Kingdom Hearts: Starlit (K)night
An OC fanfic about a fourth member of the Birth by Sleep team. I've never done a female OC before so ladies please don't get offended by what this ignorant boy writes. Thankfully this story most likely won't have anything that might, either way I'll try to avoid situations where I might make wrong assumptions.
Beginning and Departure
My heart was once empty, save for the darkness
I sought out something to fill the void and found light in the hearts of others
They shared their light with me, light that became stars in my own heart
This is a story about the ones who shine brightest in my starlit night heart
On a beach in a small world, a dark figure carried a boy wrapped in a sheet. The figure laid the boy on a tree that had grown into a bent shape.
"There, you see? An empty world, like a prison." The figure spoke, revealing him to be that of an old man, "I imagine you'll be right at home."
The boy did not respond, nor did he move. He was barley aware of the old man's presence. He was barely aware of his own being. As the old man watched over the boy a dark portal appeared behind him. The old man turned to see what manner of being had come to this closed off world.
A young girl barely older than the boy lying on the bent tree stepped out of the darkness. She had long red hair that reached her waist and was tied in the back by a ribbon with two silver bells. She wore a red shirt and black shorts and had a red cloth around her waist tied on her left side as well as a black scarf wrapped around neck.
She stared at the boy, the sheet covering most of his features.
"Who are you, child, what brings you here?" the old man questioned.
"I sensed a broken heart, is it him?" the girl gestured toward the boy.
"Yes I tried to strengthen his light by extracting his darkness, but I failed and he paid the price." The old man said his motions and gestures seeming to indicate sorrow and remorse.
The girl stepped to the boy and moved him so that he now faced upward.
"If a heart is willing, I may be able to help save him." She placed her hands over the boy's heart and closed her eyes to concentrate. The old man watching, interested in what the girl would do.
"Hey, where am I?"
"Who's there?"
A light shined within the darkness. The boy fell through, falling as if he were gliding through water. He opened his eyes and landed on his feet on a broken circle of light.
The girl appeared next to him. Their eyes met. She turned to look above them with the boy following suit.
"I'm a brand new heart."
"But this is— why are you in my heart?" the boy asked to both the voice and the girl.
"The light brought us." The girl answered.
"I saw it shining in the distance… and followed it here."
"Yeah. That was my light. But my heart is fractured. And now… the little I have left is slipping away."
"Will you help Him?" the girl asked the voice.
"Yes" the voice answered, "you should join your heart with mine."
"Huh?"
The missing piece of the boy's heart was filled, his heart was now whole.
"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.
"Right. Thanks."
"It's time to wake up now."The girl said before disappearing.
"All we need to do is…"
"Open the door."
The old man paced as his waited for the girl to finish what she was attempting.
The girl opened her eyes and stepped away from the boys. The old man took notice of this and approached her.
"Were you successful?" he questioned
"Watch" she simply answered.
The old man turned to the see the boy lift up his arm. A large key appeared in his hand.
"Ah, a keyblade." The old man said.
The keyblade shined with light and shot a stream of light into the sky. The boy opened his eyes to see the sparkles of light his keyblade had made.
My name is Innis. I am fifteen and a traveler of the worlds. My hobby is drawing pictures of the places I've been to. I've met many people and made many friends. I've drawn pictures of them as well. Though I have a powerful darkness inside me, my heart and will are strong so it hasn't corrupted me.
Recently I helped a boy about my own age whose heart was almost shattered. His name is Ventus, I think I'll call him Ven. The man who did it to him is called Xehanort, a keyblade master. Master Xehanort seems very sad at having hurt Ventus even though I was able to help save him. He said he would take Ven to an old friend of his who would look after him. He probably thinks he'll only hurt Ven more if he stays. I'll go along too so I can look after Ven until he fully recovers.
Xehanort, Ventus and Innis came to the Land of Departure, a world the lies between light and darkness. They walked through the large front doors of the castle the stood in front them.
A man with scars on his face greeted Xehanort, his name was Eraqus. Xehanort followed him up the stairs with Innis following suit. Ventus however stayed behind.
"Welcome Xehanort, are those two children your apprentices?" Eraqus spoke.
"The boy, Ventus, is indeed my apprentice but the girl, Innis is a recent acquaintance who helped Ventus after a tragic accident." Xehanort said.
"Accident?" Eraqus asked.
"Yes, one of my making," Xehanort said with remorse, "It has left him weak and without memory."
"Master Xehanort," Innis spoke up, "I sense Ventus needs us, please come quickly."
The three returned to find Ventus on his knees screaming and holding his head in pain. Eraqus's two apprentices, tall boy and a blue haired girl, were standing over him panicking.
"What did you do?" Eraqus demanded.
"Nothing, I…" the tall boy said. Xehanort and Innis rushed to Ventus's side. "I only asked him some things."
"Ventus cannot tell you anything," Eraqus revealed, said boy having lost consciousness, "because he cannot remember anything."
Innis placed her hands over Ventus's heart. She used her power to examine his heart for any damage.
"He has fallen into a deep sleep," Innis said, "His heart isn't in any danger, but I don't when he'll awaken again."
"For now let's move him to one of the spare bedrooms," Eraqus said, "We will have to wait and see if he recovers."
They moved Ventus into a bedroom located in a hallway in the east wing of the castle. Innis checked Ventus's heart once more before agreeing that they could only wait.
"Eraqus, I wish to further discuss what I said earlier," Master Xehanort said.
"Yes, we have much to discuss," Eraqus agreed.
"Innis please come as well," Master Xehanort said, Eraqus nodded in agreement.
Innis looked between the two masters and Ventus, unsure if she should leave his side.
"Please go, we'll look after him while you're gone." The blue haired girl said.
Seeing the sincerity in the blue haired girl's and well as the tall boy's eyes, she nodded and complied, "Thank you". She followed Masters Eraqus and Xehanort out of the room to a place where they could have their discussion.
"Your name was Innis, was it not?" Eraqus asked, the girl nodded, "You have a large darkness within you. I noticed this while you were examining Ventus. Darkness is dangerous but you seem unaffected by it, please explain."
The girl fidgeted, unsure how to begin. "I come from a world steeped in darkness; many desired the light, including myself. I found a way into other worlds where I searched for the light. I found it in the hearts of the people I met and the friends I made. Each of these encounters became stars shining within my own heart, because of them I no longer fear the darkness overtaking me."
"I see," Master Xehanort said, "You found a balance of light and darkness. It is unique but it works well for you" the old master turned to his old friend, "Eraqus, why not make her your apprentice, she shows promise. I would do so myself, but I fear I am no longer fit to teach."
"You have reflected on your mistake already Xehanort," Eraqus consoled, "There are still things you can teach. That aside, you are right she does show promise, her darkness is strong but it has no hold on her, one would think it is not even there. Innis there is much you can learn here, will you become my apprentice and submit to my teachings?"
Innis considered the offer, she had intended to only stay until Ventus had fully recovered but her heart told she should accept. "I accept your offer," she bowed, "I hope I can learn a lot from you Master Eraqus."
"I would also like for you to watch over Ventus," Master Xehanort said, "I can no longer bear to see him, I feel my presence will only hinder his recovery."
"I understand Xehanort," Eraqus said, "I hope one day you be able forgive yourself."
"Only time will tell, old friend."
Xehanort left the Land of Departure soon after, while Innis started her training under Master Eraqus, tending to Ven in her spare time. Ven eventually woke up and started training alongside Innis, the tall boy Terra and the blue haired girl Aqua.
Innis had learned to call her own keyblade, a unique one that could split into two for dual-wielding. She learned everything so fast she even became a keyblade master the others. Terra, Aqua, Ven and Innis had become close friends before that and were happy their friend had achieved so much since coming here. Terra and Aqua weren't far behind; they too would soon take the mark of mastery exam.
Innis lay in her bed hardly able to sleep. Her two friends were taking the exam tomorrow and excited to see them become masters like her. Also, Master Eraqus had told her, she would be assisting him in examining Terra and Aqua along with Master Xehanort, who would arrive tomorrow; it would be a learning experience for her as a keyblade master. She wanted to let them pass, but she knew she couldn't go easy on them.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a door open in the next room. 'Ven! What could he be doing out this late?' She glanced out her window. 'Meteor shower, huh? Typical Ventus'.
She got out of bed and left her room, intending to follow her friend. She stopped when she saw someone else had noticed Ven was out of bed.
"Aqua," Innis said, grabbing said friend's attention. "You heard him running outside?"
"Yeah, what could he be doing out this late?" Aqua wondered.
"Seems there's a meteor shower tonight."
"That is so like Ven, wanna go and surprise him?" Aqua asked.
Innis nodded, she enjoyed teasing her young friend. The two female keyblade wielders left to follow Ventus. They arrived to see him practicing on the hanging rings before heading up to the summit.
"What is he doing?" Innis asked incredulously.
"Practicing," Aqua answered, "not all of us are genius keyblade wielders." She gave her red-headed friend a pointed look.
"Nah, he's just been spending too much time with Terra." Said red-head responded.
"Maybe, so" Aqua conceded. The two continued on up to the summit where they saw their friend lying on the ground asleep. They walk up to him as he wakes and sits up.
Innis puts one finger over her lips to tell Aqua to be quiet and motions her to move up behind Ven. They get into position so that when Ventus lies back down he sees his two female friends staring down at him.
"Whoa!" Ven exclaims, the two girls laugh, "give me a break you two."
"Ven, you hopeless sleepyhead," Innis chides.
"You know you should at least brought a blanket," Aqua says.
"But…did I dream that place up?" Ventus says, the other two only staring in confusing, "It really felt like I'd been there before…looking up at the stars."
'Is he remembering about before?' Innis worried, 'for some reason, it feels like it'd be bad is he remembered anything.'
Aqua pats Ven's head and says, "Except you always lived here with us."
"Yeah, I know," Ven said, Innis discreetly breathing a sigh of relief.
They walked over to the edge of the summit and sat down. They gazed at the sky, marveling at the vast stars that lit up the night.
"Hey Aqua, Innis," Ven said grabbing their attention. "You ever wonder what stars are; where light comes from?"
The two looked at each other before Aqua answered their friend. "Hmm…well, they say…"
"That every star up there is another world." A voice interrupted from behind them.
"Terra," Aqua said, seeing the tallest on their group.
"Yep, hard to believe there are so many worlds out there besides our own." Terra continued, "The light is their hearts, and it's shining down on us like a million lanterns."
"What? I don't get it." Ven said.
"In other words, they're just like you Ven." Terra replied.
"What does THAT mean?"
"You'll find out someday, I'm sure."
"I wanna know now."
"You're too young to know now."
"Quit treating me like a kid."
During the two boys' exchange, Innis whispered something into Aqua's ear. The two laughed.
"Hey what are you two laughing at?" Terra asked.
"We can't help it…you two would make the weirdest brothers…" Aqua answered between laughs.
"Huh?" the two guys answered intelligently, before all four began to laugh together.
They all sat down on the edge to watch the stars together. Aqua suddenly stood up.
"Oh yeah," Aqua exclaimed, "Terra, you and I have our Mark of Mastery exams tomorrow."
Aqua reached into her pocket to produce four objects. "I made us good luck charms." The charms were star shaped and each had its own color, an orange one, a blue one, a green one, and a red one.
She gave the orange one to Terra and tossed the green one to Ven. "I get one, too?" Ven asked in excitement.
"Of course, one for each of us," Aqua answered, tossing the red one to Innis and keeping the blue one for herself.
The four friends hold out their new charms close together to form a circle.
"Somewhere out there, there's this tree with star-shaped fruit... 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 explained. "Technically, I think you're supposed to make them with seashells, but I did the best I could with what I had."
'Star-shaped fruit? I think I've seen those somewhere.' Innis thought.
"Oy, sometimes you are such a girl." Terra teased.
"Hey what do you mean 'sometimes'?" Aqua retorted.
"So this isn't a real good luck charm?" Ven asked, a little depressed.
"Well, that's yet to be seen. But I did work a little magic on it."
"Really? What?" Ven asked, cheering up.
"An unbreakable connection." She replied.
They practiced and sparred a little before calling it a night.
"Trust me, you guys are ready. You're gonna clean up at the exam tomorrow." Ventus said with confidence.
"I hope it that easy," Terra said.
"It like the Master said. Power is born within the heart. When the time is right, you just need to look inside yourself… and you'll find it there." Aqua assured.
"You two will do fine," Innis added, "just don't expect me or the Master to go easy on you."
"That's right; you'll be helping the Master with the exam, Innis." Aqua said.
"Well I wouldn't have it any other way." Terra said. "Hey, I'm gonna head back."
"Yeah, me too," Ven said.
"Have to rest up for tomorrow," Innis added
They start walking back to castle. Aqua stops and looks at the sky holding her Wayfinder. "Together, always" she said before catching up with the others.
"'That would be the last night we ever spent beneath the same stars.'"
The next morning they gathered in the throne room, where Terra and Aqua stood before the three thrones. Ven stood off to the side to observe the exam. In the right most throne sat Master Xehanort, in the left most throne was the young keyblade master Innis, and the center throne was where Master Eraqus sat. Master Eraqus gets up and stands in front of Terra and Aqua.
"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. But I am sure our guest, Master Xehanort... did not travel all this way to see our young prospects fall short of the Mark. I trust you are ready."
"Yes," both Terra and Aqua said.
"The let the examination begin."
Master Eraqus lifts his keyblade and summons 5 orbs of light and Terra and Aqua ready themselves for a fight. The orbs than suddenly are surrounded by darkness and begin acting erratically. Innis alarmed at this begins to stand from her seat when a look from Master Eraqus stops her.
"Master Eraqus? Oh I see; anything can happen so you must be able to adapt. This will prove a better test than planned." Innis thought, she watched as Terra and Aqua charge in to attack the orbs. Suddenly on the orbs heads toward Ven. Innis, wondering whether she should interfere now, hesitates.
"Ven!" Terra and Aqua call out.
Ven summons his keyblade and disposes of it. "Don't worry about me. You two focus on the exam!"
"But Ven, You're in danger here," Aqua shouted, "Go wait in your room."
"No way! I've been looking forward to this… seeing you two become masters," Ven shouted back, "I'm not gonna miss it now!"
"He can take care of himself." Terra reassured, "he's been out there training just as hard as us."
They fought against the orbs and were able to destroy all of them. Terra and Aqua returned to stand in front of the three thrones while Ven returned to his place on the side. Master Eraqus once again stood before the two examinees.
"That was unexpected… but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. It was an excellent test, one I chose to let unfold, which brings us to your next trial."
Terra and Aqua move to the center of the room and face each other with their keyblades drawn.
"Now, Terra and Aqua, the two of you will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners… only truths. For when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed. Begin!"
Innis watched as the two begin to spar. Terra goes after Aqua with heavy hits, but she dodges every one. Aqua attacks and nearly hits Terra, but it misses. Innis then sees Terra's free hand become covered in darkness, worried, she sees him quickly suppresses it. Aqua and Terra continue their spar with no further incidents.
Master Eraqus calls an end to the trial and the three masters leave the room to determine the results of the exam.
"Innis, tell me what you saw from the hearts of Terra and Aqua during the exam."Eraqus said to his young pupil.
"During the first trial, they both performed well." Innis said uncertainly, "They showed adequate strength and skill as well as staying calm even during the unexpected incident."
"Yes and what of the second trial?" Master Eraqus questioned.
"Once again, they both showed their strength and skill. Aqua performed very well, however, Terra…" Innis trailed off.
"Yes?" Eraqus urged his student on.
"Terra, for a moment, allowed his darkness to surface." Innis continued.
"And where does this darkness come from?"
"He fears losing and desires power because of this fear that is where it comes from." Innis's heart grew heavy with every word. She felt she was somehow betraying her friend.
"Very good, Innis." Master Eraqus's praise was hollow. He too was saddened by the darkness in Terra.
They return to the throne room after finishing their discussion to stand in front of the two examinees. Eraqus spoke to his two students.
"We have deliberated and reached a decision. Terra, Aqua, you both performed commendably. However, only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery."
Aqua let out a small gasp.
"Terra, you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check. But, there is always next time. That is all. Aqua, as our newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge. Please wait here for further instruction."
Master Eraqus nodded to Innis, allowing her to talk with her friends before walking away with Master Xehanort.
"Hey." Aqua said.
Ven runs up to them, "Terra, I'm sorry."
"The darkness… where did it come from?" Terra asked to no one in particular. Innis remained silent still feeling guilty for her friend not passing.
"Uh" Aqua tried to say something.
"Sorry… but I need some time alone," Terra walks off.
Ven turns to Innis, "Innis, why couldn't Terra pass?"
"You saw it, too, Terra allowed his darkness to surface." Innis said.
"But…"
"I'm just as upset as you are, Ven"
Ven relented, "I'm gonna head to my room." He said and left.
Innis turned to her friend and now fellow keyblade master. "I'm sorry Aqua, we're all happy that you passed the exam, but…"
"It's ok, I also feel bad that Terra didn't become a master."
Master Eraqus returned to the hall.
"Aqua, I will now explain the duties and privileges given to keyblade masters as well as other information you are entitled to." Master Eraqus began.
"…and insomuch as you are now keyblade master, you must always be conscious of…" Bells begin to ring and a light begins to shine behind the three thrones. Innis and Aqua look around as if trying to find the source of the disturbance.
"What is that?" Master Eraqus said, almost to himself as he approached the light. Terra runs up next to Aqua and Innis.
"What happened?" He asked
"I don't know." Aqua replied.
"Why isn't Ven here?" Innis asked.
Meanwhile Master Eraqus had been speaking to the shimmering light. "Very well then, I will send my pupils to investigate." There is silence as he listens to an inaudible voice. "Yes, I understand. Farewell."
He approaches Terra, Aqua and Innis. "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 wielders of the keyblade must walk. All the more reason for concern… for he tells me the princesses of heart are in danger. Not only from the forces of darkness, as you may assume… but also from a new threat… one that feeds on negativity. Fledgling emotions that have taken monster form… Yen Sid calls them the 'Unversed.' As wielders 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 repeated attempts to reach him have failed. I doubt there is any connection, and yet… this all troubles me."
"Master Xehanort is gone?" Terra voiced.
"So here we are." Master Eraqus continued, "I have unlocked the Lanes Between. You may use these forbidden pathways to travel between this world and countless others. The darkness looms closer than usual within these spaces, but your armor will protect you. Lastly, remember that order must be kept. You cannot tell a anyone there are other worlds. Now go, and fulfill your duty."
"Yes, Master." Terra, Aqua and Innis all voiced. Terra turns to leave but…
"Terra," Master Eraqus calls, "consider this an opportunity, a second chance for you to change my mind."
"What?" Terra said confused.
"You must know I care for you like my own son. If I could have my way, I would name you master in second. Innis would do so as well." Innis nodded at the Master's words. He walks over to Terra. "But, how can we, when you are so obsessed with power? Terra, you mustn't be afraid of losing. Fear leads to obsession with power, and obsession beckons the darkness." The Master places his hand on Terra's shoulder. "You must never forget."
Terra lightly bows. "Thank you Master. I swear… I will not fail you again." Terra turns and leaves.
"Master, we'd best be on our way." Aqua says, the two turn to see Ven run by.
'Huh! Where's Ven going to in such a rush?' Innis thought.
"Wait, Aqua, Innis," the two stop. "Before you depart, I have one other… Well, call it a request of the upmost priority."
"Yes?" Aqua responded as she and Innis listened.
"I told Terra this could be a second chance to show the Mark of Mastery… and I meant it. However, that flicker of darkness he displayed during the examination… I sense it runs very deep. If he were to… if those powers were to prove too much for him to handle, I want you to bring him back to me at once. It's for his own good. I could not bear to lose any of you to the darkness."
"Of course, we would never let that happen." Aqua stated.
"Right, we promise you we will bring Terra back," Innis said.
"Only this time, you'll see he has what it takes to be a master." Aqua said with Innis firmly nodding. They turn to leave only for Aqua to stop. "He's not as weak as you think." She leaves with Innis giving one more nod to the Master before following.
They get to the front steps outside and see Ven run up to Terra. Terra hit the guard on his shoulder to summon his armor. He fires a beam of light from his keyblade into the sky to open a portal to the lanes between. He tosses his keyblade into the air where it transforms into his keyblade glider. He hops onto it and flies to the portal.
Ven suddenly summons his own armor and keyblade glider. Aqua and Innis are surprised and run to stop him.
"Wait Ven!"
"Stop!"
They are too late as Ven shoots up toward the portal. The Master comes running up next to them.
"No! He mustn't!" he exclaims. Ven continues on into the portal. "You have to bring him back!"
"Don't worry Master!"
They summon their armors and keyblade gliders and fly into the portal.
That's the first chapter, I feel it's rather long compared to what I'm used to. Next is the "Castle of Dreams", Cinderella's World.