Kingdom Hearts: From No One to Someone

by Hakuorofan7

Roxas after giving all his memories to Sora was ready to fade away. But an unexpected encounter in the Realm of Nothingness helps rekindle his one wish. To be able to live his own life. Now he will carve his own path through history in order to make sure that he never loses it again. Time travel and Roxas x Harem. Rated T for now.

31. Spite

The screen flickered for a bit before the author appeared, messing and filing through papers in a file cabinet. Spending a few moments filing through it before noticing you looking at him. Hurriedly closing the cabinets and waving nervously.

*Hey guys Hakuorofan7 and welcome back to another chapter of From No One to Someone…it has been awhile…*

*Around over a year since I have written another chapter of this story…well I have been pretty busy in real life and writing my other stories. Lost motivation to write this story for a long time, but now I'm back. Worked around two months to perfect this chapter, so I hope that you all will enjoy it.*

*I'll keep things short in this chapter things go from bad to worse as Maleficent unleashes a curse that spells nothing but trouble and leaves both sides preparing for the worst in the aftermath before they can come to a head again.*

*Anyway let's move onto the chapter, but first two things.*

*First I do not own Kingdom Hearts.*

*Secondly just sit back, relax, maybe put some music on, and enjoy. I'll see you all at the end of the chapter.*

*And as an apology for the wait I have a little something special there that I hope that you will all enjoy. But for now enjoy the chapter.*

The author snaps his fingers, getting the screen to turn to static before the chapter began.

---

Spite

---

Aqua rushed forward, sliding under a barrage of feathers from the Gryfiend. Vanitas charged forward and swung Void Gear. Only for Aqua to weave around it and cartwheeled into him, sending back a little before she struck him in the gut with Rainfall.

Sending him back quite a bit and grunting in pain.

"What?" He said, grunting in pain.

She didn't hit him with such force before, especially with the poison flowing through her system...right D-Links.

"Don't think that your little trick will save you now." Vanitas said as he summoned a pair of Floods that rushed at Aqua.

Quickly dispatching one of them with a downward slash before grunting as a feather nicked her arm. A few more flew towards her, but Aqua raised her barrier. Deflecting the feathers.

One of them nearly hitting Vanitas who deflected it with his Keyblade.

"Watch where you are throwing those things!" He shouted at the passing Gryfiend.

The flying Unversed letting out an irritated shriek in return as Aqua dropped her barrier.

Both Vanitas and the Flood rushed at her. Aqua quickly cutting down the latter before blacking a Keyblade strike from the former. Vanitas pulled back to strike again, but the Keyblade Master jumped back and slid underneath the attack.

Coming back up and slashing at the ancient Keyblade wielder's back. Delivering another strike before Vanitas retaliated and sent her back. Sliding from another strike before jumping up.

"Blitz!" Aqua casted, her Keyblade gleaming with light before slamming it on top of Vanitas. Repeating the process twice more.

Before finding herself gasping for air as he thrusted Void Gear into her gut, him smirking underneath his helmet as she yelled in pain as a few feathers struck her back.

Vanitas's smirk widening as he twisted it further before throwing her off and onto the ground. Aqua

"Nice going there, now than you still need to suffer!" Vanitas yelled out before slamming the teeth of Void Gear into her face. Sending Aqua onto her back. "That was for my eyes, now for what you did to Kier!"

As he swung down, Aqua got back up and blocked his Keyblade with her own.

"I think not." She groaned out before gaining a determined expression. "Counter Hammer! Payback Surge!"

Aqua swung her Keyblade back onto him before slamming it down to the floor, creating a shockwave that flung Vanitas back. Before Aqua shot forward in her barrier, slamming into the ancient Keyblade wielder and pressing him into the wall.

He groaned out in pain as Aqua to a step back, wincing as pain shot up in her arms.

Inwardly wondering how Terra could even use it without feeling anything.

Before focusing and cartwheeling into Vanitas before he could pry himself from the wall.

Sliding forward before slamming into him and laying a few slashes before jumping up.

"Blitz!" She casted, swinging the light covered Rainfall a few times onto the still embedded Vanitas. Him grunting in pain as he tried to break free.

Aqua only stopping her attack as she heard a whistling noise. Jumping back and creating a barrier as a hail of feathers were shot into the room as Vanitas pried himself out of the wall.

Groaning and cracking his back as Aqua dropped the barrier and rushed forward.

Vanitas blocking it with Voir Gear and smirked as he paired a slash.

"Looks like even with the D-Link, the poison is starting to kick in. Let's see which wares off first." Vanitas said as both he and Aqua swung their Keyblades.

Both stepping back as they struck the other.

Noticing something out of the corner of her eye Aqua jumped back and threw her Keyblade with Vanitas doing the same. Canceling each other out as they clashed before Rainfall dissipated.

And Vanitas grunted as another volley of feathers rained in before sinking into the ground. Aqua formed a barrier around herself as the feathers bounced off.

Panting a little as the Gryfiend let out a roar before flying off.

Vanitas rising from the ground with a groan clutching his shoulder.

"Turn down the poison for the next new Unversed I make." Vanitas grunted as he summoned the modified Flood to his side.

Before it could cure him Aqua slid toward and brought down Rainfall on it with all of her strength.

Slashing through it and into Vanitas, sending him sprawling into the ground.

"Doubt you made more than one, believing that you could defeat me before then." Aqua said, bring her Keyblade down onto Vanitas as he got back up.

Grunting in pain from the strike and poison, the ancient Keyblade wielder retaliated. Beginning a small clash of blades between himself and the Keyblade Master. Each other parrying the other's strikes for a few moments with no clear victor in sight.

Until Vanitas saw an opening and slammed Void Gear into Aqua's side. Causing her to stumble back.

Before coating herself in a barrier and ramming into Vanitas. Jumping back at another volley of feathers, Aqua yelling in pain as he deflected one of them into her knee.

"I'll admit you got me there, but let's see who succumbs first as I have no intention of lifting the spell anytime soon." Vanitas said as Aqua propped herself up with her Keyblade.

Holding out his left arm and Void Gear before the Keyblade began to glow.

Vanitas disliked to use it all that often, but this was quite the occasion.

Aqua watched as it vanished before reappearing on his forearm, the shaft except for the center gear and handle collapsing into lower half of the guard. The teeth shifting 90° over the the eye upright. The keychain growing inside and resting over the lower half of the guard with the two half gears clicked together into a full one that resented over the guard.

Creating what appeared to be a shield made of gears.

"A Formchange?" She said in surprise as Vanitas grinned underneath his helmet.

"My only one and quite unwieldy unfortunately." Vanitas said as he charged forward.

Aqua noticed that Vanitas was slower, yet she wasn't taking any chances. Rushing forward and unleashing a series of slashes.

She managed to get him once, but Vanitas managed to block the rest with his shield. Deflecting the rest of the slashed before positioning it downwards.

"Quite unwieldy and the kickback is quite painful." Vanitas said before Aqua heard a clicking noise.

Before she could back, the teeth and shaft expanded rapidly into her side like a pile bunker. Yelling in pain as she was sent flying into a wall.

Only have moments to put up a barrier before another volley of feathers struck her. Seeing Vanitas shift the Formachanged Keyblade from his left arm to the right, shaking the former.

"You can see why, but still quite useful." Vanitas said as Aqua pried herself back up, panting a little.

Between this Formchange, the poison, and she could feel the effects of the D-Link starting to fade this was turning into quite the problem.

---

Both sides stood at a stand still for a few more moments before Maleficent raised her wings with a smirk.

Kier quickly dove into the ground as the dark fairy produced a massive gale, creating a massive wind carrying debris and dust while Roxas pointed Destiny Rewritten and Oathkeeper at her.

"Thunder! Reflect!" He casted, creating a string of lighting bolts that traveled through the gust. While a domed barrier raised above him and Stefan.

Maleficent flew out of the way from spell, taking a few experimental swoops while cackling.

"Lad to your left!" Stefan called out before he swung his chain around the Nobody's foot.

Kier popping out of the ground and tried to claw at Roxas, only to be blocked by Destiny Rewritten's barrier.

The Unversed jumped back and was struck by Oathkeeper and Stefan's chain. Landing onto the ground and growling before swiping into the air with both claws. Creating a pair of silver energy blades before disappearing.

Roxas recreated the barrier, absorbing a pair of the blades while the king barely had time to dodge.

One nicking and creating a cut on his armor.

Maleficent came to a stop and raised her scepter, multiple thorny vines began to slam against the shield. While sparks of light burning the away, but more vines began to swarm and crack it.

While inside Kier darted after the both of them, slamming or clawing at them. Missing more often than not. Yet with their invisibility it made seeing the Unversed difficult.

Unfortunately for it, Roxas knew what Aqua described as its most telling feature.

"Blizzard!" Roxas casted, launching a pair of ice shards at a pair of flickering golden eyes.

Freezing Kier in a solid block of ice.

"C-Cold!" It protested, becoming visible and breaking its head free. Only for its eyes to widen. "No!"

"I've got you monster." Stefan said, swinging the chain

It collided with the frozen Kier and sent it flying into a wall of the Reflect spell. Getting it to yell in pain as sparks of light broke the ice. Kier collapsing to the ground stunned, but was slowly picking itself up.

"You have a plan lad, this spell's not going to hold up long." Stefan said as he stepped back as the barrier was almost completely cracked.

Maleficent smirked as she began to charged a bolt of green energy at the end of her scepter.

Roxas only frowned as the tips of his Keyblades began to spark.

"Take cover and spit apart." Roxas said, Stefan looking around before smiling.

"Good plan." He said.

A moment later a thorny vine broke the barrier and Maleficent prepared to attack.

"Thundara!" Roxas casted, creating twin curtains of lighting that surround and spreader out from himself and the king.

Kier dove into the ground and Maleficent barely rolled out of the way of the spell, but a multitude of her vines were reduced to cinders. Both Roxas and Stefan rushed ahead in different direction.

Maleficent fired her spell at Stefan's back, but was blocked by a purple barrier.

Roxas grunted as the force of the spell pushed him back a little as Destiny's Rewritten's barrier nearly broke.

"Cease your interference!" Maleficent shouted as she unleashed a torrent of green fire at the Nobody.

His Keyblade glowed purple and he vanished before the flames hit. Reappearing a small bit away and unleashed a pair of fireballs the fairy swerved away from.

Kier spring out of the ground and tried to rush towards Roxas, only to back away as a chain clattered in front of it.

"You're facing me beast." Stefan said as he swung the chain.

Only for his surprise as Kier caught the chain with both hands, struggling for a bit before tossing it to the ground.

"Don't take me lightly." Kier said, swinging a claw before vanishing.

Stefan pulled back his chain and barely stepped out of the way of two silver energy blades creating shallow gashes in his armor.

Back with Maleficent, with a flap of her wings she extinguished another pair of fireballs heading her way. However their source vanished, with a wave of her scepter several thorny vines began to lash out at the surrounding area.

Wasn't too much longer before hearing the sound of footsteps rushing behind her, turning to deflect a thrown Oathkeeper with her staff.

"There is no use in hiding." She declared, blasting green fire at a nearby column.

"Agreed." Roxas said as he emerged from the other side, training both Keyblades at her. "Water! Blizzard!"

Maleficent widened her eyes as one of her wings ended up half frozen and began to plummet.

The Nobody swapped Destiny Rewritten for Oblivion and rushed forward, cutting through her vines.

Quickly catching up as she landed, Roxas went on the offense and spun around both Keyblades to deliver a series of slashes. But to his surprise Maleficent began to counter by swinging her scepter, matching and parrying some of his strikes.

She was never this strong physically when facing Sora untransformed.

After a moment she saw an opening and smacked Roxas with her good wing, pushing him back.

Multiple thorny vines sprung from the ceiling and floor, wrenching Oathkeeper and Oblivion from his hands and holding his arms in place. With a tap of her scepter, Roxas's feet incased in a layer of frost.

Maleficent frowned as with a flex of her wing she broke the ice off it, unleashing a small blast of green fire at Roxas who winced in pain.

Maleficent intended to make him suffer for freezing her wing, creating a stronger blast.

Only for a few pillar of lights to surround him, burning through the vines and frost. Roxas spreading them out and rolled out of the way of the fairy's spell. Panting a little before summoning his Keyblades, launching a pair of fireballs.

She swerved out of the way, but the Nobody quickly closed the distance and swung both of his Keyblades at her before their tips lit aflame.

"Firaga!" Roxas casted, creating two pairs of fireballs that arched towards her.

Maleficent raised a stone wall to shield herself, but it proved fruitless as it was blasted apart in a large explosion.

He panted a little before pulling out an ether and drinking it before a soot covered Maleficent who looked to be barreling towards him. Casting a silent Cure on himself before leaping towards her.

Stefan smirked as he struck a pair of flickering golden eyes with his chain, only to grunt as a small sphere of darkness impacted his chest plate. Kier's eyes seemed to gleam before sinking into the ground.

The Unversed had proven to be rather elusive to the king, either sinking into the floor or turning invisible.

Before quickly retaliating from a distance or pouncing his back, creating quite a few new gashes on his armor.

"Come out wherever you are you little beast." Stefan said, swinging his chain before striking the floor where Kier's antenna popped up.

Only for the Universed to pop up closer and pry the chain from his hands.

"Not so tough without your chain!" Kier said as they tried to pounce at Stefan.

Soon proven wrong as the man drew a sword and cut into it, causing it to yell in pain.

"What was that about taking someone lightly monster." Stefan said as he cut into Kier again and brought the blade down in an attempt to stab it. Only to strike the floor.

He frowned while shearing the sword and picking up the chain, seeing Kier emerging from the ground behind him. Turning and swing the chain, sending the Unversed flying.

Maleficent flew out of the way of an ice shard, charging up a spell with her scepter. Only for Kier to land between her and Roxas.

Changing targets and firing at Stefan, the spell cratering the ground and sending the king flying back. Diving towards him with a smirk.

Roxas fired another pair of ice shards at her, only for them to be bisected by a pair of silver energy blades to cut through them.

Kier created another pair with a swipe of its claws that the Nobody broke apart with Oathkeeper and Oblivion as the Unversed charged forward.

"Hopefully this works." Kier said, dark spores gathering in hand as Roxas swung Oblivion down on it.

The Keyblade struck and Kier letting the spores go. Sending both back before Roxas began to yell out in agony as light sparked off of him

"Lad!" Stefan called out, only to grunt as Maleficent struck him in the head with her scepter and sent him sprawling to the ground.

"I would rather focus on your own suffering Stefan." Maleficent said with a smirk as she prepared for another strike.

With Roxas he yelled out in pain as he felt an agony he never experienced before in all his time Heartless hunting. Writing in pain as he felt the spores seemed to be eating away inside of him and light sparking off of him.

He could barely think as he swore he heard a similar yelling in his head.

Lasting a few more moments as the spores exited his body, most were destroyed by the light before everything settled down. Roxas panted as he struggled to get back up.

Everything in his body ached and he swore his body flickered for a moment before he stood back up, Kier doing the same as it absorbed the spores.

"You're like our liege, the spores affected the both of you yet not Aqua. It only hearts those I want instead of the one I wish too. Why?" Kier asked itself, only to dive down into the ground to avoid being attacked by both of the Nobody's Keyblades.

"I don't know, nor that I care." Roxas panted out as he kept an eye out Kier while training Oathkeeper at Maleficent.

Whatever those spores were, they were extremely dangerous and needed to be avoided at all cost. He could figure out what they were and what happened later.

Right now he needed to deal with both Kier and Maleficent first.

---

"Roxas, Roxas!" The Master of Master tried to contact Roxas, only to end up with static from his end.

Whatever the hell those spores are affected both him and Ava's existence and absorbed temporal energy from them both. Despite his abilities, this was a complete new one for the Master.

Well whatever those spores were, light burned through them easily.

The Master sighed as he re-examined the connection and saw it would need just a moments to fix, then he would have to wait for a chance to contact the Nobody.

---

"Why won't you stay down!" Vanitas shouted as he blocked another strike from Rainfall with his shield. Aqua pulling it back before barely having time to raise a barrier to block the pile bunker from slamming into her side.

Dropping it and cartwheeling back for another volley of feathers from the Gryfiend, wincing as one struck her leg.

Righting herself up as Vanitas charged forward, shifting Void Gear to its Keyblade form and delivering a series of slashes that Aqua struggled to keep up with. The ancient Keyblade wielder not giving her time to raise her barrier.

Aqua barely managed to parry another strike as she noticed the orange aura surrounding her had almost completely faded and Vanitas seemed to be getting on the upper foot. She couldn't maintain the D-Link much longer.

But perhaps enough for a few more moments, and enough to finish this.

Allowing herself to get hit before coating herself in a barrier.

"Payback Surge!" Aqua casted, rushing forward and slamming into Vanitas. Getting him to stumble back before she planted one foot on the ground and glowed blue. "Limit Storm!"

Spinning in place repeatedly, her Keyblade cutting into Vanitas. The teeth glowing a dark blue and creating a trail along the edge of where she was cutting. Vanitas shifted his Keyblade into its shield form to try and block the attack.

Working for a few moments, only to deflect and Aqua's attack to start striking his chest and neck. Him yelling in pain as Aqua stopped her attack, before slamming her Keyblade directly down on his helmet as the D-Link ended.

Vanitas sprawled onto the ground while Aqua panted as she moved closer to bring Rainfall down onto him again.

Only for the Keyblade Master to jump back and hastily erected a barrier as a volley of feathers deflected off of it.

The Gryfiend let out a shriek as it launched another volley with Aqua not budging at all, Vanitas picking himself up from the ground with a groan.

"Thanks for that, hit her again why don't you." Vanitas said as he shifted and brandished Void Gear. The Unversed complied with another volley while Aqua briefly dropped her barrier and jumped back from the feathers. "That really hurt and I'm about to return it twofold!"

He sped forward and slammed his Keyblade into Aqua's side, sliding her back a bit before she dodged a second one.

Retaliating by slashing his shoulder, to which Vanitas only smirked parrying another slash before striking her in the back.

It shouldn't be too much longer now.

Yet Vanitas thought wrong as Aqua coated herself in a barrier and tried to slam into him, shifting his Keyblade into its shield form and blocked the attack. Grunting as he struggled not to be pushed back.

Aqua crouching down in her barrier briefly, before dropping it and jumping at Vanitas.

"Wishing Edge!" She casted as she spun and delivered three hits to the ancient Keyblade wielder. Trying to push off him, but Vanitas grabbed her arm and pulled Aqua closer.

Before unleashing the pile bunker at point blank, sending her flying into a wall.

Landing and dispelling Void Gear briefly while shaking his arm.

"Defiant to the end it would seem, good that will only make sure you suffer even more." Vanitas said as Aqua tried to pry herself out with a groan.

Before he could take another step, a rush of memories flashed before his eyes before he felt a connection to the Unversed being cut.

One he specifically wished it hadn't been destroyed.

"Damn it all." He muttered, for once cursing his desire to seeing the weakling suffer.

Evidently that had bleed into the Husk a little too much.

"Stop!" He ordered the Gryfiend as it prepared to fire another volley at Aqua. Letting out a roar in protest. "I don't like it either, just fall back until I say otherwise. You'll get your chance soon."

The Unversed let out an indignant shriek before flying below the tower and circling the castle.

Vanitas just sighed as he turned and blocked a strike from Rainfall, using the teeth of his Keyblade to wretch Aqua's out of her hand.

"Release!" Vanitas casted, Aqua briefly looking surprised as she felt her magic return to her. Even more so when she felt him casting Esuna on the both of them. "No point in continuing this any longer. We're heading back down."

"Like I will believe you." Aqua said as she summoned her Keyblade back to her hand. "Thundaga Shot!"

He just sighed as he sunk into the floor before re-emerging after the spell flew past him.

"I underestimated the weakling, Ventus defeated the Husk and is approaching Maleficent's castle and Aurora's heart as we speak. There is no use in staying here any longer." Vanitas sighed out as his hand generated wisps of darkness.

Upon hearing that Aqua smiled at his frustration and hearing that.

The two she had fought with Roxas had been difficult enough, but to hear that Ven had managed to defeat a one on his own and was now heading towards freeing Aurora's heart.

He has come so far on his own, and sadly none of them could have been able to see it...

Vanitas began to open a Corridor of Darkness as Aqua slammed her hand on her shoulder plate.

"Of course that would only leave one option, for Maleficent to finish-""Thunder Surge!" Vanitas tried to say, but halfway through Aqua rammed into him while in her Keyblade Armor in retaliation.

Sending them both through the Corridor of Darkness before it closed up behind them.

---

"Is that the best you got." Stefan said as he barely managed to sidestepped a blast from Maleficent's scepter. Only to get whacked in the chest by it and sent to the ground.

"Far from it." Maleficent said with a smirk, before flying out of the way from a thrown Oathkeeper. "You said that you could hold him back."

"I'm trying!" Kier shouted back as it weaved back under a bramble that had beeen cut in half with Oblivion. Roxas caught Oathkeeper and sliced through more thorny vines as Kier launched a small sphere of darkness that the Nobody blasted with a fireball.

Maleficent had created a large growth of thorny vines and brambles to distance herself from Roxas while she dealt with Stefan, Kier acting as a defense. Slipping between the brambles to attack him and keep him back.

Hardly anything the Unversed did or the thorny vines acted as a deterrent to him. Except for when Kier released those spores, he backpedaled and pelted where he had last seen it with spells.

Swearing to Kingdom Hearts to not experience what those spore did if he could help it.

As Roxas was cutting his way through and dealing with Kier, Maleficent dove towards Stefan. Readily to blast the ground around him again.

Only to hastily pull back her wings as the chain nearly struck them, now hitting her side getting her to yell in pain from the burning sensation. Pulling back and blast the ground at Stefan.

He frowned as jumped away and swung the chain at her wings again, getting her to fly away.

"So after all these years and the first thing you do with your wings is come after me, risking to lose them again. Really Maleficent honestly I had thought better of you." Stefan said as thorny vines whipped around him. The iron chain and armor cutting and repelling them. "Twenty years of being bound to the ground and the first chance you get to fly is making me suffer instead of flying among the clouds like you loved."

Maleficent's leveled a murderous glare before diving bombing him, feet pressing into his chest as vines wrapped against his arms.

"Silence, who were the one who made me this way!" Maleficent thundered out as she struck his head with her scepter. Ignoring the pain from her feet in her wrath,

"Aye, that I did. I was the one who started you down this way. Perhaps you were completely right at first, but you turned yourself into a monster after cursing my daughter and refusing your wings back. Leaving you blind to everything but me." Stefan said, infuriating her more as the vines tried to rip him limb from limb.

Raising her scepter to strike him down, only to yell in pain as a fireball and dark sphere collided with her back. Sending her flying off the king and into a wall.

Stefan smiled as he saw Roxas and a panicked looking Kier among the ruins of brambles before the latter dove into the ground.

"I warned you." He said to Maleficent before Roxas burned the vines pinning him down. "Thanks lad."

"No problem, are you alright?" Roxas said as he helped the king up.

"Would have been in for so much worse than now, but yes. Still not quite out of the fight yet." Stefan said as Maleficent picked herself back up.

Roxas brandished his Keyblades and Kier looked ready to pounce.

'Kier stand down, we are retreating for now.' Vanitas ordered mentally to it, getting the Unversed's eyes to widen. 'Yet there is a chance to get payback on Aqua.'

'What do I need to do.' Kier said, unhappy about this arrangement.

Yet payback on Aqua was always welcomed.

'Aim to my left.' Was all Vanitas said before a Corridor of Darkness opened between both groups.

Seeing the Corridor, Roxas braced himself as he sensed both Vanitas and Aqua emerging from it. Vanitas flew out sparks covering his body as Aqua flew after him, raising Rainfall.

Only for a pair of silver energy blades and a large green fireball sent her flying to them, crashing to the ground.

"Curaga!" Roxas casted, the healing field surrounding the three of them as Aqua picked herself off the ground with a groan. Dispelling the armor while leaning against her Keyblade.

"Thank you Roxas." Aqua sighed out before pulling a potion from her bag. "What about the both of you."

"I say the lad is in better condition than the both of us, otherwise just need a breather. You look like you experienced quite the beating Aqua." Stefan said as the Keyblade Master tossed him another potion.

"Take it, you need it." Aqua sighed out enforce face Roxas. "What about you Roxas?"

"I'm fine, though not sure how much longer we can last." Roxas said, lighting the tips of Oathkeeper and Oblivion. "Though I'm worried about you."

"Just need a few moments, but thank you Roxas." Aqua said with a smile, before looking to see him with two Keyblades in his hands. Looking puzzled for a few moments before shaking her head and sighing.

"We will talk about this latter Roxas, right now there are more pressing matters ahead." Aqua said before she began to drink her potion while the Nobody nodded with a sigh.

Figured that this was going to happen, but what did she mean by the matter.

Roxas was broken from his thoughts as a rumble appeared above them, arcs of lighting crashing towards them.

Only for a trio of Floods to leap up and intercept them.

"What are you and your monstrosities doing!" Maleficent demanded, turning to face Vanitas as Kier clambered onto his shoulder.

"Change of plans and stop playing with your food, the weakling defeated the Husk. Leaving your castle and Aurora's heart and your prisoner nigh defenseless. While the Unversed can hold him off long enough, but would you trust your goblins?" Vanitas asked, getting Maleficent to grimace as her wings bristled.

She knew that she couldn't.

Hearing that knees Roxas let out a sigh of relief, it would seem like Ven was here. Aqua nodded in conformation just sealed it.

Ever since he left after Terra it always seemed like they were one step behind the apprentice Keyblade wielder on this cluster of worlds. Now they were on the same world and he was on his way to save Aurora.

But it doesn't seem like he would be safe for now.

"The one you three had been looking for, this good to hear. But what of this prisoner..." Stefan said, before his eyes widened and threw down the potion bottle. Pointing his finger at Maleficent. "You kidnapped Philip, didn't you?"

Maleficent smirked at that and nodded.

"Ah my royal guest, he fell for my trap intended to catch. Quite the stubborn one, he didn't go down without a fight even when bound. He was quite surprised that the peasant maiden Rose he fell in love with was the princess." She said, getting Stefan's eyes to widen.

Remembering his last conversation with Hubert before the fairies's spell placed them to sleep. Saying something about his son, was this it?

He almost chuckled at that, fate was a tricky mistress that is. Before steeling himself.

"I swear Maleficent if you harm him-" "Calm yourself Stefan he is an honored guest that I will release eventually. Give or take a few decades or your death. Whichever comes first." Maleficent said, getting Stefan to stand up in anger with his chain.

Before holding it up to block a strike from a pair of Scrappers.

"Aerora!" "Thundaga Shot!" Both Roxas and Aqua casted, a wind lance and electrical blast destroying the two Unversed.

"See, we need to go now unless you want to lose two hearts of light. An aside Vanitas said, getting Maleficent to sigh.

"Removing his heart..." Aqua said coldly, leveling the ancient Keyblade wielder with an icy glare. "Triple Blizzaga!"

Three rapid fire ice shards flew towards Vanitas faster than he could see before a wall of green flames erupted between them. Melting the shards and getting Kier to let out a sigh of relief.

"Take heed of your own advice Vanitas, but perhaps you are right. You have kept your end of our deal, now it is mine. But there is one more task to accomplish. Just need a few moments to prepare." Maleficent said with a smirk, getting Vanitas to sigh as he snapped his fingers.

A large swarm of Floods began to surround Stefan and both Keyblade wielders and kept at the attack.

"Thundara!" "Seeker Mines!" Roxas and Aqua casted, the spells blasting away a good portion of the swarm before they jumped in and began to slash at the swarm.

"What are you thinking Maleficent!" Stefan shouted as he brought down his chain and sword on some Floods that tried to jump on him.

"The final portion of my vengeance Stefan." Maleficent said as the end of her scepter began to glow green with black swirls. Grinning as she moved her hand over to it.

Both Aqua and Roxas began to feel a great unease in the very air around them while Kier began to shift around on Vanitas's shoulder.

The ancient Keyblade wielder frowning underneath his helmet, feeling the unease as well.

Wondering why it seemed familiar...until his eyes widened in horror.

She couldn't...no the crazy fairy would!

"Don't-" Vanitas tried to yell out.

But it was too late.

"Your daughter and kingdom shall forever sleep until true love's kiss breaks the curse. Until then Stefan you shall find yourself all alone, ruler of nothing but an empty kingdom. Escape to death will let you share their fate, but when the curse lifts they will find you on your throne. Nothing but a man with a heart of stone forever more!" Maleficent yelled out, cackling as raw magical power flooded the room and spread out beyond the confines of the castle.

---

"Ventus get behind us!" Flora cried out as the young Keyblade apprentice and the three fairies were just a little ways up the Forbidden Mountain.

He looked confused for a moment as the fairies hastily raised a shower of sparks over him before feeling a massive wave of magical energy seemed to wash over the sparks.

Ventus feeling a great sense of unease grow even more as he felt only could What be described as a shift.

That was all he could best describe it, a shift into something he didn't know but seemed familiar...

Something really familiar, but he couldn't think about it...

Just try to remember it hurt his head...

Please don't do this...

"Ven wake up!"

I'm not strong enough...

"Please wake up dear!"

Wait...

"Wake up or..." Merryweather said as Ventus groaned as sat back up. "Never mind you're up."

"What happened? Ventus asked as he stood back up.

"Maleficent, we have no idea what she has done but she has casted another spell on the entire kingdom. But with that much magic she must have been saving up for quite a while." Flora said while shaking her head. "I thought that you had recovered after facing that monster Ven."

"Which I did, but something about this spell." Ven sighed out, trying to think about why it was affecting him like this.

Along with just something about the very air around him seemed to feel a little off...at least that was what he could best describe it.

"Take a minute dear, it's not much further. It wouldn't be good for you or everyone if you went into Maleficent's castle in this shape." Fauna said, getting the Keyblade apprentice to nod as she had a point.

"Just be careful, there is no telling what Maleficent has done now." Merryweather said with a frown.

"She probably knows we are coming now, freeing Aurora's heart and the prince should break her first curse. We'll figure what she has done now soon enough, just tread carefully Ven." Flora said.

Ventus just nodded at that and sighed as things seemed to have gotten even more difficult now.

Yet he couldn't but feel that something aside from Maleficent was wrong here...and he didn't know why he felt so terrified about it.

---

Maleficent leaned against her scepter as its glow died and she looked ready to pass out.

All of the Keyblade wielders stopped in what they were doing and the Unversed stopped attacking as they suddenly felt a shift all around. Roxas's eyes widened as he felt a similar sensation before only once.

Only through one of Sora's worst memories.

But feeling almost all the hearts in the surrounding castle felt like they stilled before fading completely.

The hearts were still there and some unchanged, but it was a feeling of a heart neither Roxas or Aqua had experienced before. One that only invoked dread in him.

"My liege what is going one." Kier said, feeling the shift in the air as well quit clearly.

"I'll tell you what is going on, are you so lost in spite! Do you know what you have unleashed!" Vanitas shouted, rage filling his tone and wisps of darkness rolling off him surprising Aqua.

The Keyblade Master didn't think she had heard him that angry before, even when he wished her suffer.

And the feeling in the very air felt off in a way she could not describe.

"I have been saving up for a day like today for quite a while now, everything else is but a folly except for our deal." Maleficent said as she stood back up.

More wisps of darkness billowed off of Vanitas as he took a step back and Aqua's eyes widened in horror as she pieced together what had happen. Seeing Roxas connections only confirmed it.

Whatever Maleficent had done had tipped the balance of this world.

"Whatever have you done now Maleficent undo from the kingdom! You've gotten your wings back, half the kingdom has is in an eternal slumber, kidnapped a prince, and your curse has succeeded. What more do you need to satisfy your vengeance!" Stefan yelled out.

"Nothing consider it settled, Stefan but if I see your face again I will kill you. Then I will release the prince or your death. Whichever comes first." Maleficent said before she laughed and raised her arms and wings.

Vanishing into green flames, the flame barrier dissipating and the thorny vines left in her wake began to wither and die.

Any remaining Floods in the room vanished except for the glowing pairs of eyes emerging from the now growing cloud of darkness surrounding Vanitas and Kier.

"Great now I have to prepare, in the mean time all of you deal with them!" Vanitas shouted out before turning to face the glass mosaics. "That includes you, this is your wish right? Deal with them once they take a single step outside!"

He was answered with a roar as the tip of Rainfall lit aflame.

"Fission Firaga!" Aqua casted, launching a fireball at Vanitas's back. Only for him and Kier to vanish in a Corridor of Darkness.

The spell hitting a Bruiser in his wake, flames erupting off of it and striking the other Unversed that emerged from the vanishing darkness. Aside from the Bruiser were a pair of Scrappers, a pair of Floods, and five Red Hot Chilis.

Half of the Unversed were now aflame as Aqua trained her Keyblade at them.

She and Roxas spared a glance before rushing at them.

"First these monsters and then Maleficent." Stefan muttered grimly as he brandished his chain.

"Triple Blizzaga! Aqua casted, fired three ice shards at the Unversed.

One bounding off of the Bruiser's hide while the other two struck two of the Red Hot Chilis. The other three released fireballs that Aqua blocked with her barrier.

Roxas quickly sliced thorough the Floods before using them to deflect the claws of a Scrapper. It tried again and a Red Hot Chili got behind him to fire, only for Stefan's chain to smack it to the ground. The Scrapper's claws was deflected again before being cut down by Oathkeeper.

"Collision Magnet!" Aqua casted, the energy tether grabbing it at a Red Hot Chili as it was about to launch a fireball, directing it into the final Scrapper. Blasting it before slamming both Unversed together and destroying them.

The Bruiser charged at Roxas, him stepping back from the Unversed as it threw a punch. Firing off a pair of fireballs at it with Aqua launching an ice shard from Rainfall, destroying it.

Stefan brought down the chain once more onto the Red Hot Chili, getting it to dissolve in a puff of darkness.

"That should be all of these monstrosities right?" Stefan asked, getting both Keyblade wielder to shake their heads at that.

"No there is one more I can sense and we all heard earlier, it's the one that fired at us earlier since the attack started." Roxas said while shaking his head.

"Vanitas called it the Gryfiend, other than its feathers being poisonous this Unversed was temperamental compared to any other Unversed I've seen including Kier. I wouldn't be surprised if it attacks the castle waiting for us outside." Aqua said, getting a loud bang and an irritated screech in response. "Though I'm more worried about Maleficent's curse."

Roxas nodded at that, looking as worried as she did.

Left unsaid was what Maleficent had just done had affected the balance of the world and she was heading back to her castle with Vanitas where Ven was head. Both were worst case scenarios.

The Gryfiend Vanitas had give free rein was a nuisance they needed to deal with.

"Wait...share their fate..." Stefan said, adopting an inquisitive look on his face, which morphed into horror. "No!"

Before either Keyblade wielder could ask him what was going on, the king bolted from the wrecked throne room. Both Aqua and Roxas rushing to catch up to him. Figuring that he was looking for anybody following the effects of the curse.

Judging by the way they could sense where he was running, Stefan was heading towards a group of people afflicted by Maleficent had cursed from the stillness of their hearts.

Whatever it was aside from putting the kingdom to an eternal slumber fully this time, Roxas couldn't figure it out. Yet he knew that Maleficent's curse was literal in the words.

From Sora's memories he knew that Aurora was supposed to die from a spindle wheel and it took the magic of a fairy's to make blessing for the eternal slumber.

Aqua even inquired about it, Stefan saying how Maleficent's curse effected spinning wheels.

Every single one in the kingdom had been destroyed in every single way including complete incineration. Nothing however could work. One spindle wheel would always survive or reform itself even from ashes. No matter if it was even the last one in the kingdom, it would repair itself. So it was locked behind iron doors in the highest tower.

Nothing worked.

With Maleficent's curse was in effect it could be damaged and Stefan had other things to focus on like half the kingdom in an eternal slumber.

Roxas continued to ponder as he ran before it began to piece together as a memory linked into place from his time taking missions and training under Phil in Olympus Colosseum.

Between training sometimes he would bring up tales of Hercules's exploits. One of them about a viscous monster that could kill people with a glare in a way that had him on edge hearing about it...

Maleficent couldn't have...no of course she would.

"You figured it out as well Roxas?" Aqua asked as the ran a corner, jumping back from a window as a hail of feathers burst through it. Impacting the wall behind it.

"I did, you figured it out awhile ago?" Roxas asked as he and Aqua trained their Keyblade out towards the window. "Aerora!"

He created twin wind lances which propelled an ice shard from Rainfall that impacted the Gryfiend's chest. It letting out a loud screech as it's chest froze before creating another volley of feathers that both Keyblade wielders ran further from.

"Master warned us all of such a th8ng in the past, of a type of dark magic with no known cure normally. Or if it was the knowledge has probably been lost...though I think we might know someone that does." Aqua sighed out before looking at Roxas directly. "Did Maleficent push the balance of this world for the Heartless to appear?"

"No clue, I've only have experienced something like this once. If it was we would be gathering them like moths to a flame with our Keyblades. They would also be going for Aurora's heart and Ven and Vanitas should be nearby there. Either splitting up heading to one location if they are here." Roxas said while shaking his head.

If the Heartless were here then either situation would be pretty bad.

"Hopefully they aren't." Aqua sighed out.

"We'll see." Roxas said before they heard a crash up ahead.

"Is that the best you got monster!" They heard Stefan shout up ahead.

Followed by a louder crash and a roar, both Keyblade wielders rushing to see a large clawed arm reaching in through the window.

Stefan grunting in pain and he picked himself up and noticed how close he was from being cut into by a feather embedded in the wall.

Several bolt of lighting caused the Unversed to spam before the king cut into the arm with his sword. The Gryfiend pulling back from the window with a shriek.

Aqua trained Rainfall out of the window to fire at it, but the Unversed had flown out of range. Sighing at that while turning back to see the king rushed ahead before sinking to his knees with Roxas behind him, looking into a room where those that jar been afflicted by the curse was held up.

"No! Maleficent!" The king yelled out, rage and sorrow consuming his voice.

Looking into it the Nobody confirmed what he had feared.

Maleficent's latest curse had petrified everyone in the kingdom except for Stefan himself. People already affected with eternal stone laid there as nothing more than stone slabs. Even some guards who looked ready to defend them were nothing but stone statues among the rest.

And Maleficent had done this to the entire kingdom, with Aurora's curse already afflicting so many others and the Unversed it seemed like the tipping point for this world.

She had turned everyone into stone, truly making it a kingdom empty of life. And from the sounds of it if Stefan died, he would join them as a statue even if the curse was broken.

Yet he could still sense a few hearts unaffected by the curse nearby.

He could figure out why later, but feeling the king's heart starting to darken he needed to tell him.

It could lead into something Maleficent wanted or risk drawing in the Heartless if they were here. Neither was an outcome that was warranted.

"Stefan." Roxas said, getting the king's attention as he stood back up.

"What is it?" He said, his tone a little cold as he turned to face the Nobody.

"There are at least a few people unaffected by the curse aside from yourself and us." Roxas said before the king began to approach him, an almost manic expression on his face.

"You better not be lying lad." Stefan said dangerously, his heart darkening even more and hands clenched into fists.

Roxas held his ground as Stefan moved closer as Aqua stepped between them.

"Enough, Stefan he is telling the truth. I or him can't begin to imagine what you are going through at this moment, but there are still a few whose hearts aren't affected by her curse and she tied it to Aurora's own. There is a way to deal with everything and hope that these curses can be broken." Aqua said determinedly. "Acting rashly will not help at all, it will be exactly as Maleficent wishes it to be. Is that what you want?"

Stefan stared at both of them for a few moments his expression still somewhat manic and unreadable. For a while Roxas wasn't sure on how the king would react and Aqua was ready to summon Rainfall at a moments notice.

Until Stefan shook his head and I balled his fists, looking down as the Keyblade wielders felt his heart balancing itself out slowly.

"Aye, you be right on that. Sorry about worrying you both." Stefan said, getting Roxas to shake his head.

"It's alright, though more concerned at what you would do to yourself." Roxas said.

"Fair enough lad, but I will not be giving her that satisfaction." Stefan said before walking towards one of people who had been sleeping. "We will deal with the monster and then go save your friend and Philip. It will be the only way to end the curse."

"Of course, there is something else to discuss. But wouldn't you prefer to see op someone who isn't cursed as well?" Aqua inquired.

With a sigh Stefan shook his head.

"I do, but I would prefer for them not to see me like this...just give me a minute. I would like to be alone for a bit." Stefan said before turning to look at his petrified subjects.

"Just take your time." Aqua said as she and Roxas left the room, the Keyblade Master shaking head at him. "Roxas that could have gone poorly."

"True but Stefan needed to hear it before he started to lose himself." Roxas said, getting Aqua to nod before she gave him a small smile.

"You are right about that, just try to be more careful next time." She said before shaking her head. "Do you know how to fix the state of this world through it's Keyhole?"

She and Terra had learned about the concept from Master Eraqus, its connection and a direct path to a world's heart. Why no one less than a Keyblade Master should tamper with it and even then to not too unless a world were to fall into darkness.

Granted she never learned how to find a Keyhole or how exactly to do so with the emergence of the Unversed, but she figured perhaps Roxas considering his knowledge of the Heartless would have an inkling on how to do so.

"I do, but I have never done so before nor do I know where to look here. It could be in the castle, the Moors Stefan told us, or Maleficent's castle. Thankfully it doesn't seem to be the case of the Heartless here." Roxas said.

"Yet it is too soon to tell?" Aqua guessed, Roxas nodding in conformation to that.

She sighed at that, but figured that would be the situation.

Now how to explain this to Stefan and what Maleficent could possibly unleash with this curse.

Aqua pondered over it for a moment before she began to feel some of the hearts of those not turned to stone on the move. Thinking about it for a moment before nodding as an idea came to mind.

"Roxas, can you please check the room where Leah and Hubert were? I believe that it might be the answer to why some hearts are unaffected, just please be careful." Aqua said, getting Roxas to nod.

The Nobody figured it would be less risk for the Gryfiend to attack him through the windows if her used the Corridor of Darkness.

Considering they heard yet another crashing in the distance it would lash out at the castle, waiting for them.

"Alright, I'll be back." Roxas said, getting Aqua to nod before he turned a corner before disappearing into a Corridor of Darkness.

She sighed out, feeling some worry about him. But considering everything Vanitas had tried and failed to do and could apparently duel wield Keyblades which she thought impossible he should be alright for a minute.

Aqua aside from wishing to confirm her suspicions...just wanted to be alone for a moment to collect her thoughts.

With the Gryfiend out and about, the world off balance, Maleficent and Vanitas, the curse, and now finding that Ven was so close to the middle of everything she was on edge.

Everything that could go wrong, just reaching the status of a Keyblade Master and being thrown into the deep end. And even then having learned that Master Eraqus hadn't taught them everything especially with the Heartless.

Considering how close this world is to falling and Ven at the heart of it all she needed to deal both Maleficent and Vanitas to correct everything. At the very least she wasn't alone, both Roxas and Ven were here too.

Roxas had experienced the worlds in ways she and Terra hadn't, Ven had been ahead of them and possibly Master on each world and had come a long way since he left the Land of Departure.

Either way she wouldn't stop worry about them considering how dangerous things on Enchanted Domain were getting.

Especially since Vanitas kept going after them and Maleficent desiring to add Ven's heart with Aurora's own…

Aqua closed her hand into a fist as sparks of light briefly gleamed off of her, before taking a breath to calm herself. Before gaining a determined expression.

No matter what she was going to make sure the balance of this world was restored and make sure to get both Roxas and Ven get off of here.

And she was going to make Maleficent and Vanitas pay for what they have done.

---

"Are you alright my liege?" Kier asked it crouched along a railing in Maleficent's throne room, with said fairy leaning in her throne room looking tired. Her wings unfurled and stroking Diablo's feathers.

Currently looking at Vanitas walking up to them, the wisps of darkness fading all over him.

Leaving behind a whole swarm of Unversed in his wake, of all different kinds he had scattered on this world.

"I'm calmer at the moment." Vanitas said, sending a heated glare at Maleficent before turning to the Unversed. "Fan out all around the castle and mountain. If it is not a goblin or anything else kill it. It moves it dies, it dies you move on. Except for the weakling, just heard him to the throne room.

He got a collective response through the horde before the Unversed flew, rushed, or dove off out of the room in a hurry to complete their lieges orders.

Minus the Bruisers, they just began to lumber past him.

It was going to take them a bit to leave this room.

Vanitas can't remember the last time he was so enraged to spontaneously create Unversed like that en mass...how long has it been a year? A year and a half?

Didn't matter, just he was beyond furious at what Maleficent had done. If he didn't transfer as much of that wrath to the Gryfiend he would kill her on the spot! Sadly he need the fairy alive for now as much as he hated it.

He needed her alive to get what he needed to gain an edge against the old coot.

Once he got what he needed from their agreement and then completed his plan for Roxas, he will kill her!

After a few moments Vanitas grinned under his helmet as he made a few alterations to his plan.

This could work.

Just needed to reign in needed the weakling to suffer and keep the Gryfiend from smashing into the castle, that thing was looking for any excuse to attack anyone in there.

Would prefer not to have it smash those affect by the curse to pieces.

"Do you have any idea what you have just done! Your last bit of spite has practically tipped the scales of this world." Vanitas said, getting Maleficent to smirk.

"Xehanort did make clear on such an event would caused, and the Heartless to follow. That those with a strong affinity for darkness in their heart and a strong will can command them. More than enough to command them." Maleficent said with a smirk.

"True, but if they did appear then you would be in little state to control them. Unlike your minions, they are literally mindless. Following on instinct, and their instincts are drawn to two things, hearts filled with light and the Keyblade. And there is two of each on this mountain." Vanitas said matter of factly.

Maleficent frown as she furled her wings, wincing as they collided with her throne before standing up.

Her staff glowing green while Diablo perched on her shoulder, the dark fairy glaring at the ancient Keyblade wielder.

"Are you threatening me." Maleficent said, getting Vanitas to chuckle with a chuckle.

Only infuriating her more.

"Nope, just making a statement. More of a fact. They will smell out weakness and I'm not sure if the Unversed can permanently kill them. Your minions are a practical buffet." Vanitas said with a smirk.

"And you are not doing so well yourself after the curse." Kier said, the Unversed's expression looking amused.

Until a glare from Maleficent caused it to sink into the ground and jump onto Vanitas's shoulder.

"Kier learn to pick your barbs better, but they have a point. Even if you recover and could possibly control them, it wouldn't take all that much to provoke them considering all the possible options." Vanitas said with a shrug. "Considering the king would bring in another two Keyblade wielders for a total of five Keyblades and so many hearts with light, this castle will be a practical beacon."

She pondered his words for a moment, flapping her wings in thought.

The room silent for a few moments before sighing as Diablo cawed out.

"Yes I know I do not like it either, but he does raise a fine point. But it will not stop my from trying and it seems like you've already have a plan to deal with them if the Heartless did appear." Maleficent said with a smirk, getting Vanitas to stiffen. "Very well do what you must on that front. Just know no matter what the temptation to end it all will be too much for Stefan and one way or another he will perish."

"And you're just okay with that?" Vanitas asked.

"Need me alive to keep my end of the deal, I'll give what you requested. Only since you upheld your end. Otherwise you know what will happen." Maleficent said with a frown as the scepter glowed green.

"Got it, glad to hear it. And about the last thing I required, we can discuss that after dealing with Stefan." Vanitas said, smirking at seeing the grin on Maleficent's face.

"Excellent, now I shall go down in the dungeons." She said as they exited the throne room.

"You're going to gloat at the prince are you, so assured in your victory." Vanitas said blandly while Kier gave the fairy a blank look.

"Indeed, although not in victory. Just to know what awaits his fate and that he will be released soon. No need to keep him locked up with Stefan gone." Maleficent said with a shrug while Diablo nodded to his mistress's words. "I believe you are going to be dealing with any intruders, more so than you already have."

"Can't be too careful, aside finding and locking things just incase for the worst. That and setting up a fail safe in alongside Aurora's heart, one you and the king are more than familiar with." Vanitas said.

Maleficent smirked as the realization struck her.

"How I would wish to glimpse Stefan's reaction, but alas it will only serve to buy time for her heart to not be recovered." She said as the two of them reached splitting corridors before going their separate ways.

That was the plan anyway.

Seemed like Maleficent bought it hook, line, and sinker. All except for one little detail.

Her vision is clouded by both spite and arrogance, but not stupidity

'That raven is following us.' Kier said, getting Vanitas to nod.

'Oh I know, Kier if there are any Heartless you are to deal with them with your spores. Considering how they affect us, they would be devastating and beneficial.' Vanitas communicated mentally, smirking under his helmet.

Roxas's reaction was somewhat expected, yet the spores that managed to return to Kier provided quite a bit of temporal energy.

Yet it did leave them both a question.

'My liege what is he?' Kier questioned.

'No clear idea, but everything will be clear soon enough.' Vanitas thought while shaking his head. 'Yet I do have a task for you Kier, one to do when things start to get chaotic.'

'Whatever you need.' Kier said eagerly.

'Steal the fossil from Maleficent's study.' Vanitas said, getting the Unversed to stiffen.

With it seemingly curling in on itself as its antenna went slack.

'Of course, but why my liege? You have the horde at your beck and call?' Kier questioned, only getting Vanitas to chuckle.

'Insurance and spite Kier, insurance and spite. Just some of the payback we are going to deal with her, in fact take as much as you can without getting caught. She'll suffer, but not just from our hand.' Vanitas said.

'From everyone on this world in someway, I suppose that must mean I'll have to hold on making Aqua pay. I'll just have to wait.' Kier said, letting out an irritated sigh while the ancient Keyblade wielder chuckled.

'That you will, everything is falling into place.' Vanitas said before seeing a group of Floods zipping past them. "Go and join them, organize the Unversed and be prepared."

"Already on it." Kier said, jumping down into the ground along with the other Unversed.

Vanitas smiled at the sentient Unversed before shaking his head.

Sensing the raven still following him, yet he didn't care.

Unversed to create, two to modify, and something he hadn't read in a long time.

One thing that he had managed to keep the old coot from finding out.

Reaching into his bag and pulled out a book, shaking it to get the dirt and dust off of it. A green notebook spiral bound notebook that looked somewhat aged and takes care of.

"I know Ephemer had said us to copy down as much as we could somewhere in here." Vanitas sighed out as he flipped through the pages.

He had only copied down the knowledge of six worlds before everything went done, granted this notebook wasn't his or the weakling's own. Still somewhere in here was information on Enchanted Domain's Keyhole.

Now only if he could remember where…

---

"So that's it." Roxas said as he looked around into the room, the second room and the one where Hubert and Leah were in.

Took him a minute to find as the Gryfiend attacked him the moment he closed the Corridor behind him. Diving into another room as a volley of feathers embedded itself into the walls.

It took another minute and a few fireballs before the Unversed flew off. It trying to claw at him before leaving with an enraged screech.

Given the amount of busted up windows between the rooms, the Unversed was creating openings to spot and attack anyone it can. Had to avoid being spotted another time before finding the room.

In the room he ducked into two of the occupants were stuck in an eternal slumber instead of being a statue. Didn't take until this room and the feelings of their heart that Roxas figured it out.

Maleficent's second curse affected only Stefan's subjects, not Hubert's. Same couldn't be said for those afflicted by Aurora's curse. Some still in the castle and others outside

He didn't know if they already knew or not, but he could sense Aqua and Stefan on the move down below.

Needed to reconnect with them and they needed to get to where Maleficent and Vanitas were. The longer the curse lasted the riskier it was for those still non afflicted.

From the Heartless or otherwise.

But first there was something they needed to deal with first.

Summoning Destiny Rewritten and Oathkeeper in hand Roxas exited the room and walked down the hallway. Looking for a place to open a Corridor of Darkness.

He didn't have to wait long before hearing a roar quickly approaching from a window.

"Here it is." The Nobody said before making a break for it.

They needed to deal with the Gryfiend first, it has attacked them at any opportunity since the castle was laid under siege. Even when not chasing them it began attacking parts of the castle. Unless it was dealt with soon it would provide to nuisance going after Maleficent and Vanitas or start attack everything around it.

Risking smashing up everyone effected by the curse or accidentally kill those still in the castle.

Currently it fired a volley of feathers at him, causing Roxas to deploy Destiny Rewritten's barrier. One or two deflecting off of the barrier before it started to crack. As the Gryfiend prepared another one, he lit the tip of Oathkeeper aflame.

"Fira!" Roxas casted, the fireball speed through the volley and struck the Unversed in the chest. The Unversed was struck in the chest while Roxas ran as the feathers impacted the wall.

It let out a loud screech as it dove down bellowing from where he could spot it.

Preparing to open a Corridor before jumping back as a clawed hand burst through the wall. The Gryfiend widening the hole before flying back.

Releasing another bunch of feathers only instead from one wing.

Smaller than the initial volleys, but much more focused and some fit into the hole in the wall.

Roxas raised his Keyblade's barrier again, but it broke and he barely managed to deflect the rest with his Keyblades.

"Aero!" Roxas casted, two bursts of air flying out the hole as thenGryfirnf manouvered out of the way.

Letting out a screech as it dove for the Nobody.

Before stopping in flight and diving to a lower portion of the castle and out of sight. And from what he sensed both Aqua and Stefan were quickly approaching where the Unversed was heading towards.

Opening a Corridor Roxas rushed in, closing it and breaking into a run.

Before coming to a stop as he turned a corner and nearly ran into Stefan.

"Easy there lad, watch where you're running." Stefan said and Aqua began to check over the Nobody. "I take it her theory was right?"

"Yes." Roxas said, getting Stefan to nod. "I thought you two were where the Gryfiend was heading?"

"We thought and heard the same." Aqua said.

"It did attack me, but turned its attention to somewhere down here..." Roxas said before he and Aqua sensed where the Unversed was before taking off. Their Keyblades lit aflame, sparking at the tips.

Stefan struggled to catch up as they heard a loud screech from the sound of groan and rattling iron.

Roxas's and Aqua's worried were proven correct as they saw four armor clad men near an exit into the courtyard. One of them carrying a groaning man with his armor scratched up and laying him next to the other two before collapsing onto the ground.

All four of their armor nicked and the men cut and looking green.

"These are some of Hubert's guards." Stefan said, rushing past both Keyblade wielders and crouching down in front of the one who carried in the others. "What happened here?"

"King Stefan, we saw the monster attacking near his highness's room. We are not sure if he is stone or not, but we couldn't just let anything else happen here. But..." The guard groaned out while Roxas shook his head.

"You couldn't do anything, I was nearby and it attacked me. He is asleep, but everyone who had followed him here is not stone." He said, getting the guard to smile.

"I'm just glad his highness is alright." The guard groaned out as the Nobody dispelled Destiny Rewritten.

"Esuna!" Both Roxas and Aqua casted using Oathkeeper and Rainfall, repeating the process to cure them of the poisoning.

Aqua giving an icy glare to the Unversed screeching outside.

"Time to finish this." The Keyblade Master said, before looking at Roxas casting Curaga. Creating an healing field around the guards. "Aren't you coming along Roxas?"

"In a moment, but I think I might have an idea on how to deal with this Unversed." Roxas said, pulling out an ether and downing.

"And what would that be lad?" Stefan asked as Roxas placed the empty bottle into his bag.

Upon explaining it, Aqua smiled and Stefan grinned.

"Aye, that will work." Stefan said before turning to Aqua. "Ready to bring the beastie down to earth."

"Just don't take too long Roxas." Aqua said as the tip of Rainfall began to spark with a greater intensity.

"I won't." Roxas said as all three went their separate ways.

With the intention of putting down the Gryfiend before it could harm anyone else again.

---

Letting out a loud screech the Gryfiend slammed a claw into a the wall of the castle before pouncing off, looking for any targets to attack.

"Thunderstorm!" Aqua casted, blasted it with salvos of electricity. She released another one as the Unversed jumped off the castle and it dodged the second wave.

It releasing a roar and Aqua raised a barrier to block a volley of feathers, Stefan crouching behind the barrier as the feathers bounced off. Seeing this the Unversed dived down, pouncing on the barrier before flying back up.

Only to find its leg wrapped by Stefan's chain. The king struggling to keep his feet on the ground and from being pulled up.

Aqua dropping her barrier, two rings of energy emerging around the tip.

"Slow! Ignite!" Aqua casted, slowing the Gryfiend down and lighting it aflame.

The Unversed let out an enraged roar before turning around to face them

"Triple Firaga!" Aqua casted, the fireballs and a lash from the chain struck the Unversed. Yet it did not seem all that fazed.

Flapping its wings and creating a gale that blew the both of them back, Aqua crashing into a wall with Stefan into the ground. The Keyblade Master quickly picking herself up as it flew down.

Jumping up before creating a barrier underneath her feet before pushing off. Coating herself in a barrier and the tip of her Keyblade glowed yellow.

"Barrier Surge!" Aqua casted, colliding into the Gryfiend and pushing it closer to the ground. "Bind!"

It was surrounded by a yellow aura, freezing in place and crashing into the ground.

Stefan smirked as as began to struck the downed Unversed with chain and sword while Aqua landed behind him. The tip of her Keyblade sparking.

"Thundaga Shot!" Aqua casted, firing a bolt of electricity shocking the Gryfiend before Rainfall's tip lit aflame. "Fire!"

Aqua kept firing spells at it and Stefan kept hacking away at it, until a green aura surrounded it.

"That is not good." Stefan said as he backed away as the Gryfiend stood back up. The flames on it doused and from flexing its wings back to normal speed.

With the glow faded it left a very enraged Unversed. Letting out an enraged shriek before taking off, creating a gale that blew the king back a little.

Releasing a volley of feathers in retaliation, Stefan ducking behind Aqua's barrier as they rained down. Crouching down as one nearly cut into the side of his head. Aqua dropped the barrier, looking at the feathers littering around her.

"Collision Magnet!" Aqua casted, creating a red energy line from Rainfall that picked up some of feathers. Pulling back her Keyblade and flinging the bundle of feathers at the Unversed.

It broke apart mid flight and the Gryfiend rolled out of the way. The feathers clattering to the ground as it opened its beak, wisps of darkness gathering in it.

Aqua barely had any time to prepare as it spat out a dark projectile close to Stefan. The king was far enough way to not be hit by it, instead was knocked off his feet by the shockwave like blast it created.

Before she could cast Cure, the Keyblade Master jumped back as the Gryfiend tried to dive bomb her.

"Stun Edge!" Aqua casted, the teeth of Rainfall sparking with yellow energy as she jumped up and slashed at the Unversed.

Stunning it briefly before jumping back and sliding into the Gryfiend Keyblade first. It glowed with a green aura and opened its beak. Only for it to be frozen shut with a silent blizzard. Aqua got in close, mixing slashes with a silent Thunder spell before battered aside by a wing.

The Gryfiend shattered the ice it raised a claw to swat at her, only for a chain to wrap around its wrist.

"Don't think so." Stefan said as he struggled to hold the claw back.

"Triple Firaga!" Aqua casted, launching three fireballs at the Unversed.

Two collided with the Unversed before it took off into the air, Stefan unfurling the chain to not be dragged along for the flight.

It let out a roar towards them, before turning and unleashing a volley of feathers at the castle walls instead of at them.

Aqua smiled as water began to bubble at the tip of her Keyblade.

Waiting for a moment before noticing it ready to dive to the wall.

"Bubble Burst!" Aqua casted launching a series of bubbles that impacted the Gryfiend's wings. It turned its attention to her as she continued the Shotlock, charging a dark blast in its mouth.

Firing it, only for Aqua to create a barrier that survived the impact. Although she grunted from the force of the shockwave afterwards.

The Unversed let out a screech as it readied another attack.

"Water!" Only for two streams of water to strike the Gryfiend's back from a window. It letting out a roar of irritation as it unleashed the feathers at where the spell came from.

Roxas winced as one of the feather's scratched his cheek before shooting a pair of fireballs at it.

Causing the Gryfiend to maneuver out of the way while Roxas rushed back.

"Esuna!" Roxas casted, feeling the poison disperse as he dispelled Oathkeeper. Grabbing Destiny Rewritten with both hands as a violet orb formed at the Keyblade's teeth.

Back outside the Unversed let out a growl before turning its attention back to Aqua and Stefan.

Surprised to see the Keyblade Master jumping on barriers to catch up to it, mist rolling off Rainfall. It barely had any time to react before it got into her spell's range.

"Deep Freeze!" Aqua casted, the mist swirling around her and blasted towards the Gryfiend. It just managed to avoid most of the spell, but half of its body and one of its wings were flash frozen.

Letting out a shriek as its body began to plummet as Aqua charged at it coated in a barrier as the Unversed began to coat itself in a green aura.

Followed by Roxas jumping from the window towards its back.

The aura died down and the Gryfiend was free from the ice, but it was too late.

"Barrier Surge!""Gravity Break!" Aqua and Roxas casted at the same time, the Keyblade wielders striking the Unversed from the side and the back between the winds respectfully. The Gryfiend letting out a pained screech as it was plummeted and crashed into the ground below.

Aqua jumping from barrier to barrier, Roxas falling down before summoning Oathkeeper and positioned them both facing the ground.

"Aeroga!" Roxas casted, creating a large whirlwind that slowed his fall right next to the downed Unversed.

It shifted a little, but found its head quickly frozen from a silent Blizzara. Aqua landed next to Roxas panting a little.

"It worked, but what took you so long?" Aqua asked as the both of them turned to face downed Unversed.

"Had to dissuade the guards about joining in, didn't want to risk what happened earlier again. Though it at least seems like the general idea worked." Roxas said while keeping his Keyblades trained at the Gryfiend.

The plan was mainly based on his own experience with the Ruler of the Sky and Sora's own against the Storm Rider. Both Heartless were large fliers and both didn't expect anyone to attack them from above, leaving their backs open.

Granted they were both vulnerable in different places yet it was easy to get the drop on both from there. Staying on was the difficult part...but it seemed like it was especially true for this Unversed.

It let out an enraged roar as it tried to get back up, only to screech in pain as Stefan's chain lashed between its wings.

"Aye they are a loyal sort, good thing you did. I would prefer that no more have to suffer until the curses are lifted. But an ideals for this monster." Stefan said as the Unversed started to get back up.

"Continue as before, but use the chain to anchor it next time we can ground it." Aqua said, getting Stefan to nod.

The Gryfiend let out a shriek as it flapped its wings, the gale created pushing all three back a little bit before it became airborne. Releasing a volley of feathers at them.

"Reflect!" Roxas casted, creating a barrier around himself and Stefan while Aqua raised her own. The feathers bouncing off of the barriers, although cracking Roxas's.

His spell managed to hold out on as the the final feather struck, before the Gryfiend began to charge up a dark blast.

"Triple Firaga!" Aqua casted while dropping her barrier.

One striking the its wing, but the Gryfiend maneuvered out of the way of the other two and spat out the projectile.

Crashing into the Reflect barrier, shattering it before the pulse raised across the ground.

"Blizzara!" Roxas casted, creating two ice crystals in the pulse's path. "Get behind them!" He called out to Stefan.

The king quickly dove behind the ice crystals with the Nobody, the pulse hitting them and breaking the ice crystals apart. Lessening the impact and only causing them to stumble back a little.

"Nice one lad." Stefan said as Roxas let out a sigh of relief that it worked. "Incoming!"

Roxas turned and rolled out of the way as the Gryfiend dove towards them, clawing at them. Before he jumped up and slashed at its underbelly. The Unversed let out a shriek before it got smacked in the face by the chain.

"Watera!" Aqua casted, releasing streams of water that battered the Gryfiend.

Between that, the slashes of Keyblades and sword, and the lashing of chain it quickly grew aggravated and with a wing beat pushed them back.

Stefan quickly got up and sung both his chain and sword at it.

The former struck, the latter was caught in its beak. Snapping it shut and breaking the blade in half. He looked at it incredulously before throwing the broken weapon at the Unversed and quickly backpedaling away.

Who simply battered it away with a wing and began to take off in the air.

"Thunder!" Only for two strings of lightning bolts to crash into it.

Getting the Gryfiend to let out a shriek before releasing more feathers, forcing Stefan and Aqua back away before dive bombing the Nobody in retaliation.

Pushing him to the ground while charging a blast in it's beak. Roxas grunted before flames began to emerge from both of his Keyblades.

"Collision Magnet!" Aqua casted, a red energy line connected to Stefan's broken sword and slammed it into the Unversed's head. It directing it's projectile to Aqua now.

She grunted as she summoned her barrier, it weathering the Gryfiend's attack.

Roxas jumped back up and slashed at the Gryfiend, before pointing both tips at it's chest.

"Firaza!" Roxas casted, releasing two massive torrents of fire at the Unversed. Getting it to shriek in pain as he took a few steps back before cutting of the spell from both the drain and the gale the it created in retaliation.

Roxas planted his Keyblades into the ground as the Gryfiend began to take off into the air.

Only to let out an enraged roar as its foot was wrapped in a chain. Stefan struggling not to get pulled along as mist began to roll off of Aqua.

It began to thrash around, turning and aiming to claw the king. Instead one claw swiped at Destiny Rewritten's barrier, the tip of Oathkeeper poking out the side.

"Aerora!" Roxas casted, creating a wind lance that impacted its chest pushing it back as Aqua ran behind the Unversed.

The Greyfiend pulled back its wings to release a volley of feathers before feeling a cold feeling crawling down its back.

"Absolute Zero!" Aqua casted, covered in ice as she began to slam into the Unversed's back multiple times. Leaving frost in the wake of her attacks as it tried to claw or slap her with her wings. Only for her to jump on an icicle and spring at it in another direction.

Stefan unfurled the chain as Aqua jumped over the Unversed and slammed into its back. Pushing it to the ground and the Gryfiend let out a shriek as several ice pillars rose up to impale it as the Keyblade Master jumped off it.

Mist began to form off of Roxas's Keyblades as Stefan threw the chain over the Unversed's downed body. Two ice crystals freezing the other end of the chain, freezing it to the ground.

"Whatever you two need to do it better be soon." Stefan said as he grabbed the handle of the broken sword as it struggled to break free.

"On it." Aqua said, before smiling as water formed from the end of Rainfall. Seeing Roxas doing the same thing with his Keyblades. "Ready?"

"I am, Water!" "Watera" Roxas and Aqua casted, launching streams of water that doused the Gryfiend.

Charging up a dark projectile in its mouth, only to shriek in pain as the broken blade was jammed into its wing. It turned to Stefan who only grinned. Before it could spit out the forming projectile, an ice shard slammed and froze the Unversed's mouth closed.

It shattered the ice around the beak and made a startled roar at how much sparks were flying off of Aqua's Keyblade as she glare at it coldly.

She was still getting used to this particular spell before the Markmof Mastery exam...no better time to test it out here before on Vanitas.

"Thundaga!" Roxas casted, two massive bolts of lightning crashing onto the Gryfiend.

"Thundaza!" Aqua casted, an utterly massive bolt of lighting crashed onto it that was larger than Roxas's own spell. Creating a binding flash and boom that Stefan had to shield his eyes from.

The sound utterly drowned out the Gryfiend's shrieks.

Aqua panted as she and Roxas cut off their spells, the Keyblade Master panted as she planted the tip of Rainfall into the ground.

"You okay Aqua?" Roxas asked as he observed the blackened form of the Gryfiend, it's skin utterly blackened and whips of darkness started to float off of it.

"Just used a little too much magic for that spell, it's pretty draining." Aqua said, getting the Nobody to nod as the Gryfiend shook the chain off and glared at both Keyblade wielders.

Before turning around and trying to fly away.

Breaking apart into a puff of darkness alongside all the feathers it left behind, the only trace of it's existence was the damage to the castle and the broken and burnt sword hilt that clattered onto the ground.

Roxas sighed in relief as he began to fish out an ether from his bag, noticing the king reaching for his chain. He kicked a pebble towards it and the chain sparked, forcing Stefan back.

"Probably would wait a minute to pick it back up." Roxas said, getting him to nod.

"Good call lad." Stefan said before shaking his head. "That monster down, just Maleficent and Vanitas to deal with alongside waht else they can unleash."

"Unfortunately." Aqua sighed out before shaking her head, it was still a long uphill battle from here.

Before she frowned as she sensed something in the direction from the castle's throne room.

Someone that she was sure they would have gone to latter, but it seems like they came back.

Vanitas was here.

"Roxas can you sense that too?" Aqua asked as she pulled out an elixer.

"i do." He said with a frown, wondering why the ancient Keyblade wielder was here now.

Judging by the light sparking off of her, they were about to find out.

---

"So they took care of the Gryfiend already, thought that it would last longer. Oh well." Vanitas said with a shrug, the Gryfiend had completed its task and provided some more information.

Yet he could not care about that at the moment, he flipped through the green notebook creating a Red Hot Chili, Blue Sea Salt, and Yellow Mustard. The three Unversed began to emit elements from their lids, floating up to the stain glass above.

"Careful up there, one wrong move and I will have no idea where the Keyhole will move." Vanitas said as the three Unversed began to move above him and get to work.

Of course he already had a few different ideas, but he doubted being able to find it again in time before things start to go down.

Sitting back to in the throne and watching the lights shifting on the floor. Waiting for the Keyblade wielders to show themselves. Shouldn't be too long as he wasn't exactly hiding his presence, they should be here any moment.

They better not smash in the window...

Seeing a glint of a large ice crystal, Vanitas trained Void Gear in that direction. Air whirling around the tip.

"Aeroga!" He casted, three air spheres that converged into a whirlwind that blew it and a pair of fireballs away before dissipating.

Vanitas just shook his head with a chuckle as Aqua and Roxas entered through a side hall with their Keyblades drawn. He looked up and back down to see that his Unversed were nearly done.

"Well now congrats on taking care of the Gryfiend, perhaps I had put too much ferocity into it. Now for your reward." Vanitas said, tapping Void Gear into the throne. Spurring the three Unversed into action as he directed their actions.

They began to move and converge with their lights beginning to affect a projection forming on the floor.

Aqua began to gather electricity at Rainfall's tip and aimed it at the Unversed.

Only to cancel her Shotlock and looked surprised when Roxae stepped and blocked her way.

"What are you doing?" Aqua asked him incredulously.

"Look, as much as I dislike this remember what I suggested last night." Roxas said, getting the Keyblade Master to truly look at the floor.

The projection was stating to look more solid forming a definite shape onto the ground, into that of a giant keyhole.

Even if the Heartless were to appear, Vanitas would be the first one against them...

A moment later the lights faded to revel the Keyhole right on the ground. With a snap of his fingers, the three Unversed in the room vanished into puffs of darkness as Vanitas jumped up from the throne.

"Whichever one of you wants to seal this up, do it." Vanitas said as both Keyblade wielders approached him. Not letting their guard down at all.

"So you're not going to try at all?" Aqua asked him folly, Vanitas just raised his hands in surrender.

"Not try that, no telling if I could mess it up." He said, getting her eyes to narrow before sighing,

"Roxas you said you know how to lock this, you do it." The Keyblade Master said, keeping Rainfall directed at Vanitas. "I'll keep an eye on him just incase."

The Nobody sighed and nodded at that while the ancient Keyblade wielder just laughed.

"If you think that well you would be wrong, I have no desire to see a world invaded by them if I can help it. But do you truly just trusting Roxas to do it or do you not know how? If the latter you are a rather poor example of a fledgling Keyblade Master." Vanitas laughed out, uncaring as she glared at him. Her Keyblade inching towards his chest.

Roxas approached the throne before taking a breath and coming to a stop, light illuminating from the tips of both of his Keyblades as the began to gravitate to the Keyhole.

If his Somebody could do this, so can he...

He spun around both Destiny Rewritten and Oathkeeper in hand before training them at the Keyhole. Beams of light shot out of both Keyblades and impacted the center of the Keyhole.

All three Keyblade wielders heard a soft click before the light died down. Roxas lowering his as the Keyhole began to disappear.

"Well now the door is shut now for there." Vanitas said. "Just need to check to make sure any didn't appear at all."

"So you don't know any heartless appeared or not?" Aqua asked with a frown.

"Not yet, but with the everything at Maleficent's castle it is a practical beacon from there. The princess's heart, multiple Keyblade wielders, and with how dark her and my own hearts are it is too tempting to resist." Vanitas said.

"Like here with the three of us in this room being another example." Roxas said with a frown. "And you were here to slam the door shut for the Heartless and not nearby Maleficent."

Left unsaid was Maleficent still around, something the ancient Keyblade wielder picked up on.

"The only reason why that accursed fairy is not dead for that stunt is our deal and she's already taking steps to betray me once it runs it's course or ready to run which way comes first. Already taken care of measures and if there are any I'll leave the weakling alone for now." Vanitas said, side stepping an lightning bolt from Aqua's Keyblade.

"Considering what you have done I doubt that you would leave him alone." Aqua said coldly.

"In any other circumstances you would be right, but I despise the thought of the Heartless running loose like this more than him. If you think I'm lying you better hurry, Ventus is still climbing the mountain. You better hurry." Vanitas said with a smirk before pointing off to the side. "That is only going to slow you down."

Roxas checked to see Stefan and one of Hubert's guards from earlier running into the throne room weapons drawn.

"Triple Blizzaga!" Aqua casted, firing the spell point blank as Vanitas opened a Corridor of Darkness at his feet.

Falling through and an ice shard collided into his helmet and covering it in frost, the Keyblade Master taking some small satisfaction in his yell of pain.

It quickly faded as the Corridor quickly closed up behind him.

She let an abrogated sigh while she and Roxas dispelled their Keyblades.

"He got away again!" Stefan growled out as he began to put his chain away. "Why was he even here?"

"To check up on things here, let slip that Ven is on the mountain and things are turning sour with Maleficent." Roxas said, getting Aqua to nod as it was perhaps best to keep the knowledge of the Keyhole quiet.

Maleficent had disrupted the world order enough as it was, they needed to see how badly it had been disrupted even with the Keyhole sealed.

"Figured as much, than we better hurry. So when are we setting off." Stefan said, getting Aqua to sigh.

"I'll ask once again, are you sure of this? You saw what happened with the Gryfiend earlier." Aqua said, making sure.

Considering his performance against the flying Unversed and how Maleficent was aiming for his death she need to be sure. But she had a feeling that either way if he came or not with them, Stefan would be stubborn enough to go after the fairy.

"Aye I started all of this and I'm going to make sure to play my part in ending this. You and Roxas are heading to rescue Ventus while he is freeing my daughters heart, I'm doing the same to repay the lad and get Philip out of Maleficent's clutches. If it means breaking with the curse and dealing with her, count me in." Stefan said determinedly.

Both Aqua and Roxas shared a look with each other before nodding.

"Alright then, but after Aurora's heart and freeing Philip you will need to head back. We'll deal with the rest." Aqua said, waiting for his reaction.

Stefan fumed on the matter for a few moments before nodding.

He would love nothing more than to see this curse ended and if it meant confronting Maleficent all the better. But first came saving Aurora, Philips, and his kingdom.

"Very well, so when do we head out?" Stefan asked.

"Any moment now." Roxas said looking to Aqua as she nodded.

"If you need any preparations I suggest that you do them now." Aqua said, looking down at his scratched armor and empty scabbard.

"Quite right, an armory is down the hall." Stefan said before turning to the guard. "You said your name was Harold right?"

"Yes it was sir!" The guard said.

"Good, help me bring a few different things for them to try it." Stefan said, getting both Aqua and Roxas to shake their heads.

"It's alright, you don't need to do anything." Roxas said, getting the king to grin at that.

"Unfortunately lad I insist, and I'm quite sure you both will find them quite useful. Come now Harold." Stefan declared as he and the guard exited the throne room.

The Nobody sighed while Aqua shook her head with a small smile.

"I suppose that he is better than he was earlier." The Keyblade Master said while shaking her head with a frown. "So everything Vanitas said about the Heartless is more or less true? That if any entered the world before sealing in the Keyhole will swarm there."

She was dreading such a thing from occurring, but given everything that was a possibility.

Ven had made it this far through the worlds with no clear idea, she knew he could hold out for a little bit longer. Yet between Maleficent, Maleficent, and any Unversed there he probably would not alone there for a long while.

"He pointed everything out and it would be either here or there." Roxas said before smiling. "But considering you said he defeated a Husk he should be doing well by the time we get there."

"Figured that, he made it this far on his own. I have faith in that." Aqua said with a smile, stoning her expression a stern one. "Like you should have with the three of us, like you can duel wield Keyblades."

Roxas just sighed at that, figuring she was going to bring this up sooner or latter.

What he didn't expect was for Aqua to approach and place a hand on his shoulder, sighing and shaking her head with a small smile.

"I admit I'm a little disappointed that you didn't tell myself, Terra, and Ven about this at the least. Especially with Master, I can only imagine his reaction to this." Aqua sighed out before looking directly at him and smiling. "Yet you're still getting used to all of this, you haven't had that much experience with others. You have been opening up the longer the three of us and I could only imagine that you have been hiding this from this Xemnas."

She said the last part coldly while Roxas shook his head.

"Didn't manifest the ability to use a second Keyblade until days after I left...still have no idea why. But I dread the possibility of what he would do if it happened earlier." Roxas said with a shudder.

The artificial Kingdom Hearts around the World That Never Was would have been finished much sooner and if things had continued as they had before, he and the Organization could have used it before Sora could have had a chance to wake up.

Perhaps it was best not to think what could have happened.

Though he still had to wonder why it happened.

Maybe it was connected to his missing memories...

"Roxas, are you okay?" Aqua asked, breaking the Nobody from his thoughts. Getting him to sigh and shake his head.

"I'm alright, just trying to think of what happened." Roxas sighed out before shaking his head. "Anyway it would just bring about questions that even I'm still trying to figure out."

"Honestly if you had shown up wielding two Keyblades at once we would probably be in disbelief and you would have been under much questioning from Master." Aqua said with a frown.

Imagining that it probably would not have ended well and he would have doubled down on Roxas's training once he began if a Vanitas hadn't unleashed the Unversed.

She couldn't imagine how to begin on correcting a duel wielding style that was pretty much self taught from scratch, although perhaps like Terra had start focus on basics of single Keyblade could affect the overall effectiveness. Questions for later.

And as for how he could possibly wield it...once again Aqua was glad this Xemnas was gone.

Between messing with memory, whatever the abnormality of his heart was, and now this she was pretty sure he had been experimented on as well.

There was no case of a Keyblade wielder capable of duel wielding them and knowledge of attempts have been recorded and passed down for millennia...

Wait, they knew someone who probably did. He had been around long enough.

That world was nearby and it was probably be the first place to check for Terra if Master Eraqus didn't return to the Land of Departure by now...

"Aqua are you okay?" Roxas asked, having seen the Keyblade Master lost in thought for a bit now.

Getting her to nod and smile.

"I am, in fact I might know someone who might know something about duel wielding Keyblades. And their world will be the perfect place to bring Ven after dealing with everything here." Aqua said, surprising the Nobody.

She knew someone like that?

"Well more like me and Terra know and Eraqus was familiar with them. Honestly Master had originally intended on taking Ven and all of us there after the Mark of Mastery." Aqua said, Roxas nodding in understanding as she sighed. "Maybe Terra is there now, yet no way to tell. If not I have no idea where he could be."

"Then we'll have to find out, first thing is to get to Ven." Roxas said with a small smile before frowning. "It is not going to be easy."

Aqua nodded at that, before getting close to Roxas and hugging him. His eyes widening as his ribs started to strain.

"Wha-" He groaned out as he felt his lungs starting to slowly empty out. "Can't breath..."

Sadly, his protest fell on deaf ears.

"I know, it hasn't been since the Unversed show up. Still we will make sure to fix things on this world. But there is something I would like you to promise Roxas." Aqua said, the Nobody catching his breath as her grip loosened.

"What is it." He asked, wondering what she was going to say.

Aqua looked directly at his eyes and smile.

"For you to have some more faith in all of us too. Granted we both need to work on it, but all of us are your friends. Terra, Ven, and I. There is nothing you need to hide Roxas like being able to duel wield Keyblades. I doubt you would hide anything from us without good reason but I suppose everything has a few things that they wish to...just if you feel the need to share anything you wish or thinking of I'm here for you. We all are." She said, leaving Roxas to his thoughts.

He didn't expect that...though he probably should have anticipated this from her...

Still hiding the fact he could duel wield would be pointless anymore that and he could have probably opened up about that earlier, they were his friends and considered him one of their own after a short amount of time. No use changing in what had happened already...again that is.

Yet what really surprised him the most was Aqua saying that, wishing to share anything with her. The last time he had did so was with Axel...

Of course he couldn't say anything about coming to this timeline and less so about being a Nobody...yet to talk about anything else he could do that. Might be able to help figure somethings out.

And to help out in turn.

"Alright I promise-" Roxas said and whatever he was going to say was silenced in his throat as the Keyblade Master brought him into a bone crushing hug.

"Just happy to hear you say that Roxas." Aqua said happily, before looking concerned when he didn't respond. "Roxas?"

"Aqua...I can't breathe..." Roxas grunted out, getting Aqua to separate from him immediately.

Not again...

"I'm sorry about that Roxas." Aqua said apologetically as the Nobody staggered for a bit before he regained his breath. Holding a hand out.

"It's alright, been through worse." Roxas said as he regained his barrings. "I fine Aqua, but can you promise me one thing as well?"

"Trying to be more mindful of that." Aqua said, guessing what he was going to say.

Only to be a little surprised when he shook his head.

"Kind of, but also talk if anything was troubling you just let me known in return. It's something friends do for one another." Roxas said with a small smile.

Aqua looked at him for a moment before nodding happily.

She supposed that he had a point there.

The both of them doing it to help another out like last night, she would like to do it more. Helped her get some things in mind. She wasn't could have handled hearing what Terra had done as well.

"I promise." Aqua said with a smile. "How are you feeling Roxas?"

"Better now." Roxas said, getting Aqua to nod and her smile to widen a little.

"Good, then until Stefan returns we are going to work on training with your light some more." Aqua said.

"Still kind of disappointed about hiding the duel wielding?" Roxas asked.

"A little, but it will help out soon. You've almost got the exercise down, just a little bit more." Aqua said, creating a light sphere in her hand.

Roxas nodded with a small sigh before copying her actions.

The Keyblade Master smiled for a bit as she watched Roxas before turning her gaze to where Maleficent's domain laid. Hoping that Ven would hold out for as long as he could.

They were on the way, and they were going to make them both pay.

Maleficent for this world and what she forced Terra to do and Vanitas for everything he had done to her friends and the worlds.

---

"These things freak me out." A goblin said to another as they were patrolling the deepest bowls of Maleficent's castle. Assigned to this post as they were among the last group that failed to find Aurora.

How were they supposed to know a baby could grow so big?

Either way the castle was on high alert as their mistress and her new partner was preparing for any intruders. So far no signs of any yet they were not going to complain, no one wanted to get zapped by her again.

Now that she had her wings it hurt even more now...

Still they could do without her partner's creepy servants.

They liked him over the old goat beard, but thought his monstrous minions were off putting.

"Know how you feel." The other goblin said as a pair of Scrappers walked past them. "Yet you have to admit some of them are rather non threatening like that puny thing."

Pointing at a singular Flood that tilted its head at them in confusion. Getting both goblins to laugh,

"Right who would be scared of that little thing!" The first goblin bellowed out. "Rather be more scared of what is behind it."

The Flood bristled at their remarks and mocking before pausing, the only other Unversed in the area was the two Scrappers. It turned around and stepped back as it saw something rising from the ground.

A tall spindly form much like a living shadow with two long atteni and golden eyes.

The Flood took some more steps back as one of the goblins laughed.

"See even the puny little thing is scared of it...why aren't you laughing?" The goblin said, looking to see his compatriot running off. Before feeling a sudden flash of pain and seeing the living shadow right infront of him.

And claws piercing through his chest.

"Oh..." The goblin said before exploding it in a puff of darkness as it removed his heart.

The darkness condensed around the heart into a small dark cloud with golden eyes and a small jagged maw.

As the Flood watched as the living shadow pounced on the other goblin and created another dark cloud, it saw more such shadows and pairs of golden eyes rising from the darkness.

Quickly fleeing into the ground, the Unversed had spread the word throughout the rest of the horde.

The Heartless had indeed arrived in Enchanted Domain, and now they were invading.

---

The screen flickered for a bit to see the author reappeared leaning against the filing cabinet, waving at you.

*Hey guys Hakuorofan7 here and I hoped that you all enjoyed this chapter.*

*Quite a bit in this chapter, so let us discuss it shall we.*

*First off Maleficent's curse was actually based on something she did from an old Disney comic. Don't know which one but something I read a long time ago. If anyone knows feel free to share, but she turned the entire citizens of the kingdom into stone. This time adding in the cause of it being tied to Aurora's curse. With the addition to her spite that Stefan would permanently become a statue should he die before the curse is lifted.*

*Leaving him alive while she recovers his energy in the hopes either he comes to her or he dies or goes mad like he started to before Aqua and Roxas managed to calm his rage somewhat. She is so consumed by spite had she worded her curse a little better he probably would have lost hope and not gotten a chance to rectify everything.*

*Something which both Stefan and Vanitas who is well aware that his need to see Ventus suffer can be a hindrance points can cost her.*

*Ultimately she is waiting for him and seeing is happening, keeping to her deal with Vanitas with the plan to double cross him after both their terms are fulfilled. Something of a mutuality between the two.*

*With Vanitas ultimately furious at the fairy and only using her per the agreement and hasn't filled out punishment as he needs her alive until he has what he needs to get an edge against Xehanort. Thought has grown furious enough that he had spawned Unversed uncontrollably. Channeling it into the Gryfiend to ultimately prevent himself from acting out.*

*Settling on Kier stealing, setting up a fail safe for anyone going around Aurora's heart, and diverting attention to her before their deal ends.*

*Managing to reveal a few things like he can use Formchange, having a Dandelion Leader notebook and acknowledges whose it is while keeping it away from Xehanort, and making his hatred for Heartless quite clear for Aqua and Roxas. Even willing for his Unversed to not target Ventus for the sake of getting rid of them. His goal and main efforts are getting things back on track to his plan which is nearing completion.*

*With Ventus it seems the shift in balance had affected him and he has no idea why it seems familiar to him. He is still making his truck to Maleficent's castle, unaware of the dangers that lie within.*

*Just a heads up, but next chapter is not going to be pleasant for him.*

*With Roxas and Aqua the secret of his duel wielding is out. Aqua is a bit disappointed that he kept such a thing a secret but what she does know can kind of understand. Something she makes clear both Terra and Ventus would feel similarly two and turning what he said last night onto him. Pointing out it was something to work on. Both bonding even more and having each others back and being open to talk on the other's mind if they wish.*

*Something Roxas's is a bit hesitant considering a few things but is willing to share on others.*

*With Aqua taking a lead or two off of Roxas due to his past experience. In theory she should be able to lock the Keyhole as well, but had only been trained and told on how to alter the Land of Departure from Eraqus. Seeing what she sal if the need arises she can just as easily do so.*

*And her possibly knowing someone who might know about duel wielding Keyblades…I have hinted from both Terra and Master of Masters a few times but gives her a solid idea on where Terra could possibly be and somewhere to go after Enchanted Domain.*

*Plus as seen here Aqua is starting to slip a little and the situation with Vanitas, Roxas, and Ventus is not helping matters. Something the ancient Keyblade wielder is counting on.*

*Finally Maleficent's second curse and the entire shifting of an entire kingdom worth of hearts has caused an imbalance in the world. The final step caused by the Unversed and hai jacking the fairies's spell to cause more suffering to the kingdom and Stefan. Prying the way just a little and some Heartless to slip in, Roxas sealing the Keyhole has prevented anymore being able to enter into the Realm of Light through Enchanted Domain for now.*

*Anyway that should be all for now chapter wise anyway.*

*Next chapter which will not take so long this time will focus on dealing with the Heartless situation in Enchanted Domain. Ventus experience his worst nightmare forgotten, Aqua's first real experience with them, and just another day for a Keyblade wielders with Roxas and Vanitas. All leading to a confrontation with Maleficent which I hope that you all will enjoy when the chapter comes out.*

*Before we finish this chapter I did believe that I promised you all something.*

*Welp here it is an omake as an apology for the long wait. A simple incident back in Radiant Garden. Like the others for this story it's canon to it. So I hope that you all enjoy.*

The author snaps his fingers, getting the screen to turn to static as the omake begins.

---

Omake

---

These Simple Days

---

"I can't believe you talked me into this." Even said, looking down at his drink while Brain downed his shot glass.

"You and Dilan lost the bet, besides he's having fun." He said, pointing to Dilan chugging down an entire bottle sitting across the pub surrounded by a cheering crowd. His face burning red from how drunk he was.

Throwing down his sixth bottle, his opponent doing the same with a smirk...before falling down unconscious.

"More, is theee annyone elsw!" Dilan slurred out, getting the crowd to cheer as someone else took his previous opponent's place.

"It's already been 20 minutes and he is three sheets to the wind. He was drunk after the third shot." Even said blandly while their two compatriots chuckled.

"He's doing well for a light weight." Godo said as he downed some more shots while CID sighed while lighting up his cigarette.

"Don't know how the hell you can drink all that or considering what he drank a light weight." The older man sighed out, getting Even to sigh and pinch his nose.

He found himself in the current situation due to him and Dilan losing a bet to Braig, condition was the losers had to do the winner a favor. In this case spending sometime drinking with Braig and some of his drinking buddies.

Even was so sure that his calculations were correct...

Still had no idea how Dilan was not passed out drunk yet with how much he drunk.

"Oh relax Even you've been too busy in your research lately." Braig said.

"And I will be after this, still need to improve on making a Replica kidney. Though maybe I should study Dilan's considering how intoxicated he is yet still functional." Even mused.

"That's the spirit altough I would suggest that you forget about your troubles after you drink." Godo said.

"Like you did with your little hellion you're supposed to be watching." Braig said, getting the man to cough up his drink. "Your luck Claudia agreed to watch her for now."

"My wife is going to kill me..." Godo said as he stopped drinking while CID shook his head.

"What you get you idjit." Cid said while taking a drag, accidentally blowing smoke into Even's face and getting him to cough. "Sorry about that doc."

"I swear why do you hang out with these people, Cid I can understand. Not Godo."Even said, gesturing to the town drunk.

Who merely just shrugged and went back to sulking on what his wife would do latter.

"They make things fun, but perhaps my bad on choosing now. Someone didn't mention they were supposed to be watching their daughter. At least Shera is sprucing up your basement." Braig said, before blinking and look8ng at the engineer. "What do you keep down there anyway?"

He was always curious on that front, or why no one was allowed down there.

Oh he had several ideas, but it was more entertaining to hear him slip up.

"Believe me you don't want to know, that and she was going shopping later. Only reason why I'm here. That and taking a break from my projects." Cid sighed out, wishing for some tea.

"Anyway probably not a good time, but I think I'll invite Dilan again next time." Braig said, jabbing a finger at their fellow apprentice. "Still you should probably take some more time off of your research. Spend it with your sister and the brats and not in the lab. Live a little bit more." Braig said.

"We have someone scheduled for treatment in three days and I sure this Replica kidney will last not much longer than the last one." Even said, getting Braig to shrug on that.

"Point taken, but afterwards try to live a bit more. There is still the Unversed around and when has it been the last time you've hung around with friends or your sister when that wasn't related to work." Braig said, downing a shit.

Even looked like he wanted to say something...before clamping his mouth shut.

He had a point, but the notion behind it was incredulous.

Braig, having a correct point...that was once in a blue moon.

"Just live a little and enjoy a few simple days, well after the operation. Spend it with family or friend. Might be simple days now, but I think you'll look on them fondly more often than not years down the line. Try some things with others or alone like a new drink or just reading a book. Hey you might get some new ideas, but just enjoy or create simple days when the chance comes up. They might not amount to much in the long term compared, but how much you can enjoy looking back on them can bring you happiness. Or you know a whole range of emotions." Braig said as he downed another shot.

All three men looked at Braig in shock as he gained a morose expression while getting another shot before smiling.

"Braig...I didn't think that you had it in you. Never thought I hear you being so philosophical." Even said.

"I have many sides to me, just don't often show them off." Braig said.

"Let me guess this is has something to do with that girlfriend of your's years back." Cid asked.

"Yup, happiest days of my life. That and time I spent with my family." Braig said while shaking his head.

"Never took you as a philosophical drunk Braig." Godo said, getting Ansem's apprentice to chuckle.

"I'm not drunk, you must be drunk to think that. I can never shut up." Braig said, getting Godo to laugh.

"You might be right." He said, both of them laughing while their two compatriots sighed.

"Honestly can't tell the difference." Even said while looking down at his shot glass.

"Why do you think I only drink with these fools occasionally." Cid said, getting Even to nod.

"Fair enough." Even said with a sigh, mulling over Braig's words.

He rarely talked about his past, his parents died while he was young and he had a girlfriend when he disappeared for about three years to travel around before returning to become Ansem's apprentice. The only real clue about his girlfriend was the silver pocket watch Braig always carried around, never before had he had seen craftsmanship like that.

Truly no one not even their master could tell just what goes on in that man's head or how much of his personality is just an attempt to mask how he truly knows. Perhaps the only answer is the man himself.

But Even had to agree on his fellow apprentice's recommendation about a simple day...perhaps he had started to become too engrossed in his research lately...again. Then again Claire had been admonishing him on it lately do.

He would prefer not be literally dragged away from his research again.

"Fine you win Braig, I'll talk with master Ansem about a few days off from my research duties. Yet I am not spending any of them drinking." Even said, getting Braig to chuckle.

"Good enough for me, why don't you finally take your drink. Been starring at it for minutes now." He said with a grin.

Even looked flustered before picking up his glass.

Only to put it down as they heard a loud crash outside the pub.

"What now?" Even said as he Braig looked out the large window at the front as they saw flashes of lightning. "That seems like magic but no one seems to be panicking. Not the Unversed and Merlin is still away. And Ansem was in his study."

"I think I know who it is, Godo you are bound to be in even more trouble with Kasumi." Braig said, getting the man to look at him before sighing and downing his entire glass.

"Why does this keep happening to me when I'm with you Tifa!" They heard a whiny voice say as it and laughter drew closer to the window.

"Fine I owe you a solid for once, just shut up and run Cloud!" Someone else said before a spikey blond haired boy and black-brown haired girl in their preteens ran infront of the pub's windows.

The girl carry a laughing Yuffie, the girl clutching a Moogle doll as a bolt of lighting crashed behind them.

"Get back here!" A slightly older girl with long black hair tied into a bong and several cornholes as she ran after them, hands sparkling with electricity.

"She stole from Lulu again." Even sighed out while pinching his nose.

"No idea on how she roped Claudia's boy and that arse Brian's daughter into it." Cid sighed out, taking a drag of his cigarette.

"Then go deal with, looks like that you want to." Braig said, getting Even's attention. "You're the best at dealing with the brat over her father and I'm surprised that Dilan isn't plastered yet."

Ignoring the protest from Godo Even just sighed as he passed his glass to Braig and got up with a nod. Just another day as an apprentice of Ansem.

"Don't worry I'll pay your next few drinks." Braig called out as Even gave him a glance before heading out of the pub. "And no Godo I'm not paying for you or Dilan. He has his own wallet and I'm spending the next two days running errands to pay your tab."

Godo sulked while Cid bellowed.

Braig grinned as he downed the contents of his glass.

Luxu while taking his own words to heart is just enjoying these moments of the life he had built in Radiant Garden, knowing that it will all have to change soon. But considering everything he was curious on how will it go.

Will everything fall into the script Xehanort wrote, or will Vanitas's latest actions and Roxas's presence tear everything to shreds.

But he did know one thing, his answer was drawing near.

One more page, one more lock.

The answer was literally any day now, all it was left do was wait and see if everything would line up.

Until than he will keep enjoying these simple days as long as he can.

---

The screen flickered a bit before the author revealed himself.

*Hey guys hoped that you all enjoyed the omake. Not much just some characters getting introduced, drinks after work, Yuffie causing trouble, and Luxu being philosophical. Pretty much it.*

*Anyway that should be all for now.*

*If you have any questions just leave a review or PM me and I will get back to you when I can. So until next time ciao!*

The author waved goodbye as the screen fades to black.