Archive of Our Own

Sora finds him by chance.

Sora knows Radiant Garden pretty well now, he thinks. He has a decent handle on the central areas and how to get from point A to point B. But the Restoration Committee has been busy and every time Sora comes to Radiant Garden, the world is a little bit more restored. Slowly opening up into the vast world it once was before Maleficent.

So it’s not entirely impossible for Sora to find himself on a street he’s never seen before. Or that people would want to start expanding into the less populated parts of the city. Though those parts still run the risk of being too close to the lingering Darkness, making it not the most popular choice.

But sometimes your Heart is your Guiding Key and in this case it guides Sora to this dark alley and to this door, dimly lit by a single lantern. It would be spooky if it wasn’t so intriguing. And Sora has never been one to let something as silly as fear stop him before.

The smell hits him first. It’s the heavy, musty smell of old books and parchment. He’s smelled it before in the Castle Library and the recesses of Merlin’s office. In the scant lighting, Sora can make out shelves and shelves and tables filled with books of all shapes and sizes. Sora is hardly a book guy, but he wonders if they are for magic or history or what. Sensing no immediate danger, Sora closes the door quietly behind him and heads deeper into the shop.

At least, he assumes it’s a shop.

If it is one, it’s not popular but that has never stopped Sora either. He walks up to what he assumes is the till and looks around. It is so quiet that he would also assume he was the only one in the building if it were not for the lit candles casting shadows on the shelves and tables of tomes.

“Hello?” Sora finally says to the quiet store.

There is silence. And just as Sora is about to leave, the sounds of movement, and then a figure.

He’s a man with long blue hair, tied back into a messy ponytail that reminds Sora of a horse’s mane. His eyes are a bright blue, similar to Sora’s. He’s wearing simple clothes. Most surprising is that he is a Keyblade Wielder. Sora doesn’t know how he knows this but he does. He is filled with questions.

The man steps into the light and regards Sora with a look of both surprise and curiosity. Sora assumes it’s because he doesn’t get many visitors. They regard each other quietly for a moment.

“Can I help you?” the man asks, as if remembering that this is a store and he has a potential customer. His voice is even, but also tired. Like he carries a lot on his mind.

And Sora panics for a moment because he is not sure. He came in here on a whim and certainly doesn’t have a purchase in mind. And it’s probably rude to just ask outright if he’s a keyblade wielder.

“I was…I, um…I think I’m a little lost,” Sora finally admits. “I’d never been down this street before and I saw the light and…”

–

Ira watches Sora as the boy stumbles around his words.

He knows who Sora is, of course. Even if he didn’t have Luxu’s explanations of this new future world, he’s heard the talk around the town of Radiant Garden. Sora is something of a hero. But the stories he’s heard, regardless of the source, really don’t do him justice.

In so many ways, Sora looks like any other Keyblade Wielder that Ira has ever known. But he cannot recall the last time he has seen someone so bright. Someone who has faced trials and come out the other side stronger for it. It’s exemplary, really. And Ira is a bit envious. He once aspired to a Heart like that and now he fears it is behind him. The weight of the Keyblade War looms large.

“Well, if you need directions back, I can provide those–”

“Wait! I…I was actually wondering what this place even was. There’s…a lot of books here,” Sora laughs, almost nervously.

“I suppose there are. It…is meant to be something of a shop. Or a library. I haven’t decided yet and well, I don’t really get a lot of customers,” Ira replies. Which is kind of the point, being set up so out of the way. But Ira isn’t the kind of person to deny knowledge to someone who comes looking for it.

“Kinda figured, way out here,” Sora nods. “What kind of books? A lot of them look old.”

“They are. History books, maybe. And some magic theory.”

Old things that Ira isn’t entirely sure how Luxu got his hands on, but they need a place to be and someone to look after them and it might as well be him. Sora looks thoughtful.

“History, huh? Well…this might come as a long shot. But, do you have any books on the history of Keyblades?”

It’s a request that catches Ira off guard, but also it probably shouldn’t. From what Luxu has said, a lot of the history of the Keyblades has fallen into obscurity. Of course Sora would be curious. Ira is curious. There’s a lot between now and then that he has missed.

“To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to go through everything just yet,” Ira says, after a moment’s deliberation and forlorn looks at the, frankly, mess the shop is in. “But if you give me a week, I may have something for you.”

Sora looks up, surprised, and brightens.

“You…you mean it? That would be great! I…I’d really appreciate that.”

“Of course. I’m always happy to help out someone interested in history.”

Sora grins and Ira is almost blinded by how bright it is.

“I’ll be back in a week then. Also, I’m Sora.”

“It is nice to meet you, Sora. I am Ira.”

They shake hands and there’s a small jolt of recognition, that they know each other as Keyblade Wielders though neither says anything.

Sora leaves the store with a smile on his face and Ira feels his Heart lighten for the first time in a long time.

–

True to his word, Sora comes back.

In some ways, he surprises himself by doing so. He should be suspicious. A book filled store in a dark, out of the way alley, staffed by a man who didn’t bat an eye at the word Keyblade and, in fact, probably wielded one himself? Sora can count the Keyblade Wielders he knows on both hands and one foot. The fact that he’s found one, presumably in hiding, should be cause for alarm.

But he doesn’t say anything. For some reason he feels he can trust Ira. He wants to trust Ira. He doesn’t want to believe that anyone who wields a Keyblade is bad. Even Xehanort…well, Xehanort’s a complicated one. That’s for sure.

And for the first time, maybe he can learn something more about Keyblades and their history. Everything about them seems either lost to time or locked behind being a Master. And Sora’s been flying by the seat of his pants long enough. Maybe he can finally get something concrete.

He finds his way back to the quiet store in the quiet alley. The first thing that he notices is that it is a lot cleaner than the last time he left it. And brighter too, with sconces lit on the walls, giving the whole room a more welcoming feeling. The musty smell remains though, and it greets Sora like an old friend. He smiles, letting his eyes linger on the now ordered shelves. He’s surprised to find a desire to go through them. It’s been established that he’s not really a book guy.

“Ira?” he calls out.

“Sora, you came back.” It’s said almost with a note of joy as Ira appears from the back again. Sora assumes he must live there, but he refrains from asking. Either way, Ira looks happy to see him.

“Well, I said I would. Were you able to find a book?”

“I was, actually. It’s a bit old and kind of delicate, but hopefully, it will give you what you seek.”

Sora approaches the till, a bounce in his step. He didn’t think he was actually going to get this far. The book is waiting on the desk. It is bound in brown leather that feels old and the pages are yellowed. Whatever title the book may have held has worn off over the years, and when he opens the book, the pages are slightly faded and he can barely understand the words. Reading this book is going to take some effort.

“You’re going to have to be careful with that,” Ira says.

“I promise. I’ll take the best care of it,” Sora replies, solemnly. And he means it. This is history, his history now, and it wouldn’t do to disrespect the Keyblade Wielders of the past. Not after they have helped him.

He almost turns to go but thinks better of it. There’s a mystery he needs to solve.

“Ira?”

“Yes?”

“When I asked if you had any books on Keyblades, you barely blinked. Why?”

Ira is quiet for a moment, as if making a decision before his eyes meet Sora’s and he offers a small smile.

“I think you know the answer to that question, Sora.”

“So you have one too?”

“I do.”

“Why have we never met before? I pretty much know all the Keyblade Wielders out there.”

He watches Ira wince at that and he wonders why, especially as Ira’s gaze drifts away from his and an air of melancholy seems to settle in the room.

“That is a very complicated answer, Sora. Let’s just say I have my reasons. And maybe one day I can tell you.”

The answer is not satisfying but Ira did just find him a rare book so Sora has to accept that. It wouldn’t be fair to push, even if he really wants to.

It’s his turn to be quiet for a moment instead.

“Can I see it? Your Keyblade, I mean,” Sora asks, and Ira looks so surprised that Sora immediately tries to back track.

“I, uh…was that rude of me? No one’s ever really taught me how to ask like that and I…”

He trails off as he realizes that Ira is laughing.

“It’s fine. It’s just been a long time since anyone’s asked me that,” Ira replies, wiping a tear from his eyes. “And I don’t know if there’s formal etiquette around it, just as long as you’re not doing it in a place that’s inconvenient.”

On that note, he motions for Sora to follow him and they leave the shop. Sora gets the feeling that Ira is a lot more experienced than he is. Has he found another Master? How does he even explain this to anyone? Does he even want to? Ira just said that stuff was complicated, so maybe he doesn’t want to be found?

But then there’s a flash of light and Ira is holding one of the largest Keyblades that Sora has ever seen. It’s comparable to Terra’s Ends of the Earth or even Xehanort’s. Sora’s eyes are drawn to the cloud like guards around the handle, the colouring, and the way the teeth of the keyblade curve around into sharp spikes, but also like a flower. It’s amazing.

“Well, thank you,” Ira replies and Sora hadn’t even realized he was speaking out loud.

“How do you even lift it? It looks so heavy,” Sora asks and Ira shrugs.

“It’s my Keyblade, so why shouldn’t I be able to? I’m used to it,” Ira speaks with a confidence that Sora hasn’t really heard before. Like he knows more about Keyblades than anyone else. And it’s at that moment that Sora makes a decision.

“So…are you a Master?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Are you taking students?”

“Not actively…but are you looking?”

“Yeah. To be honest, a lot of what I can do is self-taught. I feel like I don’t know anything beyond what I’ve been through, and I’m starting to feel like I should probably know this stuff.” Sora pauses, mustering up his confidence, “Will you teach me?”

Sora hopes, he really hopes, that Ira will say yes. He needs something, anything, because he knows a change is coming and he wants to be prepared. And while he’s managed to get as far as he has, he’s not sure if it will be enough.

And there’s a wave of relief as Ira nods.

“Yes Sora, I will teach you.”

–

Ira knows he probably shouldn’t be doing this.

He doesn’t know what the plan is for Sora, or where everything will end up. He only knows what Luxu has told him and even then, Ira feels that he is missing details.

But meetings like this are not coincidences. They don’t just happen. They mean something and Ira needs to find out what that is.

And at the bottom of it all, he is a teacher. He led a union. He trained Keyblade Wielders and even if that ultimately fell apart, he trained good ones. When he sees Sora, he sees a boy who has had to struggle on his own and is reaching the limits of that. He sees someone who needs help. And he will be that help.

He meets Sora in an alley near his shop. It’s a slightly more open space, a small abandoned square. It could have been something at sometime but it hasn’t been restored enough to matter. There’s enough space for them to train at least.

Sora arrives at a jog with a cheerful smile that fades suddenly as he sees Ira. Because if Ira is going to do this, he is going to do it properly, and thus he has dressed for the occasion. He has donned his robes and his mask and is once again a Foreteller.

Sora freezes, caught between wanting to make some sort of gesture of respect and not being entirely sure what that is before he finally just gives up. It’s hard for Ira not to smile, watching him. This earnest boy.

“So…if I train enough, will I get a mask like that?” Sora asks, and it is asked with such honesty that it breaks the tension that has settled between them as Ira once again laughs.

“Perhaps. But for the moment, we’ll start with your Keyblade.”

There is a flash, and Sora is holding the Kingdom Key.

It’s a basic blade, much like the old Starlight Keyblade. But Sora holds it well, and it’s clear that he is no novice so Ira can perhaps move things up a bit. He assumes a stance and motions for Sora to do the same and a spar begins.

It’s evident that Sora is self-taught, his strikes wild and determined, but also a bit predictable to someone like Ira. But he fights well, his experience showing and his instincts are keen. There is something to work with here, a solid foundation.

It isn’t difficult for Ira to disarm Sora, which catches the boy by surprise. The look on Sora’s face suggests that he’s realizing there’s more of a gap between them than he thought. Ira tries to keep his expression neutral, but the teacher always needs to have at least one more trick than the student.

“A good start,” he says. “I think I know what to do with you now. Recover your keyblade and we’ll go again.”

–

Sora falls into a routine after that, training with Ira and working his way through the book he was given.

The book Ira lends him makes Sora work for the information within its pages. It is the hardest he has ever done research and includes school projects. The pages are faded and the ones that he can read are dense and difficult to parse, with old words and turns of phrase that make him consult dictionaries and other sources. And he can’t exactly ask for help. Because asking for help will likely reveal Ira and even if nothing has been said, Ira wants to remain out of the way and Sora doesn’t want to betray that. So, if he wants this information, he will have to get it himself.

And he does, slowly but surely. Slowly but surely the book starts to open up to him and he learns.

He learns about the age of Fairy Tales, the way Keyblade Wielders used to work together in unions.

He learns about the way that Keyblades used to evolve and how materials had to be gathered to allow that to happen.

He learns about how Keyblades were often considered a reflection of their Wielder’s Hearts. And while that makes sense to him, it also makes Sora wonder what it says that his Keyblade is just the Kingdom Key.

The more he learns, the more questions he has, and he hopes that Ira will answer them all.

There’s a voice that suggests that maybe this is a dangerous path to be on. He’s seen what too much knowledge can lead to, but at the same time someone needs to recover this knowledge.

Sora doesn’t tell anyone about his training sessions with Ira. It's a decision he came to a while ago. For selfish reasons, he realizes. And then kind of smiles because he didn’t think he could be selfish. He tries to rationalize a practical reason, but outside of respecting Ira’s privacy, he can’t really land on one.

It’s selfish because he finally has a teacher all his own. Lea and Kairi have Merlin, and Kairi has been talking about training under Aqua. Terra and Ven had Master Eraqus. Roxas and Xion haven’t really expressed interest. Riku is already a Master. Sora knows everyone sort of considers him a Master, even if he doesn’t have the Mark. But everything he knows about Keyblades and fighting comes from learning on the fly. And maybe he wants to learn from someone.

And Ira has been teaching him. Ira takes Sora’s instinctual knowledge and hones it, how to trust his instincts and rely on them. How to get more from his strikes, and use his magic more effectively. How his Keyblade is his Heart and it will guide him. Ira is a tough Master, disciplined and stern but also fair and Sora can’t help but think of Phil in Olympus Coliseum, with the way that there is an unwavering belief that he can go the distance. It means he comes home sore and scraped and when he’s asked, he just says he’s training on his own.

It’s selfish because he can feel himself becoming untethered from this world. The effects of the Power of Waking finally coming home to roost. He should be spending time with his friends. He should be enjoying peace with Kairi and Riku. Instead he goes to a dark alley and trains with a stranger.

And if he’s being really honest, he doesn’t feel that bad about keeping secrets. And that probably scares him most of all.

–

Ira has a theory.

“I’ve been training Sora,” he tells Luxu, one day, when Luxu visits. He checks in every so often and does not provide any further details of whatever his plan in. Part of Ira’s Theory of Luxu is that the other man is bored and misses his friends, so he’s using this as an excuse to spend time with them. Not that Luxu would ever admit it.

“Of course you are,” Luxu replies, one eye rolling as his hands trace a shelf of books, looking but not really looking at them. “How is the punk?”

“He’s a surprisingly good student. I can see why you’re fond of him.”

Luxu glares and sputters.

“As if!”

Ira smiles, a little smug in the knowledge that he has scored a point and had a portion of his theory confirmed. Though it fades quickly.

“He’s going to disappear soon, isn’t he?”

Luxu frowns, though Ira isn’t sure why. Perhaps it is because Ira has pieced things together. Perhaps it is because Sora is going to disappear. Perhaps it is something beyond Ira at the moment.

“What? Yeah…can’t use the Power of Waking like he did without consequence. How do you know?”

“It. It’s the same feeling…as when the Master disappeared.”

Luxu is silent for a time and Ira wants to ask what he’s thinking. He has still been digesting a lot of Luxu’s words, the whole story, unable to really land on what he thinks. Maybe he’s been too scared to. On understanding what his Master was thinking.

“That’s why you’re training him, isn’t it? So he’s got something. Some more understanding or something that’s going to help him,” Luxu finally says, sarcasm dripping from his words. As if anything is going to help Sora at this point.

“Mm. Yes. And because he’s interesting. I understand that he’s beaten you a few times now.” Ira knows he’s deflected the sarcasm effectively when Luxu huffs.

“I was letting him win,” Luxu mutters, turning his attention back to the bookshelf. Ira watches him, because he knows that Luxu would start messing the books up out of spite if he wasn’t.

“Of course. I could train you as well, if you want. How long has it been since you swung a Keyblade? You could be rusty.”

Just to seal the win.

“As if.”

–

Training sessions have come to a place where after they are done sparing, they go back to Ira’s shop. It’s become the time where Sora asks questions, and Ira answers to the best of his ability. The questions quickly shift into conversations. Sora tells Ira about his friends and his adventures, and, in the right mood, with the right question, Ira sometimes opens up about his. There are boundaries that can’t quite be crossed, despite Sora being endlessly curious, but he knows, one day, an answer will come. If he can find the right words.

He doesn’t get to have conversations like this often. While he knows that people like Yen Sid and Mickey are wise, a lot of the knowledge he seeks has been lost and there’s been a need to figure things out for themselves. It can be intimidating to ask and they are busy people. Ira seems more approachable somehow, especially when the mask comes off.

“I’ve been wondering,” Sora says, “About Keyblades.”

He takes the old tome he was given and puts it on the table between them.

“What have you been wondering?” Ira asks, pouring tea into a pair of mugs on the table. It’s become something of a ritual for them. And it makes conversation easier. Sora finds he likes spending time in Ira’s kitchen. It’s sparse, but homey in its own way. It feels lived in, grounded.

“Well, a lot of things, actually. but…I guess the big one is…”

He scratches his head, trying to find the words.

“The book says that a Keyblade is a reflection of a Wielder’s Heart. And, I guess. Since I have the Kingdom Key…what does that say about my Heart?”

Ira nods, considering, and Sora is nervous. He’s scared about what Ira will say. Ira’s smart. He’s had to have caught on to some of Sora’s insecurities. Maybe he should never have brought this up.

“You’re worried that because you don’t have a flashy Keyblade, there could be something wrong?”

“Y-yeah. Silly, I know.”

“You are hardly the first to have that worry, Sora. Keyblades are unique, certainly, as every Heart is. And certainly, the stronger the Heart, the more unique the reflection. But, you need not worry about your Kingdom Key. It is a strong Keyblade, and I think, very much a reflection of you.”

“But–”

“Sora, what is unique about your Keyblade?”

“Huh? I thought we just said it was pretty ordinary.”

“It does bring to mind the basics, yes. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Keyblade that changes form quite like yours. With every Keychain you attach, you get something new. Mine certainly can’t do that. And where did you get all those Keychains?”

“Um, well, from different worlds, and different people I’ve met.”

“And you have told me more than once that your Friends are your Power. Those Keychains represent the bonds you share with your Friends, and they get reflected in that Keyblade.”

It’s Sora’s turn to be quiet as he considers the conversation, and what Ira has told him. And he smiles. What did he ever need to worry for? His Keyblade was always a reflection of his Heart, and all the people he holds within it. There’s a jolt of warmth through his body, as though his Keyblade agrees.

“Figure it out?”

“Yeah. I think so. Thanks Ira, really.”

“Of course. But I sense you have more questions.”

“I guess…yeah. I mean. I was wondering. Could I try holding your Keyblade?”

Ira blinks, considering the question.

“That is. A big ask, Sora. And not a request to be made lightly.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” He’s used Riku’s Keyblade before, and seen Keyblades passed around.

“A Keyblade is a reflection of your Heart, as we’ve said. I’d be trusting you with a lot.”

Sora reflects for a moment, and he supposes that, yeah, that makes sense. It is something like taking another person’s Heart into your hands. But at the same time, there’s no one he would trust more with his Heart than Riku.

“I understand…I probably shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s fine. Sometimes, we need to be willing to trust.”

And Ira stands, his Keyblade appearing in his hand, even though this kitchen is probably not the best place for it, and he holds it out to Sora. Sora hesitates for a moment, before taking the Keyblade and nearly falling over. It’s heavy. Sora knew it would be and yet it’s heavier than he thought a Keyblade could be. And Ira wields it without an issue.

Sora stares at his master, wondering how many hidden depths Ira holds. Ira simply smiles.

“A Heart is a heavy thing to bear, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t. How do you even lift that thing?”

“Well, I think I can bear my own Heart. And mine is nothing, compared to Aced’s.”

Sora collapses back into his chair, and laughs. He still has a long way to go.

–

The day comes when Sora knows he’s going to go soon. And somehow, he thinks that Ira knows as well. But, it is rare that anything is said between them.

They finish sparring and Ira steps back, a little sadly.

“Well, I think I’ve taught you everything I can, for now.”

And Sora nods, and then he rushes forward and hugs Ira tightly. And Ira is filled with a familiar feeling that he thought he had shoved away. The same feeling he got when his Master said he would be going away. And He is aware that Sora is going to be going away soon. Perhaps in the same way, to the same place.

But he returns the hug, because he can feel Sora shaking against him. That in this moment, Sora is simply a scared student and he needs to provide what comfort he can.

“Thank you,” Sora finally says, quietly. “Thank you for training me, Ira.”

“It was my pleasure, Sora. Really. I’m glad I was able to help.”

“I…I think I’m going to be going away soon, and I’m really scared.”

It’s childish, but Sora clings to Ira’s robes. The Master has been a rock for Sora in these times, as he tries to prepare himself for whatever is next, but this is the first time that he’s admitted it, out loud to anyone.

Ira wants to say that he knows. He’s been through this before and it is hitting in the same way. That there is nothing he can do to stop it, and any attempt he makes to prevent it or stop it or change it is going to end in disaster. It already has once. He knows he’s not going to be able to hold on to Sora forever. You can only be a Master for so long.

But then, a thought comes to him. He takes Sora gently by the shoulders, pushing him back so he can make eye contact with the boy.

“Sora, have you ever gone somewhere scary before? Somewhere you’ve never been?”

Sora looks confused, before nodding slowly.

“Yeah…lots of times.”

“And have you always come back?”

“Yeah…I mean, I’m here, right?”

“Then why would this time be any different?”

The thought seems to stick with Sora, because he has. So many times he has run off towards danger, with the knowledge that that could be it. The end. But then, there was always a Light to guide him back. He’s always come home, one way or another.

“This time feels different though. It feels, I don’t know…more permanent somehow.”

“That doesn’t mean it has to be. A feeling can just be a feeling. And, it’s not like you’ll be alone.”

Ira takes Sora’s hand and places it over his heart, as a way to remind Sora of his friends, his bonds, and how they will always be together.

“I…I guess.”

“From what you’ve told me of your friends, do you really think they’re just going to let you be if you go away. I’m sure they’ll be looking for as hard as they can. So even if you can’t find your way back, they’ll find a way to you. Your Hearts are connected, and if you ever need to be reminded of that, you only need to look as far as your Keyblade.”

Sora’s eyes are closed now, and he’s nodding, as if the words are sinking in.

“Will I see you again?”

“I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

It’s a vague answer, but Ira can only promise so much. But there is the feeling that yes, he will see Sora again. One way or another.

“Good.”

Sora is smiling now, and they stand and go back to Ira’s shop for tea as they usually do. It’s a bit more subdued conversation, but it’s not unpleasant. There is a lot more that Ira wants to say, that he wants to tell Sora about, but he isn’t sure if he should. He’s not sure if he wants to guide Sora to his Master. The Master is a capricious man, after all, and somehow, they will probably find each other.

Sora lingers, but eventually he has to go. Ira walks him to the door and watches him leave into the shadowy alley for as long as he can, before turning to go back in. But there is a new bond there, and a promise that they will see each other again, one way or another. And Ira looks forward to seeing how much Sora has grown.

“May your Heart be Your Guiding Key,” Ira says to the dark alley, to the quiet shop, and to the boy heading out into the unknown.

The door shuts quietly behind him.