One Sky, One Destiny

by LeleB123

Before Aqua was a Keyblade Master, she was a girl living in a village with her mother. Before Terra became one, he lived in the slums scraping every day just to get by. And before Ventus, Sora, and Roxas had their fates thrust upon them, they were brothers enjoying just being with each other. In the end, they would come to learn destiny can prove to be quite a fickle thing...

A/N: Hello, and welcome to my first ever story for Kingdom Hearts! Funny enough I'd been bouncing ideas around about doing a story for Kingdom Hearts for quite a long time, but could never figure out a way to properly go about it. And believe me when I say I had multiple versions written up but nothing really jelled with. It wasn't until I replayed the games thanks to ReMixes coming out on PS3 and PS4 that I came up with this and found I was satisfied with it. And I hope that whoever reads this enjoys this as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Kingdom Hearts is owned by Tetsuya Nomura, Square Enix, and our Disney overlords.

One Sky, One Destiny

Act: Prologue

Chapter One: Set in motion

Their light was fading… how could they have been so careless… after…after… after what? Why did they feel as though they forgotten something so very important? In the end, death seemed to be unavoidable, so maybe this was a blessing in disguise… they closed their eyes willing to give into deaths embrace.

It felt as if their body were gliding, floating down perpetually with no end in sight. Is this what death truly felt like? If that was the case, they guess it wasn't a bad way to go. But, before they truly had the chance to relish in this growing feeling of numbness. They felt a familiar warmth began radiating throughout their body.

"This warmth… it's…"

They slowly but surely began to open their eyes. There it was… their dull azure orbs now faced with the consequences of their actions. Light once whole and bright, now fractured and deemed beyond repair.

Why? Why were they here?

"Hey. Where am I?"

The sudden intrusion of a voice startled them.

"Who's there?"

Who did this voice belong to? And why did it…

Before they had a chance to question anything. They found themselves instantly bath in a ray of light before floating down gracefully on a fully whole platform of white…

"I'm a brand-new heart."

"But this is—why are you in my heart?"

"The light brought me. I saw it shining in the distance… and followed it here."

"Yeah. That was my light."

They once again found themselves glancing at the last remaining piece of their fractured soul.

"But my heart is fractured. And now…the little I have left is slipping away."

The voice gave a slight chuckle in response to this news.

"Then you should join your heart with mine."

"Huh?"

Had they heard correctly? There was no way that… In response to their growing doubt, their azure orbs grew wide as the fracture began to fill itself in completely.

"Now our hearts have touched. Nothing else will slip away. And one day… you'll be strong enough to win back the part that already did.

Hearing this filled them with a sense of vigor they hadn't realized they possessed. So… this wasn't the end? They felt a warm smile creep on their lips.

"Right. Thanks."

"It's time to wake up now. All we need to do is…"

They surveyed their now fully complete heart. Second chances didn't come every day. And wasting it wasn't something they planned on doing anytime soon.

"Open the door…"

{Kingdom Hearts}

Years Prior…

"What is it you wish to discuss with me Eraqus? Considering how long it's been since we last spoke. I can only guess it must truly be something urgent."

"Yes, it has been quite some time. I'm sorry if taking you away from any other important matters that you may have needed to attend to."

"No, it is quite alright. I just finished up something with my apprentice some time ago. So, I have nothing really noteworthy that needs attending to."

"Apprentice? I never thought I'd hear of the great Yin Sid taking on an apprentice. This must be a special one…"

"Yes, quite. A young king to be precise."

"Hm…"

"He's got a way to go, but I know when the times comes he'll do great things."

"I see. Now…. I'm sure you've noticed the denizens of the darkness have become more restless as of late."

"Hm…Yes. It seems that things are picking up when it comes to them. Has Xehanort said anything on the matter?"

"To be honest I haven't heard from him in a while, so if he's noticed this growing shift in activity I can't be sure. If he happens to contact me, I'll him know that we've spoken and have him contact you first thing. But, I don't know if this seems sudden, or even foolhardy, but I worried that some day events may befall us that will be beyond our power. And I want to—"

"Appoint an apprentice?"

"More like apprentices."

"Apprentices?

"Yes."

"Well… I don't think it is foolhardy at all Eraqus. In fact, I think you're right about our peaceful days coming to an end. The balance of light and dark needs to be maintained at all cost and seeking out more bearers of the light to uphold something of this magnitude is quite a Masterly decision."

"Why, thank you. You honor me with such words."

"Now, do you know where you're going to find your first apprentice?"

"I do. But, it won't be an easy task."

"Yes, well… I have faith in you, my friend. And as the ancient foretellers before us used to say in trying times, "May your heart be your guiding key."

"May your heart be your guiding key."

{Kingdom Hearts}

The dawn slowly began to filter through the sky illuminating the small castle island known as, 'Land of Departure'. And as for the one residing resident that managed to call the place, 'home', a young man by the name of Eraqus. He considered it his daily wake up call. Eraqus felt his face twitch as the light began to filter through curtains of his rather spacious room, spurring the rest of his body into a slow state of alertness.

He slowly, but surely got up, giving a hardy stretch to elevate the stiffness in his muscles. Making his way over to the small dresser that adorned his room. One of the few furnishings that he possessed. A table and two chairs over by the window and a semi-dusty chess set sat in the center. He opened the top drawer pulling out a robe and pants before leaving the room and making the long trek to the bathroom.

Eraqus found himself give a warm sigh as his sharp brown eyes reflected at him through the mirror. He ran his palm over the mirror to get rid of the condensation that had formed as he gave himself a once over, he couldn't help but notice how a stubble was starting to form on his chin, and from the looks of it, his hair had grown a bit longer. Not that it really mattered he didn't really have anyone to cut it for him, and honestly, he rather put it into a ponytail then deal with the hassle. Eventually, he dried himself, dressed, his now dried locks in somewhat of a messy ponytail that had a lock hanging on the side of his face, not that he minded.

He then headed back to his room to make some last-minute provisions for the journey ahead. Once he was sure he had everything he needed, a burlap sack now slung over his left shoulder while a shining piece of metal that resembled a shoulder guard rested comfortably on the other. Eraqus gave himself a nod in reassurance. He knew there were trying times ahead, but just as he knew the darkness was done with sleep, he found that so was he.

With that, Eraqus made his way outside. The warm breeze felt wonderful as it whizzed past his skin. A soft smile rested on his lips as he gave his home one last glance as he wasn't sure how long the journey would take, nor how far away from home he'd be, but he hoped that when he returned he'd have two apprentices to share the place with. Once he'd gotten his final look in, he hit the center of the shoulder guard that resided on his shoulder. He found himself instantly engulfed in a warm light. The light dissipating in seconds to reveal white and golden armor. With a swift motion, he summoned his mystical weapon known by all who possessed a strong heart as a Keyblade.

Keyblades were different for each user and for Eraqus this was no exception. Eraqus' Keyblade was comprised of a light grey guard and a copper rod with the teeth on the key portion being shaped into an 'E'. The most significant part of the Keyblade, however, is the keychain. As that allows the Keyblade to change if the user had another keychain in their possession. Eraqus' Keychain was made of several simple chain links and its token is a heart-shaped cross at its base, known as Terra's mark.

Eraqus took his fully formed Keyblade and brought it up to his face as she began to deposit energy into it. Before ultimately tossing it into the air and watching as it shortly came back down in form of a grey and cooper bike. He then hopped on with relative ease, revved up the Keyblade turned bike before eventually taking off, a bluish portal slowly but surely materializing to greet him as he zoomed his way through.

{Kingdom Hearts}

It never ceased to amaze. The deep black and purplish blue hews of space always managed put him in a calming trance. Knowing that there were countless amounts of worlds just within his reach reminded him of his younger days of being an apprentice. Giddy to explore, meet others, fight the darkness. Even if his boundless optimism sometimes managed to annoy his best friend Xehanort, who was the deeper more methodical of the two. It was simple, grand. Something that he never thought in his wildest dreams he'd ever take part in. And the thought of possible being able to have people to share this feeling with thrilled him to no end.

Sadly, his reverie was cut short. "Hm…time to get this over with, Unversed." He remarked revving up his bike. On cue, a seemingly endless colorful hoard of Octopi Unversed began to surround him. Eraqus refused to let this size in numbers deter him, as he decided to first thin their numbers by charging straight through, using the front of his bike that retained the 'key' portion as he spun his bike this way and that. Multiple tentacles trying their best to grab at him. Only for him to cut them down almost instantly.

Some of the Octopi even started to shoot green balls of acid his way. "Reflect!" He commanded, a light grey barrier covered him. The green balls of acids were sent hurling back in their respected directions, with Eraqus continuing his assault. Slicing through as many as he could, while they retaliated in turn. It felt like an endless back and forth battle. One that Eraqus found himself getting tired of rather quickly. He had a place to be. Revving up his bike one final time, he spun in a circle. A thick gust of wind forming above him, eventually obscuring him entirely. The gust sucking up all in its path, leaving the colorful Octopi unversed with little choice but to ultimately get shredded into nothing.

A satisfied sigh as no more Unversed seemed to be in sight. Even so, he refused to let this small victory get the best of him. This was only the beginning. Still, his mind couldn't help but wonder what his fellow Keyblade Master and friend Xehanort was up and if he'd at any point encountered any the Unversed.

'Where ever you are my friend, I hope you're alright.'

{Kingdom Hearts}

In a lush town covered in radiant flowers of all kinds of beautiful flowers, thus gifting it the name Radiant Gardens, there was a castle. And in this castle resided a Library. One that held a seemingly endless number of books on any topic you could think of. And for any coinsurer of the reading arts, a gold mine. Though, at the moment whether that was the case has yet to be seen.

"S-Sir are you sure you don't—" A meek voice suggested. A medium sized lady with a short black pixie cut, emerald green orbs and light freckles donning both cheeks found herself staring at the current predicament with worry. A man with tan skin, a mop of black, yet slightly grayish hair, growing grayish stubble, piercing golden orbs. Donning a black overcoat with silver trimmings and black boots. Was currently giving the current person observing his actions an increasing heart attack, as he carried a massive number of books over to one of the many tables.

"Yes, I'm fine." The man's voice was somewhat raspy, yet still held a strong tone to it. "You don't have to worry. I'll put all the books back." They replied hoping that would be enough to quell the lady's worrying. He had something to do and having his lady hovering over him wasn't something he signed up for. "Yes, but—"

"I promise you, I'm fine." They stopped what they were doing to look back at the lady. A small smile gracing their lips. The lady, who was actually the librarian of the place decided that it was probably best at this point to leave the man to his own devices.

"A-Alright, sir. But if you need any help don't hesitate to ask." With those last words, the Librarian turned and made her way back to the main desk.

Good, he was alone. He dumped the stack of books on the table and plopped down in one of the chairs. Hopefully, one of these books proved to be the key that would put an end to all this searching.

An aggravated sigh left his lips. ten books in total, and so far, four proved to be entirely useless. "And that makes five…" he mumbled. As he once more stacked another useless book into a pile. He may be known as a Master of the Keyblade, but he was by no means a Master of patience, it seemed.

He wasn't sure how long he'd been searching for this vital piece of information, but judging by the fact that the librarian was currently making her rounds of going around to any stray table with left over books and putting them back on the many shelves that the library held. He was pretty certain that he had pretty much went past the allotted time that anyone was reasonably here. Thankfully, he'd only had five more left. If he was being honest, it was probably best if he took these last five home.

Yes, it was probably for the best. It would ultimately ease the mind of the clearly worried Librarian and he'd home in his element. Which is honestly where he preferred to be. With his mind made up, he grabbed the books he'd already checked separated from the books he had yet to check. As he was about get up to take used books back to the shelf, he was stopped by the librarian make her way up to him. "Oh, did you find what you were looking for, sir?"

"No. But if it's not too much of a bother I would like to check out these books," he said picking up the books he still had yet to read. She took the books happily from his hand giving him a warm smile. "Why certainly," she said. With that the man followed the librarian to the checkout. Silently hoping that he wasn't wasting time and that his plan would eventually be set into perpetual motion.

{Kingdom Hearts}

It wasn't long before Eraqus had arrived at his destination. It was a quaint and small village town. Cottage houses structurally all the same, but all different in what adorned the individual houses, from flowers, to clothes or towels hanging out to dry, to little trinkets most likely laid out by kids. Little mini pinwheels, sculptures… et cetera.

He hopped off his Keyblade turned vehicle. He tapped the plate on his Keyblade armor and it began to fade away. He held his right hand out and closed his eyes silently calling his Keyblade to him and causing the shape of the bike to be engulfed in a white light and form back into a Keyblade, before calling it away.

The grass crunched under his feet as walked further into the village, only to quickly be replaced the sound of cobble stone. He stopped if only for a moment, his eyes skyward. 'I'm back my friend. Sorry, it's been so long.' With that passing thought leaving his mind, he continued on his way. Kids jovial and free letting out bells of laughter as the scurried along behind friends. Adults, working and non-working chatting along or shouting to the best of their ability to advertise their wares.

It was a village teeming with endless bouts of life; life that he was unbelievably grateful that the unversed influence had spread here… yet. Eraqus, having not been in Ostbarrow in what felt like decades. Eraqus thought it best to find some place to gather intel. It didn't take long for Eraqus to find what clearly was what considered the local tavern and combined inn for the weary traveler.

"Hm… 'The glass slipper,' that's quite a name." Eraqus glance through the door to get a vague view of what it was like inside before he stepped inside. From what he could see, it appeared to be rather empty, with one or two patrons sitting at one of the bar stools at the front. The barkeep back turned to that rows and rows of alcohol lining the shelves. Seeing as it was crowed and he could possibly get the information he needed without have to waste too much time made him relieved. As he found he wasn't one for overly crowed places. Then again, was anyone, really? He had to wonder. With a building determination, he pulled open the wooden and glass covered door and stepped inside.

He was instantly greeted by the barkeep and Inn owner. "Oi, Welcome to 'the glass slipper, I'm pretty sure I 'aven't seen you around these parts before," they announced cheerfully. Eraqus attention now drawn to the barkeep. The barkeep himself was a rather heavyset man with short auburn hair and dark brown orbs, apron fitting around his somewhat round belly snuggly. A permanent smile seemingly etched into his lips, possibly from years of serving customers. Even so, Eraqus found he respected anyone with the dedication this man clearly possessed to continue to work for what he could tell by looking at the bar itself, which from its molted and fade wood in places an undetermined amount of years.

Thankfully enough for him, as Eraqus made his way up to the barkeep the two patrons that he spotted before coming in barely gave him the time of day. Funny enough, Eraqus couldn't help but notice that while the two patrons were a stool apart, they were drinking their drinks in unspoken unison as if they were having a contest only they knew about.

"Hello," Eraqus greeted the barkeep, taking the stool right in front of him.

Greetings, what brings ya here today? Heard about our famous pumpkin cider from travelin' around and wanted to try it for yer self?" He questioned. Eraqus couldn't help but shoot him a puzzling look on his rather quick assumption that he wasn't from around here. Then again, given that the clothes here felt very sown together and were probably able to be patched up with ease especially when it involved kids and how rambunctious they could be.

He probably stuck out like a sore thumb. Oh, well… it wasn't as if he were here on some sort of vacation, anyway. "Is it that obvious?" Eraqus chuckled in response.

"Yep. 'M sorry if that comes off rather rude, my mum did always tell me I wasn't the best when it came to communicatin' with the common stranger at times, but I do try," he said bashful. Eraqus smiled. "non-taken," he replied not at offend. "You do run, quite the nice place here, I must say. There's clearly a lot of history here."

"Thank you, kindly, sir. This tavern and Inn has been in our family for generations. And believe you and me its seen its share of drunken bar customers and fights. Ain't that right, Tom?" he said addresses the man of the far end of the of the row of stools and giving off a hardy laugh.

Tom only nodded in response. At the same time, however, Tom downed the last of his drink and flipped the glass upside down as a signal that he was done. "I'll see you around, Oscar," tom said placing three silver coin pieces on the countertop.

"Alrighty," see you around, Tom."

Eraqus glanced as Tom's silhouette walked toward the door with the giving off a little bell-like jingle as he exited. Now it was just Eraqus, the barkeep Oscar, and the other unknown patron. "Mister, you never did tell what brings you here." Eraqus, watched as Oscar shuffled over to where Tom had been sitting moments ago picked up the three silver coin pieces and placed it in his apron pocket and grabbed the glass and pulled out a rag and began washing the glass and table top down.

"Yes, well… Oscar, I was hoping you could help me find someone," Eraqus said.

"Hm… well, I don't know how much help I'll end up being, but if it helps you need I'd gladly be happy to give it," Oscar said. "So, do you know what this person looks like?" Oscar asked. Eraqus gave a soft smile as if in remembrance of better more peaceful times.

"No. It's been years at this point. To be honest, I'm not even sure they'd be willing to see me considering I took something they considered precious all those years ago away from them."

"I know this isn't any of my business, sir… um… sir—"

"Eraqus."

"Eraqus. Traveler's name indeed."

Eraqus laughed. "Anywho, sir Eraqus. I know it's probably not my place to say this giving I know next to nothin' 'bout ya, but I can tell you're a good fella that's seen things someone like myself wouldn't even imagine. So, I'm sure whatever you did, if you've gone out of your way to all this way to see this person they've got to understand how you feel, even if only a little. O-Oh, 'M sorry, I uh, started ramblin' a bit there." Oscar's cheeks flushed a little in embarrassment.

Believe it or not, Oscar had managed to lift his spirits, even if only a little. "Thank you, Oscar. That's kind of you to say." Eraqus smiled at the kind barkeep. Oscar smiled back. "Eraqus, sir. Do you at least know their names?"

"Yes, they go by the last name, Kloss."

"Kloss… that name does sound rightly familiar—Ah, I remember now, the Kloss family very friendly, loved throughout the village. Heck, they still are even now that they're barely seen nowadays. Being always shut in, in the bakery."

"Barely seen… hm… I think I have a reason as to why" Eraqus' voice somber.

"Yeah? Well, Ricktor, the husband used to pop in all the time, late at night, too for a glass of pumpkin cider almost every night. Always with the childish excuse he couldn't sleep just yet until he had a glass. Heck, on rare occasions he'd even bring his daughter, hmm… I think her name was Aqua… yeah, that sounds about right. Yep, there were times she could be just as bad as he was, those two were like two peas in a pod at the best times. I found myself keeping the bar open later than normal just in case they popped their heads in."

Eraqus smirked, "That sounds like him."

"Ricktor's wife, Annie is a true sweetheart. She'd always pop by bringin' hotly made rolls from their bakery. Gosh, I can feel my mouth waterin' just thinkin' 'bout em'."

"Oscar, does Annie still run the bakery?" Eraqus asked.

"Yeah, rolls still great as always and Aqua will sometimes—" it was at that moment, a jingle sounded once more from the door opening. "Speak of the devil," Oscar muttered. "Mister Oscar I've brought you more rolls, I know how much you like them!" Came a feminine child's voice. "You and your mother are too kind to me," Oscar rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. Eraqus watched as a girl with bright teal hair and wearing a yellow dress, brown boots, and apron that had the name, 12'o clock midnight printed on the front walked up to the bar that proved to a hair taller than she was and was currently trying her best to place the basket on the counter top.

Eraqus, found himself smiling fondly at the young girl despite her current predicament. 'Ricktor, if you could see how much she's grown I'm sure you'd no doubt be proud.'

"Would you like some help?" Eraqus offered his assistance, causing the young girl to look in his direction. Her bright blue orbs, crisp and full. It was a look he once held at one point himself in his younger years so he knew pretty well. "O-Oh, yes, please," She said. With that Eraqus hopped off his seat with ease and went to help the young girl. He picked her up with relative ease and plotted her down on one of the bar stools.

It was then, that the last patron that still resided in the bar left. This time though not bothering to turn his glass over, still placed three silver coins on the counter and gave a stout wave signaling he was leaving along with the ding-a-ling of the doors bell.

"Thank you, Mister," the young girl known as Aqua said flashing him a smile. "You are very welcome." He said smiling back. Aqua's attention was fully on him as her eyes were clearly looking over them with a child's curiosity. "Yes?" he questioned a smirk playing on Eraqus' lips as he noticed the young girl jump in surprise at the fact that she'd been caught staring. "O-Oh, I-I'm sorry. It's just for some reason, I can't help but wonder if I've seen you before."

"I don't think so, but I am friend of your late father."

"Daddy?"

"Aqua, I'm going to tell you something. Only you, Oscar, and your mother are allowed to know this alright?"

"Okay!" she replied readily, her childish innocence shining through. "Oh, but my momma said it's best not to talk to strangers."

"Well, your mother is right about that," he stated, letting her know her mother's words were indeed wise. "But, I don't see you as a stranger, is that… weird, mister?"

"No. I like to believe there are people out there that have the ability to sense if someone is good or evil. And, what I get from you, Aqua is that you are as good as they come. And that you have something special inside that only few people possess."

"R-Really? What's that?"

"I'd like to tell you, but it's something you have to figure it out on your own. Though I have the feeling you might already know, even if you don't realize it."

"Hm… you are a strange one mister," Aqua commented. "So, I've been told," Eraqus chuckled. "But I like you!" Aqua gave a wide smile.

"Why thank you, I like you, too," Eraqus replied.

"Hey, Mister?"

"Hmm?"

"What's your name? I can't keep calling you mister."

"It's Eraqus."

"Mister Eraqus, what an odd name."

"You're not the first to think that."

"Hey, Mister Eraqus. Would you like to come to my house and meet my mom?"

"Are you sure that'll be alright with your mother?"

"Well, you said you were a friend of daddy's I'm sure my mom won't mind. And if she does get mad, she can get mad at me. I talked you into it, ok?"

"It'd be rude to turn down such a nice invitation, would it not?"

"Yep!"

Eraqus watched as the young girl hopped down off the stool with ease. "I guess, this is goodbye, Oscar." Eraqus' voice peaked into Oscar's ear causing him to jump as he'd been so enthralled with the recent exchange that it took him a moment to realize that Eraqus was about to leave. "Leavin' already?" he said. Eraqus nodded.

"It was nice talking to you."

"Same here. Hey, next time you come 'round. I'll give you an order of pumpkin cider on the house!"

"I'd like that."

"Tell your ma thanks again for the rolls, Aqua."

"Okay, mister Oscar, enjoy." Both Oscar and Eraqus watched as the girl walked out of the tavern, the bell sounding behind her. "C'mon, mister Eraqus!" they heard her muffled voice say. "Coming!" he called.

Eraqus and Oscar said one final goodbye before Eraqus walked out of the tavern and Inn and back onto the busy cobbled streets. As he looked around he noticed Aqua was nowhere to be found. "Aqua?" he called, but his voice barely registered due the many people shouting or talking around him. He had no choice but to rely on his eyes. Thankfully, it didn't take long to spot her due to the unusual bright teal hue of her hair. As he made his way over, he noticed that she'd gotten into an altercation with appeared to be a boy her age. The boy himself was picking on another boy that Aqua was currently defending.

"Leave him alone!" Aqua commanded glaring hard at the boy.

"If I don't, what're you gonna do, twerp!"

Aqua chose to give him the silent treatment. Only further annoying the boy. "Why you little—!" Aqua was all but prepared to take the hit as she saw his fist raised, but Eraqus had already seen what he needed. "I think that's enough," he said in a stern voice startling and alerting the kids to his presence. "Who are you?" the boy snapped looking at Eraqus clearly ready to fight.

"Who I am doesn't matter. I won't tolerate anyone being picked on."

The boy immediately directed his attention over to Aqua feeling that she had something to do with this. "You told, didn't you!"

"Oh, you're gonna get it—!" the boy raised his fist once again, this time only for Eraqus to immediately respond by grabbing his wrist and pulling it behind his back, effectively putting him in a hold that the boy instinctive tried his best to struggle out of. "L-Let me go!" he grunted. Aqua and the boy she'd been protecting looked at the scene in front of them in utter silence and amazement.

The boy through his efforts managed to eventually get out of Eraqus' hold. His growing anger was no longer directed at Aqua or the boy he'd previously beaten up, but now on Eraqus himself. And while Eraqus was holy against beating on anyone defenseless, child or otherwise, he was by no means against teaching lessons. And it was very clear to Eraqus in this moment, that this boy needed one in both respect and humility.

The boy charged at Eraqus unleashing a flurry of punches that didn't connect. As Eraqus easily dodged them with unspeakable ease. This only infuriated the boy as he decided to play dirty and sling dust in Eraqus' face. Eraqus sensing something like this sidestepped behind the boy and once more locked the boy in a similar hold as the first, but this time around he used his foot to knock the boy off balance and send him face first in the dirt. His foot and arm firmly locking the boy into place.

"Are we done?" Eraqus questioned.

"I-I yield," the boy grunted. Eraqus sensing the boy finally learned he couldn't win, let the boy out of the strong hold. The boy himself pushed himself off the ground. "This isn't over!" he spat wallowing in his humiliation and defeat, he scampered off, leaving Eraqus to give a small sigh. At the end of the day, Eraqus understood that while some could learn from a simple defeat, others were also set in their ways.

"Thank you, mister Eraqus!" Aqua's soft voice hit his ears drawing him back to the matter at hand. "Are you two alright?" he asked getting down to their eye level. "Yes," Aqua confirmed, while the boy beside her gave a hesitant nod. Aqua helped the young boy beside her. As she did so, she heard the boy let out a hiss of pain. "A-Are you hurt somewhere?" her eyes scanning the boys' body for any cuts. It was then that her eyes caught it. The boys' shirt had a tear on the shoulder. She further examined it and noticed the cut itself was quite deep and bleeding a bit.

"Come with me, I'll patch you up in a jiffy!"

Eraqus followed diligently behind Aqua as she held the boy's hand and led them to a small secluded alleyway. She checked if the coast was clear, which thankfully for her, it was. Before, she directed her attention to the boy who honestly looked quite frightened. "Now, what I'm about to do is not gonna hurt at all, I promise! Cross my heart," she said making a little 'x' motion over her heart. "O-Ok," the boy hesitantly agreed. "Now, whatever you do, don't scream, alright?" The boy only swallowed hard at her plea, unsure at where she was going with this. His scared orbs landing on Eraqus if only for a second for what was some sort of reassurance.

He smiled warmly at him. "Aqua protected you earlier, didn't she? What would she gain from hurting you?"

This eased his worry somewhat, as Eraqus noticed he was less stiff. "Ok, then. Are you ready?" Aqua asked. She didn't want to push him if he wasn't, she was already in enough trouble for deciding to do this. Her mother had been very clear about being 'normal,' and not drawing attention, even though she knew she was anything but. She was gifted with these powers, powers that could help people. She can't just stand by and not do nothing. She wouldn't be able to live with herself otherwise.

'I'm sorry momma,' she thought before placing her hand near the cut on the boy's shoulder. She then closed her eyes and being to channel the magic that continuously lay dormant within her. The boy let out a small gasp as he noticed Aqua's hand glow a faint greenish color and the cut on his shoulder began to grow smaller and smaller.

Eraqus was truly amazed by this young girl's talent. At first, he wasn't sure if it was right to come back here searching for another wielder of the key. But after meeting Aqua, while he could definitely feel the weighing guilt of possibly recruiting his deceased friend's daughter of all people. A part of him knew he had made the right decision. He just hoped that when it came down to it, her mother and father would understand why.

"Okay, and we're done!" Aqua stated happily as the cut in the boy's arm had vanished completely as though it hadn't been there in the first place. "T-Thank you, Aqua," the boy stammered out. Aqua gave him a warm smile as she watched him run off. "Happy to help!" she called, and truthfully, she was. No matter how many times she told her mother of the good she could do with her powers, her mother would hear none of it. She knew that it was just her mother trying her best to protect her. Still, she had to grow up sometime.

"Are you ready to go, mister Eraqus?" Aqua asked. Eraqus nodded. As Eraqus was about to take a step to follow her out of the alleyway, she stopped. She quickly turned on her heel to face him. "Please, mister Eraqus. Don't let anyone know I use magic. It'll only cause problems for my mom and I'm already breaking my promise to her in saying that I wouldn't."

"Of course. Your secret is safe me with me," he declared.

With that, the two headed to Aqua's home.

Not surprisingly, her home was medium sized house with a bakery stationed right underneath. The bakery lights were on and the sign on the front was flipped to 'open'

"C'mon, momma isn't a fan of me using the front door when the shops open."

Eraqus said nothing as he followed Aqua to the side of the house. She led them to a door built on the side of the house. Aqua stood in front of the door before giving it a hardy knock. It took a moment, but eventually, the sound of the door unlocking could be heard. The door made a slight squeak as a petite woman with bright teal hair much like her daughter and stark silver eyes. Wearing a brown dress with a white apron and scarf on her head answered the door.

"Ah, there you are Aqua! I've been worried sick."

Aqua's eyes somewhat downcast as she heard the building worry in her mother's words. "I-I'm sorry momma, but I—" she started to say only for her mother to cut her off. "You didn't do anything you weren't supposed to? Did you?" she asked. It took a moment before Aqua properly replied, "W-Well, I.." her voice petered out slightly affirming her mother's fears.

"Aqua, honey. I gave you specific orders not to—"

"I-I know momma, but a boy was getting bullied and—"

"No, buts. Do you want someone to find you and take you away!"

"N-No, but momma I could help—"

"Aqua we talked about this!"

The conversation continued to escalate between the two Eraqus surprisingly going unnoticed through all of it. "Well, I happen to think she quite brilliant. If you don't mind me say." His sudden words stopping the flow of the current conversation. It was then that Aqua's mother noticed him standing behind her daughter. Her motherly instincts kicking almost immediately. "Aqua, get inside," she stated firmly. "No, momma, he—" but she like moments ago refused to hear any of it. "Now!" Aqua cast an apologetic glance his way before doing as her mother ordered and headed inside.

He gave her a look back showing he understood her situation and that he was sorry that he's caused it to reach this point.

"I'm sorry sir, but who are you?" her voice stern. Communicating to Eraqus that if he were coming for her daughter, he'd damn sure have to go through her to do it. A soft smile forming on his lips. "It been a long time hasn't Annie. I know I can't ask you to forgive me and, if I'm being honest I don't expect you to. Even so, I have something I must speak to about. If you'll allow me."

Annie flickered with a mixture of confusion and apprehension, but it seemed that the pieces seemed to fall together and she knew who the man in front of her was as she instinctively let out a gasp of surprise.

"My word… Eraqus is that really you?"

Eraqus nodded.

"Hello, Annie," he greeted with a smile.