”

“I know a lot is going on, but I promise. We will get through this.” Riku smiled at him. “As a team.”

When did he become so cold that not even supportive words could ease his mind? Riku was there and trying to cheer him up. Like he did for others. All he could do was have the past now fully haunt him.

“Yeah. You're right. We are a team. Nothing is going to break that.” Sora tightened his grip. “Promise?”

“Promise” Riku pulled him into a hug. “Now come on! We got food waiting for us!”

He pulled Sora ahead. Aerith kept walking behind them. Laughing as they reached the Second District door first. They ran through and stopped. Heartless appeared then. They let go of each other's hands and summoned their weapons. Aerith watching the entire time. Sora took the group on the right. Riku took the left. It was quick and over with.

“That is the power of teamwork baby!” Riku high fives Sora.

“I think you two will be just fine,” Aerith said, leading them to the hotel. “Hope the duck doesn't mind another mage user.”

Sora mentally hoped so as well. Donald was brash, cold and harsh at the start. Goofy was nice though. They talked a lot when Donald was sleeping. He also had to worry about Donald's temper and Riku’s temper fighting. Nothing of value came from it. Plus, he remembered how Deep Jungle happened. A fight broke out and in the end, Donald was right. Deep Jungle held nothing but a gummy part. He was sure they needed it, but in order to gain it. The fight had to happen. But he didn't want to crash again.

So, did he let the event happen with Riku in his place? Did he instigate the fight himself? How did they obtain the piece without crashing? He kept walking until he bumped into Donald himself. The duck eyed him up and down.

“He has the key?”

Sora pointed at Riku, “he has it. Respect it.” He said.

“Hiya, names Goofy.” The Knight held out his hand. “It's nice to meet ya.”

“Riku, this is Sora, my best friend.” Riku replied, shaking Goofy’s hand. “And he comes with me wherever I go.”

“Our ship doesn't have the space.” Donald argued. “He can't come.”

“He comes or I don't go,” Riku said.

Sora missed a part of the conversation. He was too lost in his own head again. A bad habit to either unlearn or twist so he could listen and think. They must have been discussing things about traveling while he spaced off and paced around.

“We don't have the space!”

“We can make space!”

Sora put a hand on Riku's arm to calm him, “I'm not going anywhere. I have a spell in my head. It's…Toad, I think.”

He was half lying again. The first time he practiced that spell was actually weird, but later fun. He could turn things into a toad or himself. Sometimes he would get stuck as one, but eventually he learned something called Maiden's Kiss existed to cure that ailment. He had a couple on him at all times now.

“Toad?” Riku looked at him.

“Yeah,” Sora put a pink potion in Riku's hand. “I also found out the hard way that this was the only cure for it if the spell can't be undone.”

“Ha, you got stuck as a toad?” Riku laughed, accepting the half truth.

“Yeah, but I can use that to save space,” He proudly said. “There, problem solved.”

The duck didn't look happy, but Riku was happy and it was all that mattered.

“I won't leave you a toad.” Riku giggled.

Sora laughed back, “oh, I know you will if I make you mad.”

“You're right. I'd do that. Now, he can come. Deal.” Riku said, not letting go. “I won't leave my friend behind. He is all I have left of our home.”

The brunet waited for his presence to be denied. The duck said nothing. He seemed to have accepted that nothing would sway Riku's mind.

“Fine, he can come.” Donald crossed his arms and then eyed Sora. “You are weird.”

Sora noted that look and gave one back, “I haven't even begun to show how weird I can be.” he said, looking right at the duck.

Riku got his attention when Donald and Goofy started to talk with Aerith and the others

“Hey, you got spacey in the hallway to this room. You didn't even notice when Donald and Goofy greeted us. Are you sure you are okay?” He asked, a hand on his arm still. “I'm worried. Is your heart acting up? Does your body need to rest?”

“No. No. I just…need to process all of this. It's a lot.” He took a deep breath. “I promise once all my thoughts stop…circling a drain. I'll be okay. Just give me some time.”

“Okay, but don't keep it all in. I'm here for you as you are for me.” Riku joined the others after saying that.

If he had been with Sora the first time. Would he have been more calm? Would his previous trials and errors be more supported? Would the darkness have won him over instead of Riku? What about the times where he failed? Where he couldn't save anyone at all and was left to his own guilt. Would things have been different then? Sora shook his head. The past was done. The first part of his plan had to be set in motion now. Xehanort's Nobody was behind the first journey and the reason Roxas and Namine existed. He wasn't sure where or when Xion was made, but he could figure that out once he found Roxas. The blond had to have answers or he could sneak into their base easily. As for the trap that they lay ahead of them after this, he wouldn't be falling for it this time.

“Hey, time to go,” Riku put an arm around his shoulders. “Ready to be a toad?”

Sora laughed, “Born ready” He casted Toad on himself and jumped onto Riku's shoulder.

Chapter Eight

Very few beings could distinguish night from dark. For most, one was the other, each the same. Both equally unknown, equally dangerous. These were the creatures who would pass their lives cowering in the wake of shadows and longing for the safety of sun or candlelight.

But Rhysand, High Lord of Night, tamer of darkness…he knew the difference.

Night was natural. A time of cooling, of slowing, of wonder and intrigue. Blooms that flourished only by moonlight, flashing insects that winked their hellos, stars that danced after sunset, souls that sailed across the sky like so many ships heading home. They were gifts that reserved themselves for those who knew that beauty thrived while the world slept, who braved the night to find it.

Music sounded sweeter. The exertion of dancing or fighting or fucking became all the more intoxicating with a nighttime breeze brushing over sweat-slicked skin.

Rhys was of the night. It was his fortitude, his treasure. His home.

Darkness, then, was his shield and his blade. For centuries, he’d wielded it with skill and relish. To attack, to protect.

Then his weapon — molded of his own being, forged for his hand — had been knocked from his grip and stolen. Now, that which he’d commanded since he had breath to do so had been turned on him.

Night was a thing of beauty, as natural as the pulse that quickened at the wonder of Starfall. Darkness, though, was the theft of light itself. It was the total absence of light by outside forces. Only those who had never been kept under cover could ever consider night and dark the same. After half a century locked underground, Rhys had concluded that they may’ve been the lucky ones after all.

But tonight…tonight, just for a time, Rhys would ascend from a stale darkness not of his own making into glorious, invigorating night. For precious few hours, he would have light.

Not the sun, not the bonfires, not even the stars.

Her. His mate would burn all the brighter before him for the cage of darkness he’d been held in for so long.

Because tonight was Fire Night.

Keep reading on AO3

@storytravelled i… i feel like i’ve missed something too

i would never propose to anyone other than Milady!

who are you people???

meta: lots of chaotic stuff happened the past few days so @miss-timekeeper reset the timeline to before adrichat happened

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead/Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead/Shirakumo Oboro, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead/Shirakumo Oboro/Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic Characters: Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead, Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Shirakumo Oboro, Shigaraki Tomura | Shimura Tenko Additional Tags: Parental Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead, Parental Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Parental Shirakumo Oboro, Rewind Theory, timeline reset, Shigaraki Tomura deserved better, Bittersweet Series: Part 1 of Rewind/Reset/Repeat Summary:

He had that strange dream again. The same voice, same Station of Awakening and the same large black heartless. He didn't get a choice of weapon though. Seems the journey was going to start differently this time. From ten onwards, all he had done was prepare for this starting moment. Training in secret with his magic, training in secret to see just how far his body could be pushed, training and getting all the financial goals for a singing career hit. Between the time, he also managed to study all he could about vessels, hearts and things Ansem the Wise once studied. He hadn't told a soul, not even his own mother.

As far as she knew, he was just extremely bright and passed all his classes to where he graduated earlier than everyone else. With all the free time he gained, he threw himself further into his studies and started to create with the help of his stardom in the singing world. All the munny he gained went to his mom and his research. It took until turning fourteen, but last week. The week before he and his friends talked about the raft. He made them. Actual vessels, ready and lined up to house them all. Namine, Xion and Roxas. Now comes the hard part. How did he time it so he can procure their hearts?

Namine was born of his and Kairi's, and in order for him to get her out. He would need a keyblade. He didn't have one and could never get one. Which means Riku would have to stay at his side, but would he? Would the events from the last time follow the same path? If so, how could Namine get out? There was a way to do this! He knew there was.

“Hey, there you are!” Riku ran over. “Raft is done.”

“It wouldn't have taken a week to build had you let me help,” Sora looked at his friend.

“First off, Mr. Pop Idol, you have a naturally weak body that can't be pushed too much. Second, your heart can't be pushed that much. Thirdly, I care way too much about your health to risk you building that big old thing.” Riku held a finger up for each point he made. Then lowered them. “Besides, my lovely girlfriend helped me. She is plenty strong enough for you.”

Sora felt a job at his heart. One of the many changes to this life. Kairi and Riku were a couple. In the past, he was with Kairi and then soon after, Kairi and Roxas both started to appear in his mind when he slept. The two said if given a chance, they probably would have asked to date him at the same time. The dead haunted him in his dreams. He was happy sometimes and other times, it served to remind him of what he lost.

This Kairi and Riku differed so much from the last ones. Both were attentive still but Riku was much nicer and more open with his emotions. Kairi was naturally stronger and thrilled about seeking adventure beyond the island. The two then got closer and now together. The image hurt him, but he kept his emotions in check.

“Oh, I found a chest but I can't open it,” Riku said. “Nor could Kairi. Can you give it a shot?”

“...like a treasure chest, box chest…” Sora stood up and wiped the sand off his long black knitted coat. “Doesn't really explain how big it is.”

“It's about..” Riku got up and put a hand to his hip. “This big…depends on who is standing by it. For me, it's to my hip. Kairi is a little shorter than the chest lid. For you, I don't actually know.”

“Lead the way,” Sora gestured.

Riku nodded and ran ahead. The brunet followed. He was content to have Riku take the lead. The last time he didn't, fights happened. This time, he just wanted his friends to be happy and safe. If that means letting them lead, so be it. Plus, he was always tired. It was no mystery why. He had done this before. His soul was of a seventeen year old. He chose to come back but hoped to have energy to keep going. Now he felt the regrets of an old man and an old soul. The deal was made though and he would see it to the end and win.

He got taken to the other side of the island and towards where their raft had been built. Kairi was there working on the charm. He knew what it was before Riku even pointed it out. A Wayfinder charm and she said it was for him should they ever get separated. He kept his back turned to them and focused on finding this chest. He didn't need another reminder.

Sora headed up to where a cave entrance by a star on a wooden pole was. He felt the magic in the air and knew where to go. He kept going until he found the red and gold chest. With a kick to the lock, it opened and the glow revealed a staff. He summoned his current one and noticed the new one glowed.

“I see,” He grabbed the new staff and pushed the two together.

They combined right away. The wooden material became metal and extended up. The top curled in just enough to not touch the length of the staff. The lantern and chains were still present, but this time there was clear glass. Two of the chains were still present. One hung just above the lantern near the top of where the staff started to bend. The other was on the other side of the lantern.

“Well, it feels like I'm about to ferry souls to the dead,” Sora dismissed his staff. “A fitting feeling, since I plan to do that.”

He left the cave and returned to see the other two calling for him to see what was in the chest. Sora didn't have the guts to show them yet. Instead, he said he opened it but found nothing inside. It disappointed them, but they moved quickly to the raft topic. Sora joined them and made it a point to listen to them at all times.

It was the same conversation. This time, he would be ready.

“Guess we head home. Tomorrow is the day!” Kairi hugged Riku. “I can't wait to set sail! It'll be great!”

Riku nodded, “head in home. Sora and I can finish up.” He said.

Kairi kissed him on the cheek and ran off. When she was out of sight. Sora took a chance to get his friend’s attention.

“Riku, if things…go wrong..”

“Things won't go wrong. Stop worrying, Sora. It's a harmless adventure to see the world,” Riku said. “And the raft is sturdy. I have tested it.”

“If things go wrong, would…you leave Kairi and I behind?” Sora asked.

The question had his friend give him an odd, almost insulted look.

“If things go wrong, I will make sure both of you are at my side. No one gets left behind,” Riku walked up to him. “Why are you so hung up on this? You were excited for this at the start. You act like you have been abandoned before.”

The irony in that statement almost had Sora painfully cry out. He had been abandoned by Riku in the past. Darkness took him and he lost him. He lost Kairi, his home…everything. To have this much attention to his care was still so hard to adjust to.

“I guess I just like to be prepared,” He lied to his friend, but he didn't know what else to say. “Don't worry about it. I'll get over it.”

“Please, we are about to see the world!” Riku pulled him close with one arm. “You, me and Kairi! We are gonna see the world, and with your funds, Mr. Pop Idol, have the best and safest journey ever!”

Sora laughed lightly. He was let go and told to head home. The brunet did as asked. Leaving Riku to tack the Raft into the sand for safety. It wouldn't matter in a few hours, but hey, good idea still.

—---

As predicted, the storm came. Along with the glowing sphere of darkness. Sora had to wait for the predetermined events to line up. He saw Kairi go first. Once Riku went by, he could go. He was packed and ready.

“Alright, Xehanort. Let's see who wins.” Sora muttered. He spotted Riku running towards the docks. “Show time.”

He summoned his staff and took a deep breath. Sora spun his staff as he moved it in front of him. Air swirling up and around as the lantern pulled it in. The summon circle below sent four lights up into the sky, gusts of wind blowing up. The lantern sealed the air inside it first and then Valefore flew down and hovered before him.

“Hello my friend. I need a lift to that island.” He smiled at her.

She turned to have her back to him. He got his bag on and jumped onto her back. Staff in hand as she took flight towards the play island. Beats a boat that was for sure. She got him to the dock and he dismissed her. Right on cue, Heartless shadows appeared. Just like the first time. He wasn't going to waste his time.

“Flare.” He muttered, stepping off the dock.

The powerful fire spell took the group out in one hit. Despite having all the time, Xehanort’s current form still lacked all the power it needed. He didn't go into the cave because he would have ruined the events and the timeline. Now, he could but he had to handle a concern first. Riku stood on the smaller island with the palm tree. Would he leave again? Would darkness overtake him?

“Sora!” His name being shouted scared him.

Riku jumped and took a Heartless out with a keyblade. He was breathing hard and clearly exhausted.

“Riku, where is Kairi?” He asked, using a simple spell on a group of Heartless.

“No idea. She went to the cave, then these things appeared with that thing?” He pointed upwards. “Stay close to me. We have to find her.”

Sora nodded, trying to hide the surprise. Riku could see the staff and asked where it had come from. He came partially clean. The chest from earlier was coming in handy. He claimed he was scared but the chest had the staff inside it and since then, he could feel power in him. Riku bought it and the two took Heartless out as they ran to the Secret Spot. Riku made Sora go in first. He followed next.

The two traveled down the tunnel and found Kairi. Riku was surprised, but Sora knew how this would go. Partially at the least. If he was right, she would turn, the door would open and she would disappear into him. Unless Riku was the one. It would be cruel, but he had to be the faster one.

“Kairi!” Riku shouted. “Kairi?”

Their friend slowly turned to face them. Those familiar blank eyes staring right at them. Sora got between her and Riku without being noticed. The door behind Kairi burst into pieces. The force sent her towards them and right through Sora. She faded away but this time, he could feel her heart in him.

“Kairi!!” Riku shouted. “What happened!?”

“I don't know,” Sora lied and looked at Riku. “What now?”

“Stay close,” Riku grabbed by the arm. “I can't lose you too.”

“I can't lose her, Riku!” He remembered himself saying that to Riku.

The pair got knocked through the tunnel as a large gust forced them out. They hit the sand and as soon as Sora recovered from the fall. Saw the islands were gone. What remained was a floating patch of sand with a single palm tree. Riku screamed as he got up and called out for someone to answer. The brunet got his friend to focus on the bigger issue. The Heartless from his dream was there. Blank, yellow eyes staring down at them.

“You want to fight! Let's go! Me and Sora are going to kick your ass!” Riku summoned the Keyblade again. “You with me?”

“Always,” Sora nodded, standing ready.

“Good, whatever magic you gained. Take it out.”

Sora laughed, “don't have to tell me twice.”

The giant heartless bent one knee down. Putting a hand down on the sand so it could punch the ground with the other hand. Smaller Heartless began to spawn in. Sora told Riku to focus on the big guy. He could handle the crowd. His friend nodded and ran at the face and hand. Like he promised, the little ones never got any chance to attack. He cleared them all away. Riku took the bigger Heartless down easily after.

“Thanks for the cover,” Riku stayed close to him as more of the island got pulled up. “But…it looks like we didn't save our home.”

Sora got a hug from Riku.

“I'm glad we could be friends,” Riku said. “If this is the end, I am glad I could at least have a friend with me.”

The brunet hugged back. He knew it wasn't the end, but that was how he felt at first. He was alone. He had won the battle, but had no idea if he would die once it dragged the rest of his home into the sky. Riku had to go through it and he couldn't comfort him properly.