Many years ago, before Aqua ever came to the Land of Departure, before Ven was even old enough to hold a keyblade and when Terra was only just beginning his training, a keyblade master of light watched as his beloved friend and partner walked away from him. He couldn't let this happen again, not when there was still a chance he could be brought back from this dark road. "Xehanort, wait…"
Xehanort did just as he asked as if knowing he'd say that. Of course, he knew. He knew his light like the back of his hand. Destiny couldn't be altered, Xehanort knew that, but it was always interesting to see Eraqus try.
"There is a reason the precepts bar us from such knowledge. Why do you seek the χ-Blade? Would you blanket all the worlds in darkness, reduce them to nothing?!"
Hearing the fear in his voice made him turn with a small smile. Despite his preachings of eliminating the dark, the light-hearted man didn't even see it in his own heart: the darkness that came from his fear, his anger, and even his desperate desire to keep Xehanort tied down to him. He walked to his partner slowly and noticed he seemed too tense at this. "But the darkness did cover the world once, in legend… We know so little about the Keyblade War-only that it was just the beginning. Amidst that crisis a precious light was found…"
Eraqus gritted his teeth and pulled his head away when Xehanort attempted to lovingly brush a strand of hair out of his face at the mention of precious light.
Xehanort only smiled wider. "It is a curious tale-and one worth exploring…"
He'd been like this even when they were children, rambling on about the darkness, the light, the terrible war that went on between the two… What he'd always been most interested in is why it all began.
"They say ruin brings about creation. So what, then, would another Keyblade War bring? When the darkness falls, will we be found worthy of the precious light the legend speaks of? I must have these answers."
"You're willing to start an apocalypse out of sheer curiosity?!"
Xehanort chuckled at that. "No, not just that. Doing it only for my curiosity would be selfish, don't you think? I'm doing it for everything that lives and breathes… The X-blade needs to be forged, and with it, Kingdom Hearts shall appear. When I gain its power… I can restart the world to be how it should: balanced… You and I together, Eraqus, a strong light and equal darkness, what better people to lead the new, wonderful world?! Light will never lose to the overwhelming darkness, darkness will never be, burned away by the light! All creatures will finally live in peace, we'll finally live in peace!" Xehanort panted for a few seconds before he had enough strength to offer his hand with a cold smirk, "Come, Eraqus, let's rule the worlds together."
Eraqus felt himself grow ill at the thought of them being rulers of a world where darkness equaled light. It went against all they'd learned from their studies. But still, after everything they'd gone through… He narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. This was madness, how could he have started considering it? He failed as a master in that regard."I can't… No, I won't!"
Xehanort's heart hardened at those words. Eraqus was all he had, leaving him behind wasn't an option. Before he knew what was happening, he grabbed Eraqus' arm, pulling him close. "I said, COME!"
Sensing the opposites so close, Xehanort's keyblade instinctively summoned itself in an attempt at forging, fighting the light. It charged with dark energy too quickly for them to stop it.
A scream in pain echoed through the halls as the smell of burning flesh filled the room. Eraqus fell to his knees, clutching his face in agony.
"Eraqus…!" Xehanort whispered after a few moments of silence, the frozen seconds where he had no idea what had happened.
"Such terrible darkness…!" Eraqus hissed suddenly before looking up, darkness now coming from two fresh cuts. "Do you think me foolish enough to believe you actually mean me, a master of light, no harm?!"
Xehanort's concern melted into confusion and then anger at the sudden change of tone. "Oh, is that how you'd like to see it now? But of course, anyone using the darkness is your sworn enemy… even if it's me."
Eraqus felt his heart sink at the disappointment in Xehanort's voice.
They both knew it was true though. Past friendship, past love, past anything would have to be ignored if darkness was now in his heart.
"Even if it's you."
Xehanort accepted this answer far too quickly, maybe because he knew it was coming. "Well then, I suppose I'll have to change my ways if I'm ever to get into your good graces again, dear prince."
Eraqus used to adore the nickname, a comparison to those blessed with pure hearts. It felt more like a mockery now as Xehanort walked away.
He'll return to the light eventually. When he does… I'll let him back in my life once more Eraqus thought, not realizing just how easy it was to fake such a drastic change of heart.
Eraqus had accepted Aqua regardless of her being a part of the ultimate key. Even if she was, the person Xehanort had brought to him was a child. A broken and hollow child that needed to be taken care of. So that's what Eraqus did. He raised her and trained her, some days, he even forgot what she was, a piece of the X-Blade, a piece of something that could destroy everything he held dear, including Terra and Ventus.
As she grew, Eraqus learned Aqua had a strong sense of right and wrong, just as he did. She was able to reflect upon her mistakes and shortcomings, she only needed to for a moment before fixing them. Time and again he thought of the idea of her and Terra becoming masters together. Terra could watch for signs of the forging of the X-Blade while Aqua would be none the wiser, believing they were simply watching each other's backs as they normally did. If she could just stay in the light and not let the darkness distract her, it surely would work. She was so close too, if only Ventus' darkness hadn't appeared.
He felt her return and ran to the corridor, throwing the doors open to see if his students were safe and sound. He realized how worked up he was getting and went back into a calm walk, breathing slowly to control himself.
"Aqua… I thought Terra and Ventus would be with you."
Aqua didn't answer.
"Well, I'm sure they'll be with us soon enough-"
Aqua flinched away before he could place his hand on her shoulder. "Why didn't you let me go with Terra and defeat the Unversed?"
Eraqus hesitated, not expecting such a blunt question as a greeting. "Aqua, the mission was for mas-"
"Masters only. I know." Aqua whispered softly. She looked into his eyes with pain. "Even if I was a master, you still wouldn't have let me go, would you? Because you're afraid of what I might do… what I might become…"
"You know then." Eraqus realized, slowly straightening.
"Master, all I was told was I was to forge the X-Blade, I have no idea what it is, please tell me."
The man took a slow breath. She deserved to know the reason she had to be destroyed… "The X-Blade is the key to unlocking, and therefore controlling, Kingdom Hearts."
Aqua's eyes widened in horror. She was taught that Kingdom Hearts was the source of everything, the light, the darkness, the worlds themselves. It had the power to change the universe in any way or even worse, reset it entirely to a perfect balance of light and darkness. That was what Xehanort was planning, that's why he spoke of new beginnings…
"Aqua, if the X-Blade is forged and Xehanort gets his hands on it… Everything will be lost. The worlds in the Realm of Light, the people who reside there, even our home and Yen Sid's tower that lies in the In-Between will disappear."
Aqua could only listen, her only focus being on this horrifying outcome.
"No one but Xehanort will survive this purge, including myself, Terra, and Ventus." Eraqus whispered grimly. "Xehanort has grown too powerful for even myself and Yen Sid to face. Even with our very best efforts, I fear he'll have the X-Blade in moments. Even if you run from it, Xehanort will find a way to make you fight your darkness… I will not allow it."
Aqua felt her heart jolt when Eraqus suddenly summoned his keyblade.
"Aqua, I…" Eraqus gritted his teeth, a lump rising in his throat. "I'm so sorry…."
"… It's alright. I don't want the X-Blade to be forged either…"
He looked up in shock to see tears falling down Aqua's cheeks.
Because… if I become the X-Blade, I'd destroy my home, my master… my friends…. I'd rather…
She took a step forward, his keyblade now resting just in front of her chest. "… I'd rather die…"
"…Aqua, I…" Eraqus felt a lump in his throat. She'd fully accepted her fate, and pretended she didn't mind for his sake, and the sake of her friends.
Aqua placed a hand to her heart and was fighting back tears before clenching her eyes shut.
"I must put an end to you here and now!" Eraqus yelled through tears, pushing away his pain. He summoned his keyblade and the same chains that surrounded their home shot out at the woman, prepared to seal her away forever.
Terra, Ven… I'm sorry. One day, you'll understand.
"AQUA!"
Ven?! Aqua's eyes shot open.
There was Ven, shielding her from the quick and merciful end. He didn't know what was going on, of course he didn't. How could she possibly explain? "Master, what are you doing?! Have you lost your mind?!"
"Ventus!" Eraqus gasped. He then met eyes with the equally-shocked Aqua. Her wish still remained the same, even if Ventus was going to be there for her demise, it was for him anyway. "You will understand when you are grown, now step aside!"
"No! You're not gonna hurt Aqua!" Ven yelled.
"Why do all my attempts to reach you fail?! If you don't have it in your heart to obey…then you will have to share Aqua's fate…!" A single tear rolled down his face.
What?! Aqua stared at her master in disbelief. He's serious?! I have to get Ven to back down before-!
Eraqus already lunged to Ven who was just barely able to guard against him.
"Ven, stop!" Aqua called, pushing herself from the ground. Their master was being a bit extreme at the moment, but he just wanted to protect the light from her! "The master has always known what's best for the worlds, that hasn't changed-!"
"Shut up!"
Aqua felt herself stumble back slightly. Ven had never even raised his voice at her, nevermind commanding her like this. She felt tears come to her eyes as she mourned the loss of the innocent and carefree Ven that once was and beheld his new self, a hurt boy that was now wiser and stronger. "Ven…"
They were suddenly flung across the courtyard in their distraction.
Aqua struggled while hoisting Ven back on his feet but he quickly shoved her hand away from him. He didn't want her support anymore…
"I don't care if you're my master, I will never let you hurt my friend!"
Aqua felt herself grow dizzy as darkness radiated off the boy and wrapped around her. She heard whispers fill her ears, enveloping her in a strange sense of familiarity.
She was so distracted, she didn't realize what was happening until Ven shoved her back into a corridor of light.
"Ven, NO!" Ventus and their master faded away as the portal closed.
Her hands clenched around smooth white sand as she clenched her teeth. She didn't know where she was, she honestly didn't even care. She had to go back.
If I can explain this all to Ven, he'll stop fighting the master. Then, I can be sealed away and everyone will be safe again.
She raised her hand to her armor-
"Leaving so soon, precious? You only just got here."
Aqua felt her breath hitch when Adar grabbed her arm before twirling her into her arms, holding her tight. She couldn't move, she could barely breathe.
"The master told me everything, you remembered your true destiny… your true feelings. Ah… you're trembling! Is it because you can barely contain your love for me?!"
Aqua glared at her.
Adar's smile fell before she released Aqua. "But the master said you were ready!"
"He lied to you! He's lied to you your entire existence! It isn't our destiny to be together!"
"Yes it is! Yes it is, yes it is!" Adar screamed, as if yelling it out would force away the growing doubts. "You just don't remember! You don't remember how much we need each other!"
Aqua felt her head ring at that before a sharp pant hit her head. "Gghh!"
Adar stopped herself from running to her aid. If she did, it might stop the remembering process. She watched soundless as her light writhed in pain.
Four Years Ago
The master watched as his young apprentice easily took out the heartless. Once they were gone, she looked up to him with a cold face he'd never seen before. Could it be…? "Well, have you finally embraced the darkness as I've been training you to, my dear? Your tenacity is to be applauded…!"
"I know…" She whispered before fully glaring up at him. "I know what you have planned for me, and I refuse!"
Xehanort's eyes narrowed at once and his smile fell. "You refuse to become a master, Aqua?"
Aqua steeled herself, trying not to look afraid. "No, that isn't why you've been training me at all! I saw one of your reports that you tried to hide… It said you were planning to make me some sort of vessel once you discovered how to forge the key!"
Her master suddenly vanished from the cliff he was watching her on before appearing a few feet ahead of her.
The girl took in a shaky breath before summoning her keyblade.
"That was my original plan, one I made without proper foresight. For, at that point, I did not fully understand you, apprentice." Xehanort admitted, walking to her.
Aqua's grip weakened slightly. He never showed it but… perhaps he'd grown to care about her? That could be the only reason he no longer wanted her as a vessel, right?
"Yes, I'm afraid I made a mistake regarding your precious power…"
"My… power?" Aqua choked out, her panic beginning to grow. So it wasn't about her after all? Just her power? "W-What-?"
"You saw in the report about the ultimate key, the X-Blade. I've searched for many years to find the proper way to make it. I've come down to two hypotheses, both involving a clash of light and darkness." Xehanort explained. "The first, I would like to begin today… with you, dear apprentice."
Aqua's breath hitched when he suddenly summoned his dark and gnarled keyblade, the dead blue eye in its blade staring coldly upon her. What else could she do but run?
Xehanort had brought her to the ground in seconds, breaking her shield with ease.
Aqua collapsed to the ground.
"Your power, I've discovered over this last year of training, is incredibly unique. It is the perfect balance of light and darkness. This is why you could never be my vessel. But worry not,"
He raised his keyblade over her chest before smirking.
"You shall be of use to me yet."
Aqua gave a sharp gasp, her eyes shooting open when the keyblade plunged just above her chest, piercing her very heart.
Half of her heart flew out of her body before the darkness gave it true form, that of a young girl with midnight blue hair and golden eyes. She landed gently beside her other half, looking incredibly frightened at what had just occurred. She'd just been ripped away from her home that now lay pupiless upon the ground, and she could do nothing but stare at the man who'd done it.
"Twin forces, one light, one dark. Like she is the water, you are the flames, so Adar will forever be your given name."
"T-Thank you, master…"
Aqua opened her eyes to find herself back on the Destiny Islands. She turned to see Adar a few feet ahead of her.
"You remember now, don't you?" Adar asked solemnly, she could see it in her eyes. She placed a hand to her chest. "Y-You remember how he ripped us apart, and how scared and empty we felt without each other… right? How painful it felt to be without each other?!"
Aqua slowly nodded.
Adar smiled then, tears coming to her eyes. "S-So can we forge the key now…? Finally be together, forever?!"
Aqua pushed her hand away from her cheek.
Adar's face fell, completely heartbroken.
"…I'm sorry, Adar… but I can't do it."
"W-What…? Because the worlds will end? They don't matter, as long as we're together-!"
"It's not just that... I'm more than just your other half now. I've moved on from the emptiness, probably because I had the help you didn't, of forgetting it." Aqua placed a hand to her heart, closing her eyes so as to not see Adar's heartbroken face. "I'm a friend to all the kind people I met in the worlds, and an apprentice to Master Eraqus. But most importantly, I'm-"
"Terra and Ven's best friend… So being their friend… means more to you then being my everything… Guess I should've seen that coming…!"
Aqua opened her eyes to see Adar's hands clenched into fists.
"I thought we could do this the right way! I thought if you remembered your past, then you'd finally understand, you'd finally love me back! But it's just as it was before!"
Aqua took a step back as the woman summoned her keyblade. Was she about to fight her here and now?!
"If you won't join me… then I'll have to destroy everything that's distracting you from it! My Unversed will take over the worlds, and by now your master has already perished thanks to Xehanort…!"
Aqua's eyes widened in horror and her heart dropped. "The master's-?!"
"Yes, yes! Ventus and Master Xehanort disposed of him already." Adar announced, as if this was a mere footnote in her plan.
"No… No, it can't be…!"
"Finally, I'll kill Terra and Ventus, the ones who stole your affection! Destroying them, that'll make you fight, that'll make you embrace your destiny!"
"NO!" Aqua tried to tackle her other half as she disappeared but landed on the sand. She fought off her tears, not having any time to grieve her master as she took out her wayfinder. "Terra… Ven…! Don't worry, I'll put an end to this!"
She summoned her armor before flying off to the final battle.