At the sound of a boom Aeirth turned to the sky in time to see a ship. Her eyes followed it until it left her line of sight. A curious smile on her lips she returned her attention to her garden. What world could these guest have come from perhaps they were with that mysterious wizard. If she met them she would have to ask I assumed there was no harm in it.
A fair distance away the ship touched down with a rocky descent. With a thump the rear hatch opened and they strolled out. With an excited smile Luca took in the world around vision drawn to the distant castle. Sending Azreil a swift salute Zack turned strolling toward the main area of town.
"It's been fun but from here we part ways." Zack announced before sprinting off
With a weak shrug Azreil scooped up Luca closing his eyes. It was odd something told him he was in the right place but simply at the wrong time. After a moment of weighing his two choices he spun heading toward the main street. The sight of civilization was a relief hopefully he could get some possibly directions for once.
The various passersby seemed to ignore him as they walked. He slowly came to an old shack among the buildings hesitantly giving the door a tap. The door cracked enough for a blood red eye to peer out before opening completely. He was met with the sight of Vincent and the restoration committee. As they entered Vincent quietly shut the door behind him. A moment later it felt as a weight was lifted from his shoulders. Turning he found Yuffie holding Luca on a bed in the corner the later half asleep.
"So you're Azreil she wasn't kidding when she said you were built like a mountain." Yuffie muttered quietly
"Right , well um have you seen Elrena I really hope we're on the right track." Azreil stated with a sigh
A series of bubbles filled the corner of the room as Merlin appeared. The wizard looked tired taking a seat in the nearest chair. Slowly he blinked looking right at Azreil his brow raising to his hairline. With a wave of his hand the wizard motioned the blacksmith over. Slowly he approached the wizard as magic glowed in his hand. When he was a mere step away Merlin pressed his palm over his heart and a light emitted from his chest. On instinct he snatched the light from the air.
As he grasped it the light took the physical form of a weapon. It took the form of hammer with a head glowing like a forge. The handle was long enough for him to grip with both hands and wrapped in what looked like dragon hide. What appeared to be a fang hung from the handle by a chain. Giving the hammer a test swing a trail of flame followed his swing.
"She requested you receive something to defend yourself it seemed only fitting your heart craft it." Merlin stated
"Thank you for this weapon wizard. I can think of no better for me to wield rather than a hammer." He whispered slipping the hammer into his belt
Turning from Merlin Azreil made his way to the bed taking a seat. Slowly Luca crawled into his lap curling up like a cat. Slowly Merlin pivoted in his seat resting his chi in on his palms watching the two. As he watched them the crack of lightning striking was heard as smoke filled the area. As the smoke cleared a figure appeared with electricity yellow eyes staring through the dying smoke. Raising a hand they snapped causing a slight spark of electricity. At the sight Luca jumped up rushing into the smoke.
"Well if it isn't the little princess."
As the smoke finally cleared Elrena came into veiw holding Luca. The girl was cuddled up to the newly christened keyblade warrior. Hugging her tight Elrena crossed the room perching on the bed. As she sat she rested her head on Azreil's shoulder. Carefully he wrapped his arm around her pulling her close. Seeing the sight Merlin smiled to himself happy to see the family reunited.
Ansem sighed flipping through the corrupt book for the third time. This book was full of spells to call forth the heartless each stronger than the last. How had his wife written such a book this most have taken years of study. This also explained the flood of heartless Riku informed him of years ago. No some the blame for that was his own in his own research as foolish as it was.
With little hesitation he tossed the vile tome into the nearby fireplace. As it burned a black phantom with a purple aura appeared from it. The phantom screamed before dissipating into nothing. Easing himself back into his chair he turned his eyes to the ceiling. Perhaps the legends were true and the keyblade was the only way to purify darkness.
Closing his eyes a memory came to mind causing him to tear up. Lost in darkness a girl appeared her violet tresses a beacon in the shadow. On autopilot his body moved closer to her placing a hand on her shoulder. Like a startled beast she spun snarling with bared teeth. Her hands clutched a heart as a shadow dissolved at her feet. Her golden eyes showed a look of disbelief as she flinched away from him.
"Mal? Is that you? What made you this way?" He thought unable to speak
A sudden jolt woke him from his memory his eyes opening. Looking around the room he found Maleficent standing at his side a hint of destress in her eyes. With a quiet hum she slipped into a chair on the opposing side of the fireplace. Tapping her staff on the ground between them it stood on its own. As it balanced the gem on its tip began to glow like green flame.
"I saw your nightmare. I feel I should I should explain my biggest of past mistakes to one of thoses it hurt most." She stated an image appearing in the staff's gem
The image was that of herself in years past sitting with his records. Around her sat sat various beakers and viles with different substances inside. With in her line of sight sight sat a jar containing a heart that glowed a strange color. From behind her he watched as their daughter approached the table. Carefully she picked up the jar studying the heart before glancing at her mother.
"So are you studying heartless now?" She asked hesitantly
"I am going to continue your father's research some has to." Maleficent stated her voice coming out a hiss
Caught off guard Mal stumbled backward into something. Spinning in place she was met with a skeletal face before its boney hand reached into her chest. As it pulled out her heart her eyes flashed gold before returning to normal. With a wave of its other hand she sunk into the floor. With a scream Mal turned to her mother reaching for her as her hips sunk deeper. Leaping Maleficent grasped her hands looking in shook as the black purple vortex finally consumed her.
As the image faded the staff tumbled into Maleficent's waiting hand. With a look of anger Ansem gripped the arms of his chair. This thing had made his daughter into the beast he'd found in the darkness he was sure of it. This was truly his fault for being curious of the darkness and its existence. Now his only question was could she be cured of her condition?
