Leave The Nightlight On -- Fabled Countryside [Complete]

[noster_nostri]

Sora looked around the bedroom thoughtfully. It was a lot fancier than anything he had back at his home, even in the richer homes. He had very vague memories of the rooms in Riku's home but it was nothing close to this. Even the darkness that had settled on the world couldn't hide the well-crafted furniture or the careful architecture and paintings

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[livre_du_coeur]

Belle sat on the edge of the large bed after helping her husband get comfortable. She knew she couldn't put off his questions any more, but she also realized that she lacked for answers herself. She had seen the fight in the mirror, but couldn't even speculate as to why it had started. And she had been there through his brief re-transformation, but had not yet had time to think about why it had happened.

That he should know about the latter was certain. Any glimmer of hope might keep him together and help him fight the darkness in himself. But as to the former, she could only hope Sora had some insights.

At a loss for where to begin, Belle waited for Adam to say something first. She merely watched as he shifted himself, either through physical discomfort or because he was as worried as she was.

It was only when he inquired after the rest of the castle residents that Belle even realized they were missing. She'd been so focussed on Adam she hadn't really taken note. Now her own alarm began to rise, and she shot a questioning look to Sora, silently echoing her husband's inquiry. Had he seen the other castle residents? And what about her father?

[noster_nostri]

Sora's frown deepened and his brow narrowed. He thought about all the faces he had seen huddled in the book shop. The people who had made it out of this with their hearts.

"The only people that I saw were all in the book shop. The oracle brought them there to protect the Keyhole. I think some of them were from the castle, because they called Adam 'Master'." He paused for a second, trying to recall some face. "There were all sorts of people there; a short, round guy with a thin mustache, a tall guy with a big nose, a nice looking lady with her son, or grandson, or something. His name was Chip!" Sora smiled as he remembered the woman calling him by his name. "There were a whole bunch of people, really. The book shop keeper was also there. And this tiny man with balding white hair. He asked about you, Belle. Do you know him?"

He hoped that they knew some of those people, so they could feel comforted at the fact that they were safe, especially considering that that was about the only good news he had for them. "I think everyone who wasn't in the book store is... gone..." He looked down at the ground. He wasn't sure how many people had lost their hearts on this world, but the number had to be high. "The village is falling apart. The buildings have been over-run by the darkness so some of the walls are crumbling. The book shop was protected by the oracle though, so everyone in it was safe. Things look... pretty bad, but I think now that the Keyhole has been Sealed they might be a little safer. The Darkness always disappears for a while after, even if it comes back it won't be able to take your world completely."

[twisted_face]

Adam took in this information in silence. When he recognized Sora's descriptions of the people he had met, he relaxed slightly. Though by no means a full account of the staff that took up residence in his castle, at least those closest to him seemed to have made it. And thank god, for Belle's sake, that Maurice was still alright. Adam was, however, mildly surprised at the mention of the oracle. Ever since she had placed the original curse on him years ago, he had not heard or seen anything of her. Despite his mixed feelings toward the sorceress, he was still thankful that she had appeared to protect a few people.

Adam's first reaction was relief. Yet, once Sora explained the state of the village and their world, his heart sank through the floor. He had failed. Completely failed in doing what he had sworn years ago: never to let his world crumble. And now that he had stayed away for so long, everything was torn to shreds. He looked away from both of the people in the room and the guilt and disappointment swelled in his chest. This was all his fault.

[livre_du_coeur]

"Oh, thank goodness, Papa's all right." Belle took note of who the others probably were as well. Sadly, it sounded as though very, very few remained. A rather Pyrrhic victory, in the end. She only wondered who this oracle might be. It didn't sound like anyone she knew on their world.

Then she saw Adam's crestfallen appearance. She knew him well enough to realize he was taking the whole blame on himself. His emotions were fierce, and none more so than his love for the people he swore to protect. There wasn't much she could think to say, but she had to offer him a glimmer of something.

"Things are bad right now, I know, but we're still here. We can search every house to make sure no one gets lost if we can help it. Our world can't disappear now. And people have come back before." At this she glanced toward Sora. Everyone had heard the story of him becoming a Heartless, and how he'd somehow found his way back. Certainly his was an exceptionally strong heart, but if one person could...

"I know it isn't much, but it's hope. It's better than nothing."

[twisted_face]

Still distracted, Adam remained silent a while longer. Belle tried to reach him with comforting words, but he was still stuck in a state of confusion. He understood that his world had almost been swallowed again. He knew that he had sent Belle away when he realized how bad things were... but... what then?

Unable to really get a grasp on things, and feeling he knew too little to question Sora on his wound, he diplomatically settled on something he could respond to. With the state of things, he took on the tone moreso fit of a prince, than a monster. It also helped to mask his infuriating confusion.

"Thankyou, Sora," Adam spoke with sincerity to his good friend. "I'm... not sure what happened when I arrived, but I think this world would no longer be standing if you hadn't come. So, thankyou."

[noster_nostri]

Sora shook his head and smiled. "I'm just doing my job," he said. His hands went to the back of his head as he considered the two of them. There was so much work to do now. It seemed almost hopeless, but Sora made sure he had enough hope to spare.

"I should probably be heading out. I think I should Seal the other Princesses' worlds. When word gets out that this happened..." he let his voice trail off. It made the Council seem a little weak that one of their worlds had gotten this bad. "Princess can I talk to you alone for a moment?" He looked at Belle, eyes wide and curious.

[livre_du_coeur]

Belle looked from Sora to her husband. Of course there was occasionally business that he couldn't discuss openly, but she figured this had more to do with how Adam had come to be injured, and she knew Adam would be suspicious. She found herself torn. Was it right that Adam not know what happened? Did he even remember any of it? And how much should she tell him if he couldn't remember?

An awkward silence began to develop as she dithered, so Belle forced herself to focus on the matter at hand. She gave a quick nod to Sora, let her eyes linger on her husband a moment longer, then moved to step out of the room. She could set things right later if she had to.

[twisted_face]

Adam's brows narrowed slightly, and an irritating paranoia was beginning to develop. But he let Sora's want for a private conversation slide. He was finding himself to be too exhausted to protest, and besides, he could ask Belle later. She wouldn't keep anything from him.

As they left the room, he found the warmth of his bed to be too inviting to stay awake. So, his eyes closed and he finally found a small measure of peace inside dreamless sleep.