Author Note: Normally, I put my notes at the bottom, but this story will be spoiler-heavy for all of Amphoreus. This is your warning if you do not want to be spoiled: LEAVE NOW. I will not be holding back. Now that is settled, it is time for the story.
Kleis POV
I held my head as memories assaulted me all at once. I tumbled off my chair, sending me crashing to the ground. All I could do was hold in the pain, trying not to cry out loud. I experienced 25 years in an instant, and it wasn't until the pain faded away that I realized how bad things truly were.
From my memory, I was in Amphoreus, which was beyond bad. Right now, I am a nonexistent being of pure data. I tried to take a deep breath not to have a panic attack.
"Calm down, Kleis, calm down. What do you know?" I told myself I racked my brain, thinking about what I knew of Amphoreus. Thankfully, I had just finished the entire story, so I had no gaps.
'I know this cycle is the Chrysos Heirs that I know of; the proof of this is Professor Anaxagoras, whose classes I attend. Sadly, I don't know what cycle I am in. I could be in the cycle when the Trailblazer appears for all I know. I can recall seeing Castorice and Hyacine, but not Phainon. That means he has not been reassigned as of right now.' I thought to myself, I resisted writing anything down. While I doubt Lygus would care about a plain NPC like me, I don't know the full abilities of the scepter. It might detect anomalies, such as information that should not be known.
The best option I had right now was to look for information about the Cerydra era. If any books say anything about a man single-handedly killing any Titans, I could at least know if I was in the first two hundred cycles. I snorted at the thought of only crossing off two hundred from thirty-three million five hundred fifty thousand three hundred thirty-six. I gather my things, making sure I have some parchment and a quill to write history before I leave my room, heading off to The Library of Philia, nearly rushing down the halls.
I was in such a hurry that I collided with someone, and heard a feminine scream, and I saw a woman tumbling down. I quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back up before she fell down. Making sure I dropped nothing, I counted to run down the hall, hoping to make some sense of my situation.
"I'm sorry, Miss, I'll repay you!" I yelled down the hall to the woman I had collided with. If I were in the right state of mind, I would have noticed many things about my interaction just now, like how the air turned cold, or how the woman was wearing near purple in everything, or the look of panic when I grabbed her hand, and most importantly, the intense stare that sent shivers down my back. But right, I wasn't in the right state of mind, only trying to figure out how to save Amphoreus.
Castorice POV
'He touched me. He touched me.' The words repeated in my head, over and over: the interaction I had with that young man had, at first, stilled my heart. When we had collided and he grabbed my hand, I felt my heart drop. I killed him; I would have had to explain to Professor Anaxagoras why one of his students was dead. I would have to leave the Grove because I killed a student or out of my grief, but no such thing happened. The young man just left after nothing happened.
While it may have been a brief interaction, not even lasting longer than a second, I could still remember the way his hand felt. The brief warmth that traveled through my hand told me it was all real. Not some type of hallucination formed from my grief over the years I've been alive. I knew how strong my ability was, having experienced using it for a long time in my life. No being had gotten away from decaying, even if it was a slight touch.
The memory of my dear friend, who voluntarily touched my hands, passes through my thoughts. She still called me big sister at the very end of her life as I watched her hand decay in purple ash. She was the first and last human I ever embraced until now. But now things were different! I could feel warmth appear on my cheeks as a faint blush appeared.
'Who was he! Would like to be friends! How did he live? I thought to myself in excitement, if he wasn't in such a rush, I could have gotten a better look at him. Still, all I saw of him apart from the traditional robes of the Grove was his long braid, which was in the same shade as the blood that ran through her very body.
"Should I go after him, but would that seem weird? What if he thinks I am angry at him for making me fall down?!" I muttered to myself. This was the first time I had ever interacted with anyone who could touch without dying. I couldn't let this opportunity go; if I did, this wouldn't happen again.
"Ahh, what should I do? Maybe Professor Anaxagoras would know what to do! If not, he should at least be aware of who that young man is!" I spoke to myself in excitement as I made my way to the Professor. What I didn't notice was that the blush on my cheeks had grown, my steps had increased, and, just like the young man I was, I was nearly running down the halls, and, most importantly, a broad smile was on my face.
Kleis POV
'After securing the battlefield, this army did not simply depart — it marched boldly into Okhema. At its head was Cerydra, who would later be known as the demigod of Law. She declared herself the city's supreme ruler, vowing to bring justice to its people.' Reading another useless scroll, which I actually recognized as one of the readables. Putting down the scroll on the desk I was using in the library. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I surveyed the many scrolls I'd gathered, all pertaining to the Cerydra Era. I carried them to an empty table in the library, but not one mentioned the slayer of the titans.
'Honestly, the best way to find out what cycle I am in is to either find some information about a black cloak man, or ask Phainon himself if Cyrene is dead.' I grimaced at the thought of asking Phainon that. The man has gone through enough; no need to add even more trauma to what he already has. How could I find out exactly where I am and exactly how much time I have left?
I want to save Amphoreus, but just how? There is just no way I am outsmarting Lygus. The caveman may be insane, but he wasn't stupid. That man is a genius and has been alive for over a million years trying to kill one of THEM. What I know about Amphoreus is that it currently has three paths interwoven with it. Destruction, Erudition, and Remembrance.
'Is it possible that I could interwind another Path?' The thought occurred to me before I discarded it immediately; the circumstances that led to Amphoreus being glanced at by THEM were exceptional. I remembered how the Trailblazer tried to contact both Preservation and Harmony, but couldn't. Thinking back to my choices I made before the idea struck me like a raging dromases. I stood up from my chair, knocking over my things and sending everything to the floor. I winced at the sound I made before smiling apologetically at everyone else, picking up my scrolls, and putting them away.
I rushed back to my room in excitement. As I walked out of my room, out of the corner of my eye, I swore I saw the Demon King of Gluttony, Ica. I suppressed a shudder, thinking about how many stellar jades he wanted before I could summon him. When I finally got to my room, I nearly ripped the door off its hinges with how hard I yanked it open.
'I don't need to know what cycle I am in, even if this is the thirty-three million five hundred fifty thousand three hundred thirty-six!' I thought to myself in excitement. After all, one choice I made was the Keyblade! Anyone who played Kingdom Hearts would remember that Sora and Riku could time-travel as hearts in Dream Drop Distance. As long as this isn't the first cycle, I could travel back to any cycle I existed in. I'll assume I'll recover my memory this time, and that I'm still linked to my other selves. It's not like I just appeared in Amphoreus; I was actually reborn here.
If I keep some memory, I should be able to travel back in time as a heart. After all, hearts are full of memories, and Cyrene links Amphoreus to the Remembrance. I should be able to lucid dream and explore the heart of Amphoreus. If I can escape the scepter, I'll have many more options.
I put my hand over my heart, feeling it beat with excitement. If I could do what Xehanort did and keep my body and heart connected, I should be able to find a path in and out of the scepter with no one knowing. The scepter may be powerful, but I don't recall it being able to track down a disembodied soul — or, in my case, a heart. The genuine issue was Lygus, but if I could seal him in the Exomyth, as Herta later did, he could do nothing. He could leave only because someone allowed him. Zandar may be a genius, but he's never seen or interacted with a Keyblade.
I let out a snort. The only person in this universe with the closest thing to a Keyblade is Herta with her key, staff thing. My only problem was summoning my Keyblade, but I couldn't do it in front of anyone. Blank may protect me from direct observation. Still, nothing was stopping the scepter from noticing my actions from everyone else's perspective. I stared at my empty hand and realized I didn't know how to summon a Keyblade.
My memory held the information about Keyblades and their connection to a person's heart. I closed my eyes and held my right hand out while holding my heart with my left. I knew I had a heart after all; Data Sora could start growing a heart just by interacting with Sora. So, I should be able to gain a heart by having a real Keyblade.
I thought all my memories were of the interactions I had in my previous life, the small ones I had in my life this self of mine had in Amphoreus, and, more importantly, the emotions I had from watching the story of the Flame-Chase journey, how everyone gave their all to write a new story.
'I want to save everyone, no matter the cost. I may be made of data, but I have a heart, and so does everyone else in Amphoreus. We weren't born to be discarded by a man who feels we are all trapped in a cave, nor by HIM. No matter how long it takes, I WILL give Amphoreus the dawn it deserves, because this story will be As we have written!' I thought of sending all my emotions, trying to summon my Keyblade.
At first, nothing happened, and I kept my eyes closed in disappointment before the sudden feeling of a weight appeared in my hand. I felt my hand tremble as I slowly opened my eyes, and there it was. In all its glory was a Keyblade gleaming in blue and gold. I held up my Keyblade in awe as I examined it with glee. It looked as if raw data had created it. I appreciated my Keyblade had a blade like Riku's old Keyblade. My eyes glanced down at the keychain, and I stared at it for a moment. The keychain looked exactly like what Amphoreus looked like from the outside of the scepter.
Before doing anything, I smiled, dismissing my Keyblade. I heard a knock on my door. I was surprised; I wasn't expecting anyone. Opening the door, I saw Julia, my eyebrows raised, as I could recognize her as a scholar who studied Titanic thoughts and natural laws. I have read some of her papers in the past because they were interesting.
"Can I do something for you, Julia?" I was about to work on some of my papers that are due for class." I lied to Julia, hiding actions. Revealing the Keyblade to anyone wasn't something I intended to do, especially not while Zandar or the scepter could track me. It wasn't paranoia when you knew they would be out to get you.
"Professor Anaxagoras wants to see you, Kleis. He made it sound urgent so I wouldn't keep him waiting." Julia told me with a look of pity, which made me feel dread. I took a glance at my messy desk and grimaced, having lied about starting schoolwork, which didn't change the fact that I still had schoolwork to do. I could barely keep the groan from escaping my lips, but apparently, I didn't do a good job when Julia laughed while patting my back. Time to go to the principal's office.
Castorice POV
Subtly, I fixed my hair, hoping for a well-kept look. I was shaking with excitement. I knew that asking Teacher Anaxa if he knew anything about the young man I ran into was the right thing to do. He was the only student at the Grove of Epiphany with Golden blond hair. His name was Kleis. I smiled, knowing that Kleis was a name associated with keys.
'How poetic that someone with a name that is related to keys would be the key to my happiness!' Just the thought of it made my smile wider. Suddenly, I heard a sigh.
"Castorice, you fixing your hair will not change how it looked just five minutes ago." Teacher Anaxa jolted me out of my thoughts. "Honestly, Castorice, this is the most emotion I have seen out of you in my entire life."
"I am sorry, Teacher Anaxa, but you should know how much this means to me," I muttered, my voice low, embarrassed for being reminded of how I had been fixing my hair over and over.
"I am aware, Castorice, that's why it's better to get this over with now. Julia is getting Kleis now, and I have contacted the Assistant instructor to come over to assist. We do not know how Kleis survived your touch, so it's better to have a doctor on standby. He undoubtedly has some type of resistance. How strong we do not know, but that is why Hyacinthia will be needed. We shall test just how long Kleis can make contact before we can determine if he is immune to resistance." Teacher Anaxa's words shook me at how much effort he was putting in for me.
"Thank you, Professor Anaxagoras. What you are doing for me means the world!" I said, feeling the tears well up in my eyes while bowing deeply to him.
"This is just for my curiosity. After all, I doubt we'll find another living being able to resist your death touch." Teacher Anaxa said as he waved off my thanks, but I was still happy for all his efforts on my behalf.
My ears twitched at the sound of footsteps approaching, and I held my breath as the door slowly opened, and in came Julia and Kleis.
"Professor Anaxagoras, I have brought Kleis, as you requested. If you need anything else, I will go back to my research." Julia said to the teacher Anaxa, but I barely paid attention, my eyes fixed on Kleis as he took his appearance in. He was dressed just like any other scholar at the Grove, but what stood out was his golden blond hair, its shade just like the blood of the Chrysos Heirs, and his green eyes. We made eye contact, and I saw his eyes widen in recognition. I wasn't that surprised by Kleis' recognition. I was the only one in the entire Grove who was dressed this way. While I tried to keep my distance, anyone would recognize me after spending enough time here.
"Professor Anaxagoras, it's good to see you as well, Lady Castorice. Professor, is there anything I can do for you today?" Kleis asked, trying to be polite, but his voice trembled. I could understand that teacher Anaxa must seem intimidating. I had been alive for so long, and I had long met people like Teacher Anaxa.
"Just a moment, Kleis, we are still waiting for one more. Until then, stay silent." The teacher said to Kleis, "My ears twitch," and Kleis quietly muttered, "Right, silence is golden."
We waited what felt like an eternity when the door opened again, and Lady Hyacine walked in with a smile, followed by Little Ica, his pumped body floating behind her. I held her to pet Ica; how I longed to pet Ica. It was a daily challenge not to feed and pet him.
"You called for me, Teacher Anaxa? You said it was important?" Lady Hyacine said, teacher Anaxa let out an annoyed sigh.
"Is it so hard to refer to me as Professor Anaxagoras?" The teacher said, holding his head in annoyance, "Never mind that for now. Assistant instructor Klesis accidentally grabbed Castorice's hand. I want you to check his health before he attempts again and after." Lady Hyacine's eyes widen, and Ica let out a surprise Doo~ "Kleis, when you grabbed Castorice's hand, were you doing anything special?" Teacher Anaxa asked Kleis.
"No, Professor Anaxagoras, I was in a rush and didn't notice bumping into Lady Castorice. I am sorry." Kleis apologized as he bowed. Teacher snorted as if he had been expecting that answer.
"Assistant instructor, is there anything wrong with Kleis's health at the moment from his brief interaction with Castorice from earlier?" Teacher Anaxa asked Lady Hyacine. We watched as Lady Hyacine used the Twilight Courtyard's healing methods.
"Teacher Anaxa, besides being in perfect health, there's nothing wrong with Goldie. You should be careful, though, Goldie. It looked like you fell earlier today." Lady Hyacine said, looking puzzled, while Kleis didn't seem injured from my touch. If anything, she looked just as interested as teacher Anaxa.
Teacher Anaxa's face didn't change, but if you looked at his uncovered eye, you could see a gleam that showed he was now fully invested.
"Kleis, grab Castorice's hand, and Hyacinthia, be ready for anything. Kleis, if you feel anything wrong, be ready to pull away, and you, Castorice, if anything happens, pull your hand away. I understand you may be excited, but failure to pull away, you may accidentally kill Kleis if you are not paying attention." The teacher instructed as we all nodded. I reached my hand out, trembling, hoping that if this was a dream, it wouldn't turn into a sudden nightmare. Slowing, my fingers touched Kleis' hand before our hands made contact.
Once again, I felt a familiar warmth that traveled through my hand. My eyes widen, feeling tears well up again, knowing this wasn't fake but real. We held hands for only five seconds, but to me it felt like an eternity. I was living a dream come true, but alas, all dreams must end. We saw tiny purple sparks appear on Kleis's hand, and, in panic, I let him go.
Lady Hyacine immediately healed Kleis, and I felt sadness once again that my touch once again tried to take life. Before I could sink further into my despair, a pair of hands took mine.
"It's alright, Lady Castorice. Your touch didn't hurt; it was actually quite warm." Kleis said while smiling, and I immediately recalled the day my dear friend had uttered the exact words before dying. This time, I couldn't stop the tears, and Lord Kleis pulled his hands away. I looked at him in confusion.
"Sorry, I would like to keep holding hands, but I may actually die this time, Lady Castorice." Lord Kleis said before he fell on his face.
"Ahh, Goldie, hold on, Ica full speed ahead!" Lady Hyacine yelled as they carried Lord Kleis to the Twilight Courtyard. Little Ica chomped on Lord Kleis's, and he flew away with Lady Hyacine following along in a hurry.
All was silent before I heard a slight chuckle that grew in volume.
"HAHAHAHA, what a wonderful discovery! Calm down, Castorice. Kleis would have died already if he hadn't had some type of resistance. You may not have noticed it, but your touch affected him less the second time. Kleis must have some resistance that grows with each touch." Teacher Anaxa said to me, but I was preoccupied with my thoughts.
'A resistance that grows with each touch. That means that one day I will no longer be afraid of causing someone's death?' My thoughts made my already flowing tears come down harder.
"Go on, Castorice, you are dismissed. Talk to Hyacinthia and schedule periodic sessions. We don't want to kill someone accidentally. I should announce that Kleis is special, don't want someone to die thinking your touch no longer kills." Teacher Anaxa's words made me nod; that made sense. I quite followed the path to the Twilight Courtyard.
For the first time in over one thousand years of my life, I felt a hope that I could be a normal person. It was strange; even though Kleis, and I stopped touching, my hands still felt warm.
Prologue Key of Beginning End
Author Note 2: After playing through all of patch 3.7, I made this story because I wanted none of the Chrysos Heirs to die and have a proper happy ending where they can join the Starry Sky. I hope you guys enjoy this new story. I will focus on this and the Greek JRPG Hero King.