Aqua staggered backwards, shadows flowing off her, turning the water inky. Spark vanished from her hand and the darkness seemed to flow off her like dust in a breeze. She tipped backward, hit the dark water, and sank.
"So…this is the end." Aqua whispered to herself.
"Aqua!"
Aqua opened her eyes. A hand was reaching towards her. She reached out. The hand took hers.
"Ignus…"
Aqua opened her eyes. A light was shining down on her. Water was crashing against surf. She looked up.
"Aqua!"
Someone was kneeling next to her. She looked up at them.
"Ignus?"
"You're awake. You're awake." Ignus lowered his head and took her hand. "I'm so glad you're awake." He wiped at his eye.
Aqua looked around at the cliffs and trees around her. "Are these…the Destiny Islands? When did they fall to darkness?"
"They didn't, Aqua." Ignus smiled. "You're in the realm of light."
Aqua couldn't move. She stared up at the bright sun sparkling off the water. Ignus hugged her against him.
"You're home." He whispered.
Aqua began to laugh, wrapping her arms around him. She couldn't think of anything to say. She was alive. She was home.
"Sora! Riku!" Ignus called. He let go of Aqua as the boys ran over. "We did it." He nodded.
"We did it!" Sora cheered.
"Welcome home." Riku smiled.