PREVIOUSLY TITLED: Kingdom Hearts: BBSTerra's Story

WARNING: This is a novelization of the game Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, and, as such, plot and ending details are given in all the chapters. If you have not played the game and do not wish to be spoiled, don't read any further!

AN: Hey! So, for any and all new readers, the story of this fanfic is thus: I started this like two years ago, intending to finish it, but lost inspiration and procrastinated for, like, a year, before snapping myself out of the rut and realizing that I was being lazy to not see through this fic. In a joint apology/personal challenge, I decided to re-write the whole six chapters that I had posted and finish the seventh, and post them all at once. And now, here it is! Completely re-written, with a new summary and new title and (hopefully) better writing.

Warning is T because I am paranoid-really, just a bit of minor violence and one *coughcoughspoilercough* death later in the story.

Full, rambling author's note at the bottom. Thanks for reading! :)

~My5tic-Lali

The Darkness Within

Terra's Journey

Chapter 1: The Mark of Mastery

~/~

I never suspected that anything could go wrong. Everything was so simple back then.

Nothing could have convinced me that my world was about to turn on its head.

~/~

All was still in Ven's room. Even the usually noisy crickets had decided to take the night off, and silence pervaded the room like a haunting ghost.

Ven didn't like the silence, or the stillness. It really wasn't helping the persistent restlessness plaguing his mind. He kept his eyes closed in a vague hope that sleep would magically come and whisk him away, even though his brain refused to quiet. He just wanted to sleep, calm his thoughts so he could rest.

It was a big day tomorrow, after all.

But Ven's brain denied all of its owner's attempts to subdue it, and Ven eventually gave up, wide cerulean eyes snapping open as he rose into a sitting position on his bed. Huffing his displeasure, Ven cast a quick glance around to try and find something to entertain his thoughts. Suddenly, his gaze alighted on the window which framed the dark sky outside, and the blonde Keywielder jerked forward, pressing his hands against the glass. His head rose, better to view the night sky above him, and an excited smile grew across his face.

"A meteor shower!" Ven watched the streaks of light as they slashed across the navy backdrop of the sky, grinning. Then, wishing for a better vantage point, he rolled off his bed and shrugged his jacket on, dashing out the door.

The stars continued to fall, streaking the heavens with white, far above the rolling green hills of the Land of Departure.

Ven raced down the well-worn paths of his home, past the glimmering ponds and quiet hills, finally coming to a rest on the circular green where he and the others trained. The small lamps cast small beams of light onto the shadowy road, but Ven ignored them and the sloping benches and headed slowly to the end of the arena, to the only edge unguarded by railing. There, Ven stopped, glancing quickly over the surrounding hills.

The white castle stood foremost, all tall towers and wide arches, the alabaster steps and their gate gleaming in reflected light. The rounded hills behind it loomed as sentinels, almost brooding in the dark light, but it was the sky which held Ven's attention.

The meteors fell swiftly past their stationary brothers, glowing tails trailing behind them, flying down and beyond the wide horizon, and Ven smiled, eyes fixed on the comets. He settled himself down on the grass, lying back for the best view, hands sliding behind his head while he watched the milky stripes of the falling stars fill the night sky.

The tiredness he had been denied before came slowly over him, and he took a moment to wonder at a strange feeling of familiarity which accompanied it. But he had never seen a meteor shower before… right? What was it that made this night seem so familiar?

Ven was unaware that he fell asleep until he began to dream. His eyes slipped shut, but the stars that were blotted out suddenly shone once again, and Ven felt soft sand at his back. The dream was as lifelike as any other, and he could have sworn that he heard the sound of waves on a shore that he knew somehow was white and comfortable, as he watched the same gleaming stars dapple the sky above him.

Ven only jerked into awareness when he felt something move close by. Still half-asleep, he sat bolt upright, eyes flying to the still, silent castle. There was nothing wrong, nothing moving except for the comets. He exhaled, and tried to shake the sleep from his eyes. But the grass was comfortable and the sky was still dotted with falling stars, and Ven let the sleepiness persuade him not to get up and look around. He lay back down and closed his eyes again. Now that he was aware that he had been dreaming, he felt a burning desire to go back to that place, wherever it was. That place… it had been comforting, and familiar, and he wanted to know why.

But he was denied the chance when something shifted again, and he snapped his eyes open.

Immediately, Ven was confronted by the upside-down face of a smiling, blue-haired girl.

"Whoa!" Ven sat up and turned to face the girl. Her short blue hair framed a kind face, and she wore a black and navy blue halter top with a high collar. The hands that rested on her knees where she sat were draped with white bell sleeves and fingerless gloves. Her black shorts and leggings were topped with sky-colored cloth at her hips.

The girl, still smiling unconcernedly, blinked her large blue eyes slowly at Ven. Her grin grew as he sat up on his knees, facing her.

"Gimme a break, Aqua, c'mon." Ven said, and Aqua stood up, grinning even wider.

She shook her head and replied, "Ven, you hopeless sleepyhead." Her voice contained no malice, rather a gentle teasing. "You know you should have at least brought a blanket."

Her words seemed to snap him completely out of the dream, and Ven frowned, glancing at the cold grass below his knees. He seemed almost surprised to see the hard ground. "Wait, but what about the sand? And, and the waves—I could've sworn, I-I…" Ven began, blinking rapidly.

Aqua had looked confused at first, but at the last couple stuttered words, enlightenment dawned in her eyes. "That one dream again?"

Ven nodded shortly, and silence fell like a blanket over the friends. Aqua peered at the recently-awoken Keywielder, a furrow between her brows which only dissipated when Ven finished his thought moments later.

"But—did I dream that place up? It really felt like I'd been there before, looking up at the stars… but then again, it usually does…" Aqua reached over and ruffled his spiky dark blonde hair affectionately, and Ven grimaced.

"'Cept you've always lived here with us." She said, smiling softly, bright blue eyes locked on Ven's face.

Ven looked up at her reply, and nodded, once.

"Yeah…" He paused, mind still stuck on the dream.

"I know." He looked up and smiled at Aqua, dismissing the subject from his mind. After a moment, they walked out towards the edge of the tableau together and sat, feet dangling over the brim.

There were a couple moments of silence, during which they both gazed at the endless shower of falling stars before Ven spoke up.

"Hey, Aqua?"

"Hm?"

"D'you ever wonder what stars are? Where their light comes from?"

Aqua turned to the younger boy, a thoughtful expression in her eyes. "Well, they say—" Before she could finish, another, deeper voice interrupted her explanation, coming from behind her and Ven, finishing Aqua's words.

"That every star up there is another world." The two looked behind them, noticing the serious-faced young man who looked to be about Aqua's age for the first time. The newcomer wore long tan pants, and a gray and black shirt with a gleaming, bronze shoulder guard on his left arm. He had long, spiky brown hair, and his blue eyes, while pensive, held a spark of humor.

"Terra," Aqua greeted him, no surprise coloring her tone at his appearance.

He smiled, and continued. "Yep, it's hard to believe there are so many worlds out there besides our own. The light is their hearts, and it's shining down on us like a million lanterns."

Terra strode forward as he finished his explanation, stopping when he stood just behind his friends.

Ven furrowed his brows, and, confused, asked, "What? I don't get it."

"In other words, they're just like you, Ven."

Ven stood up, frowning. "What does that mean?"

"You'll find out someday, I'm sure." Terra replied, smiling slightly.

"I wanna know now."

"You're too young to know now."

"Quit treating me like a kid!"

Aqua, who had sat silently during the two boys' exchange, smiled at the last indignant shout, and chuckled to herself. The arguing boys turned, the same confused spark in both of their eyes at Aqua's laughter.

"Hey, what are you laughing at?" Terra studied his friend suspiciously, one eyebrow raised.

"I can't help it." Aqua said, still laughing. "You two would make the weirdest brothers." She continued to laugh, eyes flicking from Terra's indignant look to Ven's clueless face and back.

"Huh?"

Aqua's laughter only increased at their confusion, and after a moment, Ven started to laugh as well, though he was still partially puzzled. Terra's quiet chuckle joined theirs after he rolled his eyes. Ven and Terra sat down next to Aqua, and the three trailed off into silence, gazing up at the falling stars. It took only a moment for Ven to break the silence however, and he glanced at his two friends. "Did you guys even try to sleep?"

Aqua and Terra turned to him, twin expressions of confusion on their faces. "What do you mean?" Terra asked, and Ven pointed to their clothing, which was the same as it had been all day.

"Too excited for tomorrow?" He grinned wide, eager. "I know I am, and I'm not even the ones testing!" Terra shook his head, but Aqua couldn't suppress a slight grin.

"Don't jinx it," Terra said, and although his words were short, they didn't sound angry.

Ven just smiled wider, and glanced between the two. "We could practice, if you want," he said, and then dropped his voice to a whisper, "For the Mark of Mastery exam I'm not supposed to talk about."

Terra rolled his eyes, mouth twitching into a half-grin. Aqua responded for him. "We trained all day. I don't think Master Eraqus would want us tiring ourselves out too much—and it's late."

"Yet we're still out here," Terra commented dryly, and Aqua shoved his shoulder. He accepted it with a slight smile, and glanced at Ven, who laughed.

Aqua lost her exasperated expression and shook her head fondly at the two. Before either Ven or Terra could say anything else, she gasped softly. "Oh, yeah! I almost forgot…"

The other two looked over. She had turned from watching the sky, her hands going to her pocket, and pulled out three charms from her pouch, letting them dangle from their brown strings for the boys to see. They glinted in the starlight, and Terra and Ven saw that each was a different color: one green, one orange, and one blue. "Who needs practice? I made us good luck charms." Aqua smiled.

She untangled the orange one from its fellows and tossed it to Terra. He caught it, and turned it over in his hands, examining the star-shaped charm.

"For the Mark of Mastery exam tomorrow," Aqua explained, "I know you and me don't need any help, but I thought we should have something for luck anyway." She drew apart the green and blue, then threw the green trinket to Ven. "Here."

Ven caught it by the string and asked, a surprised smile lighting up his face, "I get one too?"

Aqua grinned, and held up her own blue star, saying, "Of course! One for each of us."

Ven held his out to Terra for inspection, and Terra compared his to Ven's. Aqua scooted closer and her charm joined the other two's.

Each star was shaped the same. The five pieces of colored glass which made up the arms were all connected and held together in the middle with an angular symbol. The only differences were the color of the symbol, which was silver on Ven's, and gold on Terra and Aqua's, and the glass arms which faded from light to dark of each color.

Aqua continued her explanation as her friends examined the charms.

"Somewhere out there, I heard that there's this tree with star-shaped fruit," Aqua gestured up at the stars with her free hand, "And the fruit represents an unbreakable connection. So, as long as you and your friends carry good luck charms shaped like it, nothing can ever drive you apart.

"You'll always find your way back to each other." Aqua smiled. Then, grimacing slightly, she added, "Technically, I think you're supposed to make them with seashells, but I did the best with what I had."

The boys shared a look.

Terra broke the silence. "Oy, sometimes you are such a girl." Terra rolled his eyes, but tucked his charm into his pocket nevertheless.

"Hey, what do you mean, 'sometimes'?" Aqua asked indignantly.

However, Ven's face fell. "Wait, this isn't a real good luck charm?"

She grinned at him, and leaned closer conspiratorially. "Well, that's yet to be seen. I did work a little magic on it."

"Really? What?" Ven asked, interest piqued.

Aqua held up her Wayfinder with a smile.

"An unbreakable connection."

The stars were still falling, heedless of the late hour, continually flying down the sky as though they would never stop, and Ven watched them with wide eyes.

"Hey, we're gonna head back." Terra called, already on the path leading back to the castle with Aqua at his side.

Ven nodded and yawned, tuning his gaze from the stars. "Yeah. Me too!" He raced over to join them, and he and Terra began walking.

Aqua remained behind, just for a moment. She clutched her Wayfinder close, and glanced at the endless sky.

"Together. Always."

~/~

Maybe, if I'd been aware of what was to come, I'd have stayed out there a bit longer with Ven and Aqua. Maybe I'd have done something different. Maybe things could've changed.

But I didn't know.

I had no idea that that would be the last night we spent together under the same stars.

~/~

...

Worlds away, on the same night of the meteor shower in the Land of Departure, a far different scene was taking place. Waves crashed left and right on a raging sea, and a sole adventurer braved the storm. Spray buffeted the figure of Mickey Mouse as he wobbled on his small raft, trying to keep his balance on the large waves. He flew up on the crest of a tall wave, actually leaving the surface of the water and shooting into the air. His ride fell beneath him, but he only went higher, until gravity reclaimed him and he landed back on his raft. He managed to keep his feet for another moment as the wind battered him and the waves continued to roar, but there was nothing else he could do as the wind picked up.

The stronger gale tossed him and swept him into a whirlpool, which dragged him down, yelling. Mickey lost his ride as it was sucked into the whirlpool and was shot out of the water and into the air. He looked apprehensively down at the raging waters, even as the water suddenly vanished, revealing a solid wood floor, onto which he fell, hard.

The pain of his fall was nothing to the disappointment and failure which gripped Mickey as he rose to his feet. He had failed the test. Again.

The room that Mickey had fallen into was about as different as could be from the illusion he had previously been in, full of overflowing bookshelves and strange, whirring objects. It was illuminated by several windows, all of which were shaped like stars or the moon.

Rubbing his throbbing head, Mickey walked over to the wide desk which sat before the largest window, and glanced, shamefacedly, at the occupant. The man who reclined behind the desk looked very grave, clad in a blue wizard's hat and matching wizard's robes. The master looked solemnly back at the nervous gaze of his pupil, hard eyes locked on Mickey's. He looked old but still had ferocity to his gaze that clashed with the wisdom etched in the lines of his face.

Yen Sid closed his eyes with a sigh.

"Mickey…" Yen Sid returned his gaze to his student after a long moment. Mickey stood nervously before the tall, imposing man, trying not to look like too much of a failure.

"I cannot shake the feeling that something terrible is about to transpire."

Mickey, both confused and relived that there was no condemnation in his master's eyes any longer, tilted his head inquisitively.

Far outside the study of the Mysterious Tower, stars like the ones that had looked down on Aqua, Terra, and Ventus, winked and flashed. Three of the brightest, which stood together, seemed to waver in the sky, but continued twinkling, unaware of the shadow that loomed over them all.

...

The sunlight which streamed through the stained glass window of the Throne Room served as the only illumination of the room for its five occupants, spreading the multi-colored light across their faces and the walls.

Aqua and Terra stood together at attention before the three high-backed chairs at the end of the room, eyes straight ahead. The tension was almost a palpable presence in the air. One of the two who occupied the chairs stood up, and turned his gaze onto Aqua and Terra.

The other remained seated, regarding the proceedings with glowing orange eyes. Ven, who watched from the side of the room, couldn't help but stare at the stranger, who was a tanned, bald man with a gray goatee. The man, almost as though sensing Ven's gaze, caught his eye and gave him an odd smirk. Ven looked away hurriedly, focusing instead on his Master, who stood before his friends. Eraqus was tall, and wore armor under a large, white coat. He surveyed his three students with a critical brown eye, his tan face marred with jagged scars.

Master Eraqus began when he knew that he had all three of his pupils' attention, addressing Terra and Aqua solemnly. "Today you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one, but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates… but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy—not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither." He paused for the smallest of seconds, and some unrecognizable emotion flitted briefly in his eyes.

"But I am sure our guest, Master Xehanort, did not travel all this way to see our youngest prospects in years fall short of the Mark." Here Master Eraqus turned to the guest he had mentioned, and inclined his head respectfully. Xehanort nodded soberly, but his eyes did not leave their examination of Aqua and Terra.

Eraqus locked eyes with Aqua and Terra in turn. "I trust you are ready."

With one voice, the two replied.

"Yes."

Eraqus did not look surprised, and only dipped his head shortly in reply. "Then let the examination begin."

The master raised his hand, summoning his gray Keyblade, Master Keeper, and, with a flash of light, caused floating balls of light to appear. His Keyblade fell back into nothingness even as Aqua and Terra summoned their own. The two settled into their stances, preparing to fight.

Behind Master Eraqus, the still-seated Master Xehanort worked some magic of his own. Unnoticed by the three apprentices or their master, he flexed his fingers subtly, casting a spell on the balls of light. Each of the spheres immediately began to glow with a darker, ominous aura, and their previous calm movements were replaced by aggressive jerking.

Aqua, Terra, and Eraqus seemed surprised at the sudden change, but the two apprentices did not sense anything overly amiss and rushed forward as one, slashing at the spheres.

One of the balls floated over to where Ven stood at the wall as he watched his two friends nervously.

Aqua and Terra noticed the erratic sphere, and shouted a warning together. "Ven!"

But Ven was not unprepared and called for his own Keyblade, the short, sleek Wayward Wind, twirling his weapon expertly before jumping forward and slashing. The ball dissipated in a spray of white matter.

"Don't worry about me." Ven replied, grinning. "You two focus on the exam."

Aqua was unsatisfied with his response. "But Ven, you're in danger here. Go wait in your room." She and Terra were back to back then, keeping the balls at bay, and Aqua shot a worried glance towards her younger friend.

Ven shook his head adamantly. "No way! I've been looking forward to this—seeing you two become Masters. I'm not gonna miss it now!"

Aqua opened her mouth to argue, but Terra stopped her with a calm retort, "He can take care of himself," even as he dodged one of the spheres. "He's been out there training just as hard as us."

"Yeah!" Ven agreed, though his eyes stayed on a few more rogue balls as they jerkily floated closer to him.

Aqua's shoulders slumped, and she sighed softly. "Just stay sharp, Ven."

Terra's POV

I gripped my Keyblade's hilt, glowering at two of the glowing balls. Rushing forward, I slashed one into nothingness, quickly bringing Earthshaker back up to strike the other, only to see that it had drifted out of my reach. Scowling, I prepared to chase it, but was hindered when another two wandered over. The rogue ball was floating towards Aqua, who was occupied with some of her own. With a burst of flames, one of her opponents exploded and she knocked another back with a short slice. She was faring well against those in front of her, but had neglected to guard her back, and the one I had been chasing was sneaking up on her.

I had no idea if helping her was even allowed during the test, whether it would give me points or would add to my blunders, but I was not going to let her get hurt when I could do something about it. "Aqua, behind you!"

She turned quickly, reacting instinctively to my warning, and jumped backwards just in time to avoid its attack. She sliced back easily, dissipating it.

"Thanks," Aqua called back, smiling gratefully at me.

"No—" I was engaged with other enemies at that point, slashing and decimating two, "—problem." I grunted as I jumped over a particularly bold one, avoiding its strike. I scowled as I glanced around the room quickly, noticing how many were still left to defeat. Master Eraqus was still standing, hands folded behind his back, completely unconcerned as he examined the three of us, brows low over his eyes. I was surprised that he had not protested to Ven helping me and Aqua defeat the group, but maybe he had meant for them to attack Ven too.

I slammed an orb into the ground, hard, and it exploded. My eyes flicked over to Ven momentarily as he held his own against three. Ven had a very agile fighting style, jumping all over the place to dodge attacks and slash as he jumped. He was fine without help. But I had already known that. I had meant what I said to Aqua; Ven was working just as hard as we were. He may have been training for less time than me and Aqua had, but he was very skilled with his Keyblade and he was just as determined as me and Aqua to excel.

None of the spheres were directly attacking me, and I caught sight of a group of them floating by a pillar. I rushed towards them, raising Earthshaker and decimating three of them before they attacked. The other two jerked forward to knock me off balance, and I jumped to the side, bringing one into a painful union with my Keyblade as I did so, and swiped at the last one. It disappeared, and I spun quickly on my heel, scanning the room for any other enemies. But the room was empty of the orbs, and Aqua and Ven were lowering their Keyblades warily. I straightened up, and glanced to Master Eraqus.

He nodded at me, and I jogged back up to the dais where my master stood. Aqua appeared beside me a moment later. She barely even seemed tired, and her Keyblade, like mine, was still in her hand. I saw Ven run back to his previous spot off to the side out of the corner of my eye.

"That was unexpected…" Master Eraqus began when we were all in place. "But one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. Magic can sometimes be unpredictable, as you well know. It was an unforeseen complication to the test, one I chose to let unfold." He didn't look too disconcerted by the way the orbs had changed.

I felt Master Eraqus' gaze turn to me. "And that brings us to your next trial."

I knew what it was. I knew what to do, and tightened my grip on my Keyblade. Master gestured for us to get into places.

"Now, Terra and Aqua, you two will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners—only truths, for when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed."

I brought the point of my blade up to readiness, and across from me, Aqua strode to her position, her Keyblade at her side. Her face was set, grim and determined, and a hard light was in her eyes.

I had known Aqua for several years by then. I had sparred her countless times and trained with her through varied trials. She was a difficult opponent, light and agile in contrast to my more straightforward style, and very reliant on magic, much more than Ven or I. I had a longer reach, and stronger attacks. I knew I could beat her.

It wasn't necessary for me to win. I just had to show Master Eraqus and Master Xehanort how I performed. I didn't have to win.

I was ready for the order before Master gave it.

"Begin!"

Aqua and I ran at each other, slicing with the same motion, and our Keyblades locked together briefly before she jumped back. She evidently expected me to retaliate immediately, which was my usual response.

However, I knew she would be expecting that, so I waited a millisecond to throw an overhead strike, which she deflected, and then spun and slashed at my side. I blocked and retaliated, following up with several, quick strikes where I knew her block was slow. I kept up the offensive, and she backed up, not even attempting to parry my hits. She flipped back over some of my strikes, and ducked under others. I was driving her back towards the wall, and a momentary rush of exhilaration filled my veins. I was beating her.

Just when I was getting into my rhythm, slicing with measured blows, she attacked. I barely missed her strike by jumping back, and felt Rainfell as it whipped by, inches from my arm. I slashed again, and ducked under her repeated attack. I found myself focusing as the fight truly began, the knowledge that Master Eraqus and Master Xehanort watched my every move falling into the back of my mind.

Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, her Keyblade was in front of my face.

I leaned as far back as I could, and felt momentary fear flash in my chest. Her attack was so sudden and fierce, completely unlike her usual style that I was taken completely by surprise.

Fear? An unbidden voice in the back of my mind piped up. Fear is weakness. It is the emotion of the weak. You must rid yourself of it.

I had no idea where the voice came from, but anger coursed through my veins regardless. That was right. There was no place for fear in my heart.

Then, I frowned. Wait, why am I angry? This is just a test. She took me by surprise. So what?

I had lost track of the battle for a second. Aqua was farther away than I had thought, and I was snapped back into the moment as she ran forward with a cry.

My rational, second response was drowned out as a hot rage rose within me.

As she drew closer, I raised my Keyblade. I was not going to let her win. The resolution strengthened me, steeled my veins, and I tensed for my next move.

But my sharpening focus was disrupted when I saw something flicker in the corner of my gaze. I cast a quick glace downward, at my left hand, the hand which had somehow contrived to get cloaked in darkness that sprung from my palm like fire. My darkness. My rage, in magic form.

A flash of surprise rushed dissolved my anger, and I shook my head mentally. This was wrong. Darkness is bad—I don't want it.

Or do you? The voice was back. It slithered like a snake from the back of my mind, sounding perfectly logical.

No, I don't. Master Eraqus had always taught that darkness is evil and must be suppressed.

Do you always listen to Master Eraqus? The voice had taken on a mocking tone. Is he always right? You're able to form your own opinion, aren't you?

I couldn't do that right now. The immediate indignant response that told me that I did have my own opinion, reminded me of all the times Master Eraqus had shut me down, told me what to do, was quickly silenced. I couldn't do that then. Not in the middle of the Mark. Not when so much was at stake.

I was going to become a Master.

I shut my anger out. I slammed the door on my rage. The darkness that flickered on my hand disappeared. I brought my Keyblade up and blocked her attack, then countered with my own.

And so the battle continued. Strike then block, attack then parry, hit then retaliate.

I lost my sense of time, my sense of space. It was just me and Aqua. Battling it out alone.

The only thing that mattered was striking.

Not getting hit.

Beating Aqua.

I had to show Master that I was worthy of the Mark of Mastery.

I had to beat Aqua.

It became my mantra as the eternal battle raged on, until we sparred to a standstill, no idea of how long it had lasted, but too tired to continue. Our Keyblades were locked together, as were our eyes. Aqua had sweat beading her brow, and her mouth was open as she panted. Her familiar, bright eyes were still fierce as they gazed into mine, but they held no real animosity.

"Enough."

I broke my gaze and the standoff as Aqua did, and we returned to Master Eraqus, who now stood in front of Master Xehanort. My arms ached, and it took all of my strength to stand at attention. He gave no indication about how we'd done.

"Time for the next trial."

I exchanged a look with Aqua, panting. I was going to become a Master. This was nothing. I was going to finish this.

I was going to become a Master.

Finally, the eternal test reached an end. Master gave Aqua and I several moments to rest as he and Master Xehanort spoke together, and Ven came over to us, grinning, whispering excitedly about how cool our techniques had been and how he knew we'd both passed.

"We have deliberated and reached a decision." Master said, and I felt excitement override my exhaustion. Aqua and I moved back in front of the dais where Master Eraqus and Master Xehanort sat. I was aware of Ven standing nervously off to the side.

This was it.

"Terra, Aqua, you both performed commendably." I felt Master's gaze on me.

I suppressed a grin. I sure hoped we had, after all that work, after our battle. We were pretty easily matched.

Too late, I thought there might have been a note of sadness in his voice.

Master Eraqus' next words were a blur.

I saw his lips move, and heard the words, but they didn't make sense. The words just rattled around in my skull blankly, leaving little meaning behind.

"However, only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery."

Only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery.

Only Aqua.

The words chased themselves around my brain. I was struck dumb, those fateful words echoing endlessly between my ears. Only Aqua.

Only Aqua.

My brain finally caught up with what was going on.

Only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery. My head rang as though I had received a blow to my skull.

No.

No.

No! I silently repeated my denial.

It couldn't be. This wasn't allowed.

We were going to be Masters together.

I heard Aqua gasp, and felt her surprise numbly penetrate my disbelief. My head spun.

Master Eraqus was still speaking.

"Terra, you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check."

Just because of my darkness? That one moment during our duel, when my anger had risen up? I lost, just because of it?

"But there is always next time. That is all."

No, no, no, no, please no. The words repeated over and over again in my brain. Please, no, it's not supposed to be like this!

This couldn't be happening.

It couldn't.

I barely heard master Eraqus' next words. What did they mean anyway, if I wasn't a Master? "Aqua, as our newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge."

Certain knowledge, I mocked, repeating them to myself in my head.

Yeah, because I wasn't good enough. Because my darkness wasn't "sufficiently in check".

Only Aqua.

"Please wait here for further instruction." Master Eraqus ended the test with those words, and walked off, Master Xehanort behind him.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Aqua turned to me. I barely noticed. My eyes were still fixed on the ground. The sunlight from the window reflected off the polished wood floor, a myriad of colors glowing like stars. Like the stars which had glimmered in the dark sky the night before.

"Hey…" Aqua reached out with her hand, hesitant. Maybe it was to try and reassure me, console me, I didn't know. I didn't particularly care either.

I heard Ven's rapid, soft footfalls as he ran over.

"Terra, I'm sorry." I heard genuine regret in his voice.

I saw Aqua nod fervently in my peripheral, and her hand dropped down. Her wide, ocean blue eyes were trained on my face. I supposed that she was trying to gauge my mood.

I thought that maybe, I should congratulate her. But a wave of contempt and frustration was rising in my veins, and I ignored both of my friend's words.

I was still stuck on one point.

"That darkness…" I was barely aware that I spoke out loud. "Why did it appear?"

Why was Master Eraqus so hung up on darkness? Why, why did it have to stumble me today, of all days? Why couldn't it just stay dormant like it usually did?

Aqua and Ven had no answer. They stood in silent shock as the footsteps of Master Eraqus and Xehanort faded into silence.

I blinked, and swallowed.

"Sorry… but I need some time alone." The words felt like weights as they left my lips and hung in the air, ringing with finality and throwing up a barrier to protect me from their pity.

I turned and, not glancing up once, strode away from my two best friends, who I knew both wore the same shocked and hurt expression.

...

Xehanort left Eraqus soon after they departed from the main hall, giving a brief apology and some fake excuses that he wanted to see the grounds. Eraqus let him, too wrapped up in his own thoughts to care, practically dripping with conflicted emotion. It was with difficulty that Xehanort repressed a pleased smile. Deep satisfaction and triumph rose in his veins as he mused over the events of the day.

Everything was going exactly to plan.

Xehanort waited until Eraqus had disappeared into his study, and made sure that none of the three apprentices—two apprentices and new Master, he reminded himself, the urge to smile growing—were heading down the stairs, before moving towards the doors. He strode through the white marble hall, steps quiet and sure through the hush of solitude.

He stopped in the middle of the atrium, beside a bright column, right next to where a solitary figure dressed all in black and red stood. The stranger wore a domed mask which obscured his face, and he lounged against the wall casually.

"What do you think of Ventus?" Xehanort asked, nonchalant, as though he weren't talking to a blatant intruder.

"He ain't gonna cut it," was the boy's short reply. He took his mask off and looked Xehanort in the eye. "Somebody's gotta break that loser in."

Xehanort's golden eyes flashed and his voice contained a note of warning as he replied. "Not here, you won't. I have to keep up appearances. Control yourself."

"I know that." Vanitas responded, disdainful. He turned to follow Xehanort, sliding his domed mask back on, but not before his lips turned in an eager smile. "He just needs a little incentive to leave home."

The two continued walking down the stairs, together, silently leaving the wide entrance hall, unaware of the stunned apprentice who followed their steps moments later.

...

Terra's POV

I sat on the steps leading to the sunny grounds of the Land of Departure. My jaw was clenched and my hands curled into tight fists. My head hurt, and I tried to avoid thinking.

It didn't work, and I inevitably returned to my failure. I had fallen short of the Mark.

My darkness had risen up within me and ruined my chances of making it. I could still feel it, burning under my skin, swirling around in my lungs and lurking in the back of my mind.

So what? It doesn't matter. I wanted to believe the reassurances which tried to ease the guilt and shame pounding in my ears. I know I'm strong enough to hold it back. I'm strong enough to keep it under control.

"Yes…" My musings were interrupted by a soft, knowledgeable voice that sounded from behind me, and I jumped. I spun on the spot, and saw that Master Xehanort stood at the top of the stairs, gloved hands behind his back. "You are indeed strong."

I opened my mouth to ask him how he knew what I was thinking, but he continued with no heed to my confusion.

"The darkness is nothing to fear." As surprised and downtrodden as I felt, his words sparked something in my chest.

"Master Xehanort…?" I tried to speak, to ask him how he knew that, how he knew that that was what I needed to hear.

"And yet…" Master Xehanort kept talking, as though unaware of my words. "How frustrating that Eraqus refutes its power. Why, you could train with him forever and still…" He began walking down the alabaster steps, slowly but surely.

"…You'd never be a Master in his eyes." His last words seemed to release something in my chest and throat, and I jerked forward, rising to my feet. Frustration, longing, and confusion battled for dominance in my head.

"But why? Help me understand, Master Xehanort. What is it that I failed to learn?" I couldn't contain my thoughts any longer. They poured out from my mouth, spilling from my spinning head.

I hung my head, suddenly shamefaced.

I had been training with Master Eraqus for years, longer than Ven, more fervently than Aqua, but still, had I not learned anything? Was I still that impatient, easily angered kid that my Master had found so many years ago? Why couldn't I control my anger, meet Master's expectations? Was this rogue darkness inside of me truly as horrible as Master made it out to be? Was I less powerful, less… trustworthy because of this one part of me that I couldn't control?

"You are fine as you are." My eyes widened at Master Xehanort's response.

Fine? As I am? Then why—why—did Master Eraqus refuse me the Mastership?

"The darkness that you hold within you cannot be destroyed. It can only be channeled. That does not make you wounded, or less able to be the Master you desire to be. You still have strength inside you." Master Xehanort's voice rang with finality, and I got the feeling that that was all he would tell me.

I was still confused, but stood straight at attention and said, "Yes. Thank you, Master."

I bowed slightly in his direction. He inclined his head in return. I watched him continue walking down the steps, hands clasped behind his back. My mind still struggled to understand what he had said. The darkness could only be channeled? What did that mean? How was that supposed to work? Master Eraqus always taught that darkness was meant to be overcome, struck down, no matter the cost. What did Master Xehanort mean—could the darkness be used?—and, more importantly, what did he mean when he said that I… I would never achieve Mastership under Eraqus' tutelage? Would I forever fail the Mark?

I shook my head, frustrated and still disconcerted by the day's events. I needed time to figure this out. I needed time, alone, to come to terms with what had happened during the Mark. Master Eraqus' words still rung in my ears, and it took all of my self-control to not take off to the training ground and take my frustration out on the practice dummies.

I was about to move away, head to my room so I could think without distractions, but the bell began tolling. Once, twice, five times the bell rang ominously across the grounds, and I froze.

I looked around in confusion, and then felt fear twist my insides into knots. The call? Why now? I turned and bolted up the stairs, heading back to the Great Room.

Aqua was already standing before the dais when I made it to the room.

"What… happened?" I asked her, panting, and her eyes flitted from me to behind the thrones, where I saw Master Eraqus. He was bending over the transmission jewel, and I vaguely heard talking.

"I don't know." Aqua replied, and the furrow between her brows deepened as she looked around the room. "Why isn't Ven here?"

I heard Master Eraqus saying, "Very well then. I will send my pupils to investigate." There was a pause, then, "Yes. I understand. Farewell."

Aqua and I stood straighter as Master turned around and walked up to us. He looked grave.

"That was my dear old friend Yen Sid. As you know, he is Master no more… but he still keeps a close eye on the tides of light and darkness. His counsel serves as signposts on the road we Keywielders must walk. And all the more reason for concern—he tells me that the Princesses of Heart are in danger."

Master Eraqus paused briefly before continuing, and I wondered why he hadn't said anything about the absence of Ven, who was still nowhere to be seen. "And not only from the forces of darkness, as you may assume… but from a new threat, one that feeds on negativity. Fledgling emotions that have taken monster form—Yen Sid calls them the 'Unversed'." I sucked in a terse breath, and felt Aqua tense beside me. Things were moving too fast. My mind couldn't keep up. A new threat?

Master locked solemn, inscrutable eyes with me and Aqua, then continued. "As Bearers of the Keyblade, you are tasked with striking down any who would upset the balance of light and darkness. The Unversed are no exception. I tried to pass this news on to Master Xehanort, but my attempt to reach him failed, which is quite unusual." My eyes narrowed, and I felt my veins fill with ice. I had just seen Master Xehanort, only a couple minutes before. Foreboding rose in the back of my mind.

"I doubt there is any connection, and yet… this all troubles me." Master continued.

I spoke up, mind lingering on one point. "Master Xehanort is gone?"

It was a long time before Master replied, and when he did, it wasn't in answer to my question.

"So, here we are. I need you two to get this situation under control. Eliminate the Unversed, and find Master Xehanort. I have unlocked the Lanes Between. You may use these forbidden pathways to travel between this world and countless others."

Master paused, and I swallowed. He seemed unsure as to whether to continue. When he did, I got the impression that he had wanted to say something else. "The darkness looms closer than usual in those pathways, but your armor will protect you. Lastly, remember that order must be kept. You cannot tell anyone there are other worlds." Master hesitated for the slightest second, and it looked like he was going to say more, but shook his head with the smallest of movements and finished.

"Now go, and fulfill your duty."

I ignored the confusion still lurking in the back of my mind, and answered together with Aqua, bowing, "Yes, Master."

I dropped my eyes to the floor and turned to leave. There was no time to waste. We had to stop these "Unversed" and find Master Xehanort. Everything was moving incredibly fast, but I wasn't too concerned. Bewildered, yes. Concerned, no. At least, not yet.

Master Eraqus stopped me with one word. "Terra."

I spun back around.

"Consider this an opportunity." He said, and his eyes bored into mine. "A second chance for you to change my mind."

"What?" A mixture of emotions flashed through me. Hope, confusion, apprehension all whirled together, and I released a jagged breath.

A second chance for you to change my mind.

He descended the stairs and came to a stop right in front of me. I detected a hint of regret in his voice and eyes.

"You must know, Terra, I care for you like my own son. If I could have my way, I would name you Master in a second. But how can I, when you are so obsessed with power?"

I bit back the retort that rose to my tongue. I was reassured and comforted by his words, but taken aback by his last accusation. Me? Obsessed with power?

"Terra," Master's voice lowered, and his eyes pierced me. I could feel his conviction. He placed a hand on my shoulder, "You mustn't be afraid of losing." His eyes beseeched me, and I detected no hint of contempt in his gaze. "Fear leads to obsession with power, and obsession beckons the darkness."

He squeezed my shoulder, once.

"You must never forget."

Master's hand dropped from my shoulder, and he stepped back. I bowed low, feeling shame for my thought that Master had somehow been keeping the Mark from me for a small reason. I knew that he had had bad encounters with darkness before, ones which had given him the scars which crossed his face and arms. I knew that I could not fail him. Not Master, who had taken me in and taught me so much, worked with me through the years.

"Thank you, Master. I swear… I will not fail you again."

I turned my back on him and Aqua, and walked out, gripped with the determination to not mess up this time.

I swear.

I will not fail you, or Ven, or Aqua. Not again.

I had made it to the middle of the large field in front of the castle before I was stopped.

"Terra!" I stopped and turned, and saw Ven racing down the stairs towards me.

He slowed to a stop in front of me, and leaned forward onto his knees, panting for breath. Had he run all the way from the dorms? And why hadn't he come when the bell tolled?

"I—I…" He began, looking up at me, and I thought I saw a hint of something—was that fear?—in his eyes.

I stopped him before he could finish his sentence. I placed my hand on his sandy blonde head and ruffled his hair the way he hated, and said, "It's okay, Ven." I'm okay. Mostly. I figured that he was probably still thinking of my sudden departure from the Great Room earlier, and whether I was angry about not making the Mark. Maybe I was, but I had been thrown a lifeline, given a second chance. I wasn't going to mess this up. "Aqua and I have a job to do. I'll be back soon."

I smiled at him, but Ven looked sad and he bit his lip. I nodded at him, and turned. There was a sudden eagerness in my veins, a burning need to go, find Master Xehanort as soon as possible. Then I could come back, and prove to Master that I was worthy of the Mark. Aqua would tell Ven where she and I were going.

I was a few steps away from him before I stopped, then I raised my hand, clenching it into a fist before slamming it into my shoulder guard. It activated the rest of my armor with a flash of light, cloaking me and Ven in a bright light.

When the glow died, I was fully equipped in my red and gold armor. The comfortable weight of Earthshaker was once again in my hand, and I looked at the normally bright colors through the dark tint of my helmet. I raised my Keyblade and summoned a portal. Light gathered at the end of my weapon and then shot into the sky, where it expanded into a blue-black portal that crackled with electricity. I'd cast a portal into the Lanes Between several times before that day, but I'd never gone in, and excitement rose inside me alongside the determination that steeled my veins.

I tossed Earthshaker into the air, spinning, and it changed in a flash of red light into my Keyblade Glider, which fell and stopped in front of me. I jumped onto the seat, and turned it up, facing the sky, and fired the magic thrusters. I started forward, making one loop around Ven, who was watching in awe, before flying straight up. I shot into the sizzling portal and into the Lanes Between, leaving behind Ven, Aqua, Master Eraqus, and going forward towards a new world.

Another chance.

AN: Whew! Well, first off, I'll tell you that this chapter is like a thousand words longer than the average chapter-or at least, in what I've written so far. The rest will be a bit shorter, with some exceptions. Hopefully.
ALSO! The rest of the chapters will not be choppy with POV's like this. Trust me. I just wanted to give as much info as possible, and, along with some other reasons which I will address below, decided that third person worked best for them. But after this, it's almost exclusively Terra's POV.
And, I do have to tell you, this is not necessarily my best writing. I'm more satisfied with a couple of the later chapters, so, if you liked this even a little bit, please continue. It gets better. Maybe.

Basically, this is a complete novelization of KHBBS, and basically everything I will write comes straight from the cutscenes. There will be certain things I add in/take out, but on the whole, the story and characters remain the same. And since I am adding one or two things, and trying to put myself in Terra's head, there is a totally possible chance that I will mess up or make characters OOC on accident. If anything feels off to you, or if I've missed something, or anything, feel free to let me know.

(Told you this AN would ramble.) My goals for this novelization is, right now, to finish Terra's story, however long that takes me. As for writing Ven and Aqua's side, I am not opposed to doing so, but that depends on A) what my life is like when I finish TDWI and B) what you all think. If enough people are interested in seeing the rest of the story done, I can finish it. It will probably take a while, but I'm not averse to trying. (side note: If I do write the rest, I'll do Ven's POV, and then Aqua's. [the order it is suggested you play their stories in]) And this is another reason why I did a good portion of the beginning in third person-I don't necessarily want to have to re-write that three times over if I did end up writing all three novelizations.

If you liked it, you can give a huge round of applause to Seabit, who is my lovely, amazing, patient, kind beta-reader! go shower her with reviews, because her writing sure deserves it! I have tweaked this extensively since we went over it, so any and all further mess-ups are mine and mine alone.

All that to say, thanks for reading. Hope your day is awesome, and hope you enjoyed!

unnecessary disclaimer: Well, I'm pretty sure that I don't own Kingdom Hearts. If I did, KH3 would already be out.

Fav's and follows are appreciated, reviews even more so!

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