Fellowship & Fairydust

Where did they go? I couldn’t find Clair or Kairi anywhere in the Mysterious Tower. I crossed my arms, sighing to myself. Where could they have gone? The old geezer said not to worry, but I was. How could I not? 

“Still worrying?” I heard Riku ask me, and as I turned I saw him leaning against the wall. 

With a nod, I answered “Yeah.” 

“You don’t have to. Clair is with Kairi, and I’ve seen her hold her own against many dangerous foes.” The Keyblade Master tried to comfort me. 

It didn’t work. 

Don’t get me wrong. I still remember how well they fought, but even all three of them were no match for Mortem back in Wonderland. What would Clair and Kairi do if Mortem ambushed them in… whatever world they were in now? It seemed like if they came across him they wouldn’t stand a chance. 

“It was pretty hopeless when we fought Xehanort.” Whoa. Did Riku just read my mind? I looked at him but his face did not indicate as if he could see inside my head. 

Shaking my head, I told him, “That example doesn’t really help.”
With a sigh, Riku explained, “It seemed he would get his way, but in the end, he lost. Have faith.” 

Right as he said that a door appeared next to us that prompted me to take a step back. Why must magic do crazy things? As the door opened the people we were just talking about came through it. “Clair! Kairi!” 

“We’re back.” The princess said as the door closed and vanished. 

“Where did you go?” I asked. 

Looking down, Clair answered, “The door took us to someplace called Devil’s Bayou. We ended up helping someone, but we also ran into Mortem.” 

“What?” 

“He helped us at first, but then he…” Kairi seemed to trail off. “I believe there might be some good in him.” 

I nearly did a double-take. “Mortem helped you guys?” I repeated incredulously.

Nodding, Clair added, “Then he attacked us once the truce was over.”

“How are you two still alive?” 

“It wasn’t easy, but Clair used some powerful magic to even the odds. She’s got some major potential as a mage.” 

“For all the good it did.” She looked down, and I could see her eyes were full of pain. Before I could ask her, she told me, “I don’t want to talk about it.” With that, she walked off with her head down. What happened back there? Why didn’t she want to talk with me about it? 

 

***

“You two have experienced some great hardships since you began your adventure.” Master Yen Sid told us as we were in his office chamber thing later.

“We have….” Clair nodded.

Stroking his beard, the old wizard told us what he thought we should do. “The two of you need to return to Radiant Garden. Report to the Restoration Committee that you were able to make contact with your friends on Harthyn, and see about establishing a more permanent means of communication. From there you will be able to find a means to return to your world.” 

Clair and I exchanged a look at that, and I could see that brightened her day. For me, however, it was just a reminder of the mistakes I made. “Look, that’s great, but… I don’t think that’s what I want.” I admitted. “I don’t want to go back anymore.”

Not only did that surprise the others, but my cousin did a double-take. “What? Why not, Jason?”

“Because of some of the things I learned out here. Ever since Motunui, I’ve realized something. I’ve spent so long living the life my father wanted that I don’t know what I truly want. If I go home I’ll never know what that is. So I won’t. At least not until I know what I want to do with my life.”

The joy went out of her eyes upon hearing my words. “Jason.”
“Very well. But you should still return to Radiant Garden to establish more stable communications. Once that is done then your friends can work with the Committee to find a way home once you feel you are ready.” Master Yen Sid instructed me. 

That made sense. “… Okay.” I agreed to his instructions.

My cousin then started to speak up. “Master Yen Sid, I…”
“You do not need to tell me anything if you do not wish to. If you are comfortable seeking help from Merlin or Aerith my advice is to do so.” The wizard told her. 

“Thank you.”
“Well, I need to get back to Radiant Garden anyhow,” Scrooge said as he headed to the door. “I suppose I could give you two a lift.” 

“Sounds good.” I agreed.

“Thank you.” My cousin added, to which Scrooge gave a nod.

 

***

 

As we flew through the Starocean, I reflected on the choices I’ve made since we left. Gri, what an idiot I’ve been. I tried to do things the way I’ve always done them, but all that accomplished was nearly get myself killed and alienating us from allies. Maybe… maybe I was the one who needed to change. Why hadn’t I realized that before? Maybe it had something to do with how Dad… no. I won’t say raised because I never felt like his child. More like his tool. But how could I change myself when this is all I knew how to be? 

The console then beeped as Cid’s face appeared on the screen. “We’ll be arriving shortly,” Scrooge told him as he answered.

“Got it. We’ll be waiting for you.” The old guy said as he hung up. 

“We’re almost back?” Clair asked. I had to admit it was strange that we didn’t encounter a single Heartless craft during this flight. 

“Aye,” The old duck answered, “And soon you two will be out of my feathers.” 

“You’re leaving us?” 

“Aye, because your kin has been nothing but trouble! He’s ruined so many business opportunities for me, and I say enough. Once we land I’m finding you two another babysitter to put up with the trouble you bring!” 

I wanted to snap back at him, but I stopped myself because he was right. I did cause us a lot of problems, and now it may be time I started paying the price. But did Clair have to suffer for my actions too? While I thought about this I continued to look out at the stars instead of talking back to our pilot.

“Jason?” Clair ended up getting me to look at her. “Are you okay?”

“… Yes.” I lied to her. I hated doing that, but I didn’t want to burden her with my problems. This was something I was going to have to figure out on my own. Besides, it sounded like she had her burden to bear. Something that carried more weight than my uncertainties. 

 

***

 

It wasn’t long until we had docked at Radiant Garden and we were shooed off the Gummi. The place was still as I remembered it with construction going on and people helping each other as they rebuilt their community like they have been for several years now. At least they seemed to have an idea of what they wanted. 

When we were off, Scrooge began to walk into town. “Now to find Cid and get him to find you two another ship because you won’t be using mine anymore.”

“Wait,” I finally spoke up. “You have every right to kick me off, but don’t do the same to my cousin. I was the one who gave you grief, not her.” 

“My ship. My decision.” The old duck insisted. 

“That is true, but it’s also true that she’s innocent of what I’m guilty of. So if you don’t want to help me anymore, don’t. But don’t let her pay for my actions.” 

For some reason, my words stunned the duck. Either it was because what I said had an impact or I was such a jerk that hearing such words was shocking. Regardless, I didn’t stick around to find out. Turning I began to leave the area just as Scrooge wanted. “Jason, wait.” My cousin called out to me. 

“My mind is made up,” I answered without turning. I couldn’t bear to see her disappointed with me, and right now I feel like if I stayed I’d only hold her back. 

 

CLAIR’S POV

My heart ached with the horror of what happened on Devil’s Bayou and from seeing my cousin leave us. I’ve never seen him like this, doubtful and uncertain. He used to be so sure but now… he seems like he’s lost without any means of finding the right direction. It’s like some part of himself has been destroyed and he’s struggling to come to terms with it. 

While I watched him depart I felt someone tug on my jacket. “Well, come along,” Scrooge instructed as he started heading into town. I took one last look in the direction Jason went before following the old duck. I hated leaving my cousin like this, but like Master Yen Sid told me I needed to talk to someone about what has happened. I was hoping Aerith would be available because she makes me feel comfortable. I needed to speak with someone about the bayou and she seemed like the best person. 

After some weaving through town, we managed to make it to the headquarters of the Restoration Committee, where Scrooge knocked on the door with his cane. Thankfully the person I was looking for opened up. “Clair. Scrooge.” Aerith said as she motioned for us to come inside. “Welcome back.” 

“And it’ll be more welcome without a certain teenager.” Scrooge then marched into HQ

Turning to me, Aerith asked, “What happened?”

“At lot.”

Placing her hand on my shoulder, she asked, “Stuff that requires privacy?”

***

The old abandoned church was a good place to think and be alone. Although many columns had fallen and there was a hole in the roof, it seemed to add to the tranquility because of the light that shone through. Aerith and I sat in the middle amid the flowers that had grown thanks to the sun shining through the hole. “What happened on your journey?” The Cetra asked me.

I ended up telling her everything that had happened, from Jason’s reckless behavior in Agrabah and Motunui to Mortem getting the first heart in Wonderland. When I reached Devil’s Bayou I wanted to keep quiet about it because my heart was shaking with fear and apprehension about how she would take it. But then I remembered what my father had told me about how in the past people couldn’t get help from doctors if the patient wouldn’t tell them all the symptoms, so I told her everything about Devil’s Bayou including my loss of control.

When I finished, I looked down, afraid of what her reaction might be. I will be honest, I was not expecting her to hug me. My eyes widened as I was taken aback by this gesture, but before I could say anything Aerith whispered, “It’s okay, Clair.” Slowly, I felt myself return the hug. This reminded me of how my mother would always comfort me when I was sad or scared. Oh, how I missed her. Thinking about her and Dad made me homesick, and wishing I could get back to them as soon as possible. However, that also reminded me of how I lost control when facing Mortem. “Your anger came from the love you have for your parents,” The Cetra continued to comfort me. “It’s not wrong to want to protect your family.” Her words caused me to look up at her. Before I could say anything, she added, “Just try to not lose your temper next time.” 

“I-I’ll try,” I promised.

“And be sure to forgive yourself.” 

I paused at that. “Forgive me? But what about–?”

“There’s nothing wrong with making a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you’re bad. It just means you’re still human.” 

As I sat there I pondered her words. Mistakes only mean I’m human, but shouldn’t I try to be better? And try to avoid making mistakes altogether? 

“What’s important is that you keep trying.”
Guess that confirms it. Reminds me of how Jessica taught me giving up isn’t a pleasant solution. I still miss my old friend. 

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