Nimue, the Spirit of Destruction

"…a…."

..

"Aq…."

She groaned a bit as she finally began returning to the world of consciousness.

"Aqua…"

Aqua opened her eyes and noticed that she was sleeping on something that was very comfortable. She sat up and looked around, finding herself in her room, back in the Lan of Departure. Grunting slightly from a pounding headache Aqua brought a hand to her head as she tried to remember what happened.

And she did.

Falling into the Realm of Darkness to save Terra…

Waking up in a strange world with a giant tree…

Meeting Drasil who sent her to a land called Fantasias…

Meeting Jinn who supplied her with the knowledge of the strange world she found herself, a world cut off from the Realms of Light and Darkness.

Meeting Ambrosius who offered a way to help her return to the Realm of Light.

Merging with Ambrosius to help her create what she wanted.

She hadn't anticipated the headache it would bring but it was worth it if she could get back to Ven and Terra. She had literally turned herself into a vessel for a literal Spirit who became a being of pure energy who fused with her and she could barely remember it all.

Only that she felt like she could have done anything and everything at once.

"Feeling well rested?"

Aqua looked at the door and saw Ambrosius floating at the door. "I feel better…Could do without the headache."

"Can't be helped. You did something only a handful of beings have ever done." Ambrosius said as he floated up to Aqua's bed.

"Did it work?" Aqua asked.

Ambrosius grinned as he summoned a mirror. "See for yourself."

Aqua looked at the mirror and saw herself looking normal. She looked at Ambrosius who made a gesture to her pauldrons and she placed a hand on her usual one and in a flash of light Aqua was clad in her Keyblade Armor.

Or rather a copy of it.

"It worked…" She marveled at her appearance, seeing the armor resemble her old in every exact detail.

"Yes, I am a miracle worker." Ambrosius said with a pleased smile.

Aqua dispelled the armor when she saw she couldn't touch her other pauldrons in armor form and touched it, summoning a complete copy of her former Glider. She stepped on it and looked at Ambrosius who changed the setting back to outside the temple. Now that they were outdoors Aqua took off, letting out a shout of jubilation as she flew around the temple, almost feeling like she was back at home.

But she knew she wasn't and getting back there was why she went through the trouble of remaking her armor and glider.

She chose to take a chance by pointing her Keyblade and from the tip came a beam of light that should open a pathway to the Lanes Between.

Only when it tried, the portal appeared unstable and a second later it collapsed.

"Oh…" Ambrosius muttered as Aqua flew back down. "I guess that wasn't supposed to happen."

"It's never done that before. It looked unstable…like it couldn't open up to the Lanes." Aqua muttered, frowning as she dispelled her Glider.

"Well don't look at me, I did what you asked." Ambrosius shrugged. "I told you not to complain when it wouldn't work."

Aqua sighed. "Perhaps because of where this world is I can't just leave…Or rather what the nature of this world is."

So far, she could see that this world was made up of nine different worlds, all somehow connected and all-What was it that Jinn said?-existed in a world between realms and yet isolated somehow.

"Isolated…" Aqua brought a hand to her chin. "We're isolated from the other worlds."

"Say what?" Ambrosius asked.

"When I spoke with Jinn, she said this world exists outside the Realms of Light and Darkness so the conventional rules for travel between worlds do not exist here." Aqua explained, looking up at the Spirit of Creation. "But still, if I fell here that means there is a way in…"

"And logically there must be a way out." Ambrosius said, seeing the logic in Aqua's statement. "Will if there is, I am sorry I cannot create one, at least not without taking some considerate risk. Like I said, I need coordinates, details, perhaps some knowledge on what lies outside this world."

"And Jinn said she would only answer three questions I had." Aqua sighed. "So she's out. That leaves the other two I believe from what Drasil told me. Destruction and Choice."

"I am not sure what you could expect from going to Nimue but maybe she can offer an idea." Ambrosius said, pointing to great lake in the distance. "She is the Spirit of Destruction and lives in that lake."

Aqua followed Ambrosius' finger, looking at the lake and then at the spirit. "What would the Spirit of Destruction have to help me find a way out?"

"As the Spirit of Destruction, Nimue can destroy anything, matter and even non-corporeal entities given the right price." Ambrosius explained. "That includes being able to break through whatever barriers block this world from the rest. She could at least force open a way for you to use."

Aqua considered it for a moment. Truthfully she doubted that was a good idea but she was still open to considering all ideas at this point. "All right. I'll see her next but if that doesn't go well can you tell me what to expect from the last one?"

"Ah, Choice. That would be Janus." Ambrosius recalled. "Their powers allow them to show anyone who wears the Relic they are bound to a vision of a choice they will make."

"A vision?" Aqua raised an eyebrow.

"Of a choice they will make along with the possible consequences of that choice. Of course these visions are completely random and there's no way to know if they will be remotely connected to your current dilemma." Ambrosius clarified. "And of course this can only be used once in a person's life time. Much like how Jinn can only answer three questions per one hundred years, I can only create one thing at a time and how Nimue can only destroy anyone or anything for the right price except for Gods and immortal beings. The vision shown by Janus shows up to the point where one is to make a choice and nothing after that as it only can be used once."

"Only once?" Aqua asked slightly confused.

"I see you're confused. Basically it shows a choice and the ramifications of that choice. It could be good or it could be bad but the point only you can see the future of what that choice will make right from the beginning to the very end." Ambrosius said seriously.

"Right to the end…As in-"

"Right up to your death!" The Spirit of Creation said cheerfully. "However long or short that is."

Now Aqua was surprised by that. A vision of a future made by a certain choice that would lead up to a likely death?

"And these visions…?" Aqua took a deep breath. "Are they absolute?"

"Depends on the choice. It will usually be a serious one, one that you cannot back out of. If one choice leads to a quick death you can try and avoid it by making the opposite but then you could just hasten your end if you're note fully careful of whatever backlash that comes." Ambrosius shrugged.

Aqua sighed at that but if she were to have a vision of herself being able to return home maybe it would be worth it. She was considering visiting this Janus first but decided to visit the Spirit of Destruction and see if she could offer any help to finding a way out.

"I guess I have no choice but to try." She looked up at the Spirit of Creation. "Thank you for your help. It may not be what I wanted but I am glad to have at least tried."

Ambrosius raised an eyebrow before smiling. "You are interesting, Master Aqua. Perhaps the most interesting human since the old man."

Just as Aqua was about to leave, something stopped her.

GROWL!

This was not a monster growling.

It was her stomach and Aqua blushed while Ambrosius just chuckled. "…I don't suppose I could trouble as you for some food around here."

"Well, you conjured the temple here. I am sure the kitchen is exactly the same." Ambrosius chuckled.


After a long earned breakfast and washing her teeth, Aqua summoned her Glider and boarded it, nodding at Ambrosius before taking off in the direction of the lake.

"Hmm…I wonder how Nimue will handle her, given what I felt from that Keyblade weapon of hers." Ambrosius commented with a smile.

It would certainly be interesting.


Aqua landed just about a yard or two from the lake where the Spirit of Destruction was said to live. She wasn't sure what to expect but decided to give this Nimue plenty of warning time so she could be ready for company. The lake was surrounded by a forest and with a blue mist surrounding it while the same black sky that seemed to permeate this realm was present. She could see a path of small rocks leading out to a single small island and on the center was a stone slab.

Seeing she could do nothing else Aqua slowly walked along the stone path towards the island and stepped onto it. So far she couldn't see anyone but from what she saw of Jinn and Ambrosius, spirits lived differently than people. She walked up to the stone slab, seeing a hole in the center that didn't appear naturally formed.

It was more like something had been inserted into it.

"Who dares?!"

A blue mist shot out from the slab, knocking Aqua back. She jumped up and stepped back as the mist took form, solidifying into a shape similar to that of Jinn but that was where the similarities ended. A blue transparent body appeared encased golden armor around the chest, arms and legs with chains falling from the wrists and ankles like Ambrosius along with a golden cape. She wore a golden helmet over her head, covering the upper part of her face with the same blue eyes as the others glaring at Aqua and her lips set in a scowl.

A sword like pin rested in the center of her chest armor as a symbol.

"You dare disturb my slumber?! I, the Great Nimue?!" She glared down at the young Master. "A mortal dares set foot in my realm?! I answer only to those who holds my sword! Speaking off…"

In her hand, a golden ornamental sword appeared.

(Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep OST Extreme Encounters Starts)

"In my realm, my powers are not limited by the rules of the God of Light. So I can dispose of you how I see fit." The woman named Nimue pointed her sword at Aqua with an orb of purple energy appearing at the top of the blade. "Disintegrate!"

The orb exploded into a shockwave that shot towards Aqua who summoned and raised her Keyblade. "Defend!"

A spherical transparent barrier formed from blue light, made of hexagonal panels appeared around her and blocked the shockwave as she was sent flying back to the shore.

"Hm?" Nimue raised an eyebrow. "You survived?"

That was impossible.

She was the Spirit of Destruction, representing one of four gifts to mankind.

She was made to destroy anyone and anything except for beings more powerful than her.

And yet this human survived a blast from her made of pure destruction.

Aqua landed perfectly on the ground in front of the lake, settling into a ready stance as she stared Nimue down. 'So much for things being easy. I might just have a few words with Ambrosius if I get out of this.'

"Impressive." Nimue said she floated towards the Keyblade Master. "I see you hold an object of great power. Powerful enough to survive a direct hit from me, Nimue. The Spirit of Destruction."

"I am not here to fight." Aqua said, trying to avoid a fight.

"Well, unfortunately for you I cannot allow an intruder to trespass in my domain unchallenged. Especially one who can wield a power that rivals me." Nimue pointed her sword at Aqua. "With Creation, comes Destruction!"

Nimue launched herself at Aqua, slashing down at her but Aqua cartwheeled out of the way as the sword hit the ground and left a rather large crater.

Aqua landed on her feet and pointed her Keyblade at Nimue. "Fire!"

A triple Firaga spell shot out, creating three fire balls as they flew right at Nimue who scoffed and slashed through them, extinguishing them instantly.

"Fire? Please." Nimue rolled her eyes. "What part of Spirit of Destruction do you not understand?"

She flew at Aqua with incredible speed, bringing her sword down again but Aqua raised her Keyblade, reinforcing it with a barrier that managed to block and deflect Nimue's sword. She let go of her Keyblade with one hand and pointed it at Nimue.

"Freeze!"

Nimue was stunned to feel herself being frozen which Aqua took advantage of as she jumped up and delivered a few slashes before Nimue broke free and swatted her away in anger. She went on the attack, swinging her sword wildly and anything it touched disintegrated into dust. Luckily, despite her power it was evident Nimue was not a skilled warrior while Aqua had been trained since she was little to be a Keyblade Master. She fell back, dodging as best as she could and conjuring a barrier to block any hits she couldn't dodge in time.

Just as Nimue swung her sword again Aqua vanished, blurring from sight and reappearing behind the spirit who looked confused.

"Ragnarok!"

From the tip of Aqua's Keyblade came a cluster of energy shots that hit Nimue in the back, stunning her and making her scream. She spun around, letting out an angered scream as she swung her sword down into the ground. As soon as the sword made contact with the ground, a blast of magical energy traveled through the ground towards Aqua who quickly preformed a Double Jump, jumping over the attack that surely would have vaporized her. She fell back down and swung her Keyblade down on Nimue who quickly blocked with her sword.

"How is this possible?!" Nimue grunted, seeing her opponent's weapon would not disintegrate. "Why doesn't the power of destruction destroy your sword?"

"If you stop attacking me, I'll tell you." Aqua grunted as she landed before the spirit.

"A mortal who intrudes in my realm does not dictate terms to me!" Nimue growled, holding up her hand.

Aqua watched as another orb of purple energy appeared before Nimue launched it at her. "Reflega!"

A barrier appeared in front of her but instead of simply blocking the blast, it actually deflected it and sent it right back at its owner! Nimue's eyes went wide and she hastily batted it back with her sword. Aqua used Reflega again, sending the orb back at Nimue who then batted back again. The fight quickly devolved into a round of tennis with both opponents sending the orb of destruction back and forth and it was moving a little fast with each hit. Aqua realized that and saw that it was unlikely Nimue would tire out before she could and came up with a quick-if not insanely desperate-idea at the last second as she deflected the orb of destruction again and then teleported behind Nimue.

"Thunder!"

The Spirit of Destruction was caught off guard by the lightning attack that came down from above, disorientating her enough for the orb of destruction to hit her. At the instant she was hit, Nimue let out a howl of pain and anguish through the realm.


Jinn opened one eye, sporting an amused smile from the sound of Nimue's scream and seeing the fight projected by one of her crystals.


Ambrosius snickered a bit, guessing that Nimue had bit off a bit more than she could chew.


(Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep OST Extreme Encounters Ends)

Aqua watched as Nimue fell to the ground, looking completely stunned and was frozen. She pointed her Keyblade at the Spirit of Destruction, waiting for her to make her next move.

Nimue slowly looked over her shoulder, Nimue just stared in disbelief. "Who…are you?"

"My name is Aqua and I did not come here to disturb you. I came here seeking help." Aqua answered, keeping her Keyblade trained at the spirit. "I was sent by someone named Drasil because I am lost and in need of answers of how to get back. I have already visited Jinn, the Spirit of Knowledge and Ambrosius, the Spirit of Creation who then sent me to you."

"Ambrosius…That sneaking…" Nimue growled. "He told you to find me?"

"He thought you could help me after he tried but I think this was a little more of a joke to him." Aqua said, lowering her Keyblade slightly. "I only seek to return to my world."

Nimue grunted as she slowly got up, clutching her chest. "You are human…But you do not seem to be like the humans I and the others were made to guide. I thought humanity lost the ability to use magic."

"In your world, maybe. But not in mine. I don't come from this world. I fell here and I met Drasil who told me I could find help here." Aqua explained.

"Drasil…She's of no use as long the four relics remain separate and the Gods do not return to render their judgement." Nimue grunted. "Why would she send you to me?"

"She didn't. I went to Jinn first and then Ambrosius, like I said before." Aqua sighed, lowering her Keyblade. "He recommended I visit you, thinking it was possible you could help me."

"Hmm…No doubt, wondering how I'd react to someone like you." Nimue grunted, making a note to get back at Ambrosius for that. "I am the Spirit of Destruction. How would he expect me to help you leave this world?"

Aqua pointed Keyblade away and emitted a beam of light that created a portal for a few seconds before it collapsed. "Ambrosius thought you could help force open a path through whatever is blocking me from leaving."

"Hmm…" Nimue had seemingly recovered and stood up straight, staring at the portal. "To actually use my power to destroy a dimensional barrier…I don't know whether to be thankful to Ambrosius or strangle him for playing his little joke. Still, I haven't used my power since the old man needed me and Janus to end his silly little war for him."

"So, you think you can help?" Aqua asked.

Nimue shrugged but grinned. "Let's give it a try."

Aqua conjured another portal, trying to open a way to the Lanes Between again and Nimue plunged her sword into the portal, attempting to force it to stay open through her power of destruction. The portal fizzled and seemed to want to collapse but Nimue continued struggling to keep it open. As the Spirit of Destruction tried to force the portal to stay open, Aqua tried to peek in and see what lied beyond the portal.

All she could see was…Darkness!

"Nimue, wait! Stop!" Aqua called off. "You're letting in Darkness!"

"Well, duh! It's dark out there!" Nimue barked back.

"No, the power of Darkness! It's going to spread!" Aqua shouted.

Nimue grunted as she pulled her sword back, stepping back to see a purple miasma seeping out of the portal. "What in the-"

Aqua stepped forward and pointed her Keyblade at the portal, summoning another beam of light that slowly sealed the portal. "This realm…It maybe be outside the Realms of Light and Darkness…But it's close proximity to the Realm of Darkness. Too close that if the portal remained open, we'd risk letting the Darkness in. This barrier may be the only thing keeping this world from being overrun."

"I'll take your word for it." Nimue scoffed as her sword vanished. "Though, I will admit. I never came close to destroying something like a dimensional barrier before. I actually think I got it pretty good before you made me stop."

Aqua only hoped it wasn't good enough.

If Nimue had weakened the boundaries between this world and the Realm of Darkness, it would risk letting Darkness spread across this world.

Aqua sighed. "I see my attempt here is no better than it was with Ambrosius or Jinn."

"You're lucky I find you interesting now or I would be insulted." Nimue glared at the Master. "Now, who are you and how does your weapon match the power of destruction?"


"And now, I'm looking for a way back."

Nimue had patiently listened to Aqua's story, both of them now sitting in front of the lake that was part of her domain.

"Drasil sent me to Jinn who sent me to Ambrosius who then sent me to you." Aqua finished her tale.

"Hm, well I will admit this much…You are the most interesting human I have met in a very long time." Nimue said with a smile. "A weapon capable of locking and unlocking hearts, sealing any door and can resist my power. Made from your own 'heart' as you say. Never would I have thought something made by mortals would rival a creation of the gods."

"Well, the Keyblade chooses its wielder. It's not a weapon of mortals. It's more like…balance. A balance between light and darkness and it chooses who must help enforce that balance." Aqua clarified.

"The fact that a mortal can be made worthy of such power is a feat unto itself. I have seen many battles throughout history, the sword that I am bound to passed from one hand to another and each warrior paying the price for the destruction of their enemies." Nimue recalled her own history. "Though, recently I was left to slumber by the previous man who wielded my sword after ending a war he failed to prevent. The old fool had noble intentions but is idealistic and too soft with a mind that has been worn down by eons of struggle and failure."

Aqua raised an eyebrow at Nimue's description of this man.

"Still though, I suppose I shouldn't have much to complain about. The wonderful destruction he had me inflict to end the war…" Nimue sighed blissfully. "It was beautiful."

"This still doesn't help me." Aqua stood up. "So I am now left with the choice of seeking out the Spirit of Choice or I make my way back to Drasil."

Nimue looked at the Master in interest. "Perhaps Janus can be of help. If a vision of you somewhere else, perhaps back in your world is shown then all might not be lost."

Aqua stared back at Nimue. "Could it be that simple?"

"As galling as it is to admit, Choice is perhaps more dangerous than myself along with the others for the simple fact the ability to create, destroy and seek knowledge is barely of use against the power to see into the future." Nimue pointed to the temple off in the distance. "Janus resides there. Be prepared when you face them. The visions made by the choices exact a heavy toll."

Aqua followed Nimue's finger before activating her armor and glider. "Thank you, all the same."

Nimue watched as Aqua took off towards the temple where the Spirit of Choice resided. "This might be enough to truly change everything."