Hey, so I've been out of the fanfiction loop for a while, writing more original content, but every now and then an idea hits me when I get on a "series high". This time the series was Kingdom Hearts, and while there's a lot of terrible stories for KH in particular I hope this one stands out as the diamond in the garbage can.

This story came to me after replaying BBS and 0.2. It made me really really want to see more of what Terra Aqua and Eraqus' lives were like before Ven. Knowing there were novels that expand on that already I decided to go one step beyond and think about how they possibly became a small family. Thus this origin story was born. Hopefully that's all the prefacing I'll need. As with all my stories I try my hardest to both keep the characters in character and make it feel like a story that could happen within the universe. Of course as an origin story these characters may seem a little less...mature in their roles but that should be expected as this is the period where they became the people we know and love from the game. Here's hoping y'all enjoy.

Birth By Sleep: Memoirs

CH1: The Boy with the Will of Earth

"What a fierce look in your eye. Befitting of a self-proclaimed defender of light."

The man in question resembled the remark, sitting with a statue-like stillness and sincerity. He never took those eyes off the man sitting at the desk across from him, unquestionably studying his very soul.

The room was dark, the only light filling it the dim orange hue from the curtained window. Those small glimmers of light revealed book cases and marker boards cluttering the office over furniture and décor. These boards were scrawled with what appeared to be the markings of a madman, however to the trained observer one would find these symbols often resembled the ones illustrated on and within these records that helped block out the light.

"I wonder if I can trust you with this task, for such a title I'm sure I would have heard your name on the lips of my superstitious citizens." He was questioned.

"I don't speak in arrogance when I say I'm well experienced facing the forces of darkness. If you say there is a scourge somewhere in this town, I will have it smote." The fierce man spoke with the dutiful tone of a samurai.

At his words, his mysterious inquisitor softly chuckled to himself. It was difficult to see his face, but it was clear he was examining his hired help with eyes bearing avarice.

"Then I trust I'm in good hands." The mysterious man said clasping his fingers on his desk. "This darkness has been a menace for far too long." The mysterious man got up from his seat and walked to the windows peering out of the open section.

"What began as childish mischief has erupted into vandalism, greed and a thirst for destruction. He has broken into my estate and almost made off with items of unfathomable importance to me. If it wasn't for the watchful eye of my guards I would have lost precious research or much worse my very life."

"That beckons a question." The samurai began. "The forces of darkness are attracted to those weak of heart, or those who willingly open themselves to it. Why would darkness emerge in such a peaceful place? More importantly, why would it be attracted to your research?"

The question clearly touched a nerve with the samurai's indulgent client, but he chose to softly chuckle to himself rather than react with hostility.

"I cannot say for certain." He began looking upon the verdure of his courtyard. "But for the sake of the beauty of this town, anything that would invite the ugliness of darkness cannot be allowed to remain. I'm sure someone like you can understand that." The samurai closed his eyes and exhaled a waft of air from his nostrils, his way of silently agreeing with the sentiment. A young girl entered the room from behind carrying a book as they conversed.

"You know, besides the threat to my city, I have a curiosity of my own that has led me to you." As the mysterious man spoke, the girl presented him the book. He grabbed it and gently stroked her hair, signaling her to retreat behind him. He approached the desk again, flipping through some of the pages of the book in his hand.

"I've been fascinated by the history of this great world we all call home, and those particular words, "defender of light" remind me of a story about ancient warriors." In his zeal, the man's face briefly enters one of the few rays of light in the room. The softness of his face could have been that of a woman's, but his voice betrayed his sex.

"They would fight with an awesome power, that unlocked secrets of the world we still haven't uncovered so many years later. A power they called…" He placed the book down opening to a page depicting an odd instrument resembling both a highly-decorated key. It was jet black barring multiple edges across it's blade down to its "teeth" at the end, clearly designed for combat. With no end to it's odd design, there was an eye embedded where the "hilt" began.

"The Keyblade."

As he said this a gluttonous smile stretched across his face. His eyes bore straight into the samurai with a brilliance that could be seen even in the shadows.

This however did not faze the samurai. Retaining his posture and composure he simply murmured a quiet "hmph" to himself.

"I can't speak of fables from the past. I do what I must, it is that simple."

The effeminate man seemed defeated but amused. Sitting properly back in his seat he signaled the young girl behind him with a hand wave. With an almost mechanical compliance she moved towards the curtains of the window.

"If you'll excuse me, I wish to be on my way to put an end to this scourge." As he rose, his mysterious client once again softly chuckled to himself.

"Of course." He muttered. "There's no time for me to be boring you with stories of the past when that scoundrel is still alive. But I do hope perhaps you'll humor me once your job is done."

As the curtains were pulled back the once dim light, even in it's somewhat somber hue filled the room. The man's hair was a surprisingly hot pink and with every movement of his head swayed like the petals of a cherry blossom. He was wearing a white coat with a button-down pink shirt underneath. While they couldn't be seen here he was also wearing brown slacks. The girl behind him had lightless azure eyes that matched her hair. She was dressed in a beautiful yet ultimately unassuming blue summer dress. A small necklace with a pink star complimented this attire.

"Aqua, please don't be rude, and escort our guest out."

"Of course, Lord Ulmaria." The girl said without hesitation.

The samurai followed as Aqua led him out of the room.

"Master Eraqus…" The young lord whispered to himself. "I'm sure you hold the power that I seek."

Eraqus walked the streets of the town. The sky was an eternal twilight, making every corner feel like home. The scent of sweets lingered in the air and the laughter of children could be heard at every turn. Labor seemed a foreign concept on this world, telling as this district was the "busiest" as far as he had seen. He wondered again to himself where darkness could have possibly stirred in such a quaint place. But he knew there was truth to the young lord's words as he had sensed a dark presence himself. In fact, it was that sepulchral aura that drew him to this land in the in-between realm to begin with.

As he mused he caught the flailing of a furious ice cream vendor in the corner of his eye.

"What is troubling you sir." Eraqus asked as he approached the bulbous man.

"It's that darn thief again! He asked me for a sea salt ice cream, but didn't have no munny t' show for it. As soon as I had m'back turned he up and hits me over the head with that wooden sword o' his! I was down for the count." The vendor replied rubbing his head. "I swear that kid thinks of no one but himself. Pure evil I tell ya!"

Hmm, certainly the darkness couldn't be from a child. Eraqus thought to himself. He quickly stilled his resolve remembering darkness can stir in even the most unexpected of places.

He then noticed an ice cream melting on the streets alone a distance away.

"Calm your heart, I will return to you what was lost and enact justice." With that Eraqus chased after the ice cream trail.

"Oh, kinda funny way o' talking there, but thanks!" The vendor cheered.

Eraqus followed the sweet scent in the air to find more fallen treats along the ground. His hunt eventually brought him to a fenced off alley. There were boxes and trash lying in the cage, and some dirty linen were pulled forcefully through some of the grating in a poor attempt at concealing the area. He could hear a rustling above him. He examined the alley, seeing no one, but was assured he was being watched. Trusting his senses, he closed his eyes and surveyed the area with his breath. A single wet drop swayed his hair ever so gently as it descended.

Before it could touch his skin Eraqus moved towards the wall at the end with immeasurable speed. It was fortunate as in the same moment a wooden blade had almost slammed into his head. The boy landed, carrying a bag leaking more of the sweet salty cream in one hand, and his wooden sword the other.

This, is the source of darkness? Eraqus thought as the boy put the bag down.

He couldn't have been more than 13 years of age. He stood to about Eraqus' waist with spiky mid length brown hair. He wore a simple brown shirt and baggy black pants that had clearly been worn out. His eyes had a sincerity that bordered on sinister, a lion protecting his kill.

"Did that old ice cream geezer send you after me? Or maybe it was that freak from the mansion." The boy said as he raised his "blade" again. "Well whoever it was doesn't matter. You better get out of here while you can. I won't miss next time." He spoke with the confidence of a master.

Eraqus stared at the boy with a sorrowful look. "To think in this lifetime, I'd have to turn my weapon against a child." He said as he summoned said weapon. It resembled a key like in the book, but this one was thin with a single cylindrical shaft. Adorning its edge was what looked like an "E". He grasped it within a box-like hilt with burgundy and silver styling. "But I can feel it…the pits of darkness in your heart…how unfortunate that a child would be left to the clutches of darkness."

The two took their duel stances. The boy decided to make the first move jumping off the wall to try another overhead strike. Eraqus pivoted out of the way and immediately retaliated with an open palm blow to the stomach, pushing the boy a good distance back.

Eraqus moved in swiftly for his next strike against the boy who was struggling to get back on his feet. The boy instinctively bent backwards to avoid Eraqus' slash, the force of the swing taking a few of his hairs with it.

Noticing how close he was to the wall, the boy jumped off of it to attempt another overhead strike while repositioning himself. As he flew overhead, Eraqus parried every strike that was attempted.

Realizing how strong his enemy was upon landing behind Eraqus, the boy jumped back as quickly as he could and prepared to put his all one last strike. Placing one leg behind and the other forward, the boy slightly bent his knees and brought his sword in front of him at waist level. Eraqus, recognizing the stance prepared himself.

In an instant, the boy charged forward with all his weight attempting to pierce Eraqus. Eraqus responded with a simple slash as he and the boy met swords.

Now standing back to back, the air grew still. Eventually, the boy's wooden sword fell apart in his very hands. Knowing he lost, he didn't dare turn around and face his adversary. He simply stared at the pieces of his sword as they laid on the ground.

"Well…" He choked out. "What are you waiting for? Go ahead and finish me." He said earnestly.

Eraqus turned around, but didn't act or say a word. He simply studied the boy as if he'd find the words to speak in his unruly hair.

"You handle a weapon well. Are you alone?" Eraqus asked. Instead of making the final blow his weapon disappeared.

"Why does it matter? Even if my parents were around, no one in this town cares. I knew sooner or later someone would do something." The boy said as tears began to fall down his cheeks. "I lost…so just end it!"

"I see…" Eraqus replied, feeling a strong weight pulling his heart down. "It appears fate has dealt you a cruel hand." He turned to face the child's back and approached slowly. His mind flooded with thoughts about his training, his mission, and the child before him.

"Young man" He decided to speak. "In this world there is a powerful force called Darkness. Darkness feeds on our deepest fears of loneliness and weakness. It pushes us to act selfishly and cruelly."

Feeling even deeper shame upon hearing the man's words, he clenched his fist in frustration.

"What are you talking about? What does that have to do with anything?" The boy's fist hit Eraqus square in the face. He didn't flinch.

"I do not believe in coincidence, I feel you and I were fated to meet, so I could help you carry this burden." He said gently holding the boy's hand to his barely sore cheek.

"Darkness is strong, but to fight against that great evil, there is another power, Light."

The boy's eyes lit up.

"When people meet each other, and form bonds, this power of light grows stronger and with it, one becomes strong enough to face their fears, end their loneliness and kill the darkness residing in themselves. All it takes is one person with the will to connect with another." Eraqus once again summoned his weapon. The boy was alarmed.

"What are you. . ."

Eraqus faced the hilt towards the child.

"In your hand, take this Key. So long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking, its wielder you shall one day be. And you will find me, friend—no ocean will contain you then. No more borders around, or below, or above, so long as you champion the ones you love." He spoke as if they were the words to a lullaby.

The boy hesitated. He couldn't understand how someone could best their opponent then show them undo kindness. He was sure there was some trick to this, he hadn't known this stranger in the slightest.

"Who are you?"

"I am Master Eraqus. What may I call you?"

"T-Terra." The boy reluctantly gave his name. For some reason, he felt a sense of honesty from this man. He couldn't comprehend it all but one word stuck out to him.

"You say with this…I can become strong?" The boy asked.

Eraqus nodded with a warm smile.

The boy slowly reached out his hand and grabbed the key. He felt a small burst of warmth engulf his hand, as if he as touching a lamp bulb. It was so unfamiliar to him. Emotions began to pile atop each other. He felt the heat that lulled him to sleep, confusion that would stir his mind to frenzy, and a power that forced itself to expand all at once within him. Suddenly, as if trying to deny his own feelings, he regained his composure and quickly swiped the key.

"Ha, idiot! This fight is mine!" His moment of glory didn't last long however, as the key became light in his hands before he could even take a stance.

"What?"

Eraqus walked away somehow holding the key once more.

"Hey! You said-"

"If you have the makings, and that is yet to be seen. You have much to learn to conquer your darkness young Terra. Besides…" He then turned to face the boy with an uncharacteristically cheeky grin.

"Wouldn't you rather wield your own Keyblade?"

At these words the boy immediately gave chase.

"Hey wait a minute old man, you're saying one day I could have one of those?"

This boy, his heart has been clouded by darkness, but it's said that in the deepest pits of darkness you'll find light. Perhaps, if I could awaken that light within this boy, he'll have the strength to conquer the darkness that plagues him. Terra, this boy with the will of earth. If I can heal your darkness, then I can wear my title as Master with pride.