Chapter 4: The Evil Faerie
The worlds are scattered across the stars, separated by a vast cosmic ocean between. Braving the distance is no easy feat, even for some powerful wizards. In order to cross this great divide Keyblade wielders utilize a variety of methods to travel. There are the Star Shards, rare artifacts that are difficult for the bearer to control, often leaving the wielder at the mercy of the worlds. The ancient journal that I found hints towards the existence of "Light Corridors," however these are either an exaggeration or the knowledge to make one has been lost to time. From what I little I have been able to translate, I would hazard a guess that the latter is the truth. They do seem similar to the gates that we can open in the lanes between… I digress, the main mode of transportation that the Master taught us are the "Keyblade Gliders."
These gliders are a transformation of our own blades, and as such reflect them. They are simple to use, being driven by the wielder's will. If they know their destination, the glider is able to take the wielder there. In the case of our journey to combat the Unversed we picture a world under threat of the Unversed. However, the gliders do seem to struggle to find specific people, I have been unable to locate Ven or the rouge using this same method. My guess is that the rouge is either hiding his presence, or the gliders are far from perfect at navigating.
The ocean between worlds is fraught with danger. I have already found a few small groups of Unversed, Jellyshades, lingering in the lanes between. They are no real challenge, more likely scouts, but they are not the only threat. The darkness can wear us down out here, killing us slowly with it's poisonous influence. Our armor is able to protect us however. The armor itself was crafted by the Moggles, merchants who are scattered throughout the worlds and master craftsmen. As such, I believe in the armors abilities to defend against darkness, the Moggles only deliver the best, it's one of the reasons they are so successful after all. That and ruthless business tactics. – From the reports of Caelum, Apprentice to Eraqus
Caelum moved through an empty castle, his footsteps echoing throughout the audience chamber. "There are a few Unversed lingering around, but there is no one else. Where is everybody?" His musings were ended when he heard running near the stairs. He summoned his Keyblade and readied himself. Ven descended from the stairs in a hurry. "Ven?" Caelum questioned.
"Caelum!" Ven shouted as he ran over. "Have you seen Terra?"
"I left him not too long ago, but why do you ask?" Caelum replied. "Never mind that, what are you doing? I know that you long to explore the worlds, but now is not the time. You should head home."
"I won't, not yet at least."
Caelum opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by three lights growing in size nearby. "Who is this Ven?" The red fairy asked.
Ven turned towards the fairies, "This is one of my friends, Caelum. Don't worry, he can help us."
"Help with what?" Caelum asked.
"The princess of this world was cursed by someone called Maleficent, and then her heart was stolen." Ven supplied.
"It is such a shame too; she has such a pure heart." The green fairy chimed in.
"A pure heart? A Princess of Heart then." Caelum muttered to himself. "That is worrying," he said addressing the fairies, "Where would this Maleficent take the heart?"
"To her home at the Forbidden Mountain, we are on our way there now." Flora said.
"All right, I'll help. But can you give me a moment with Ven real quick." The fairies nodded and flew away. Caelum turned to Ven, "When this is done and the princess is safe, you are going home Ven. This journey is far more dangerous than we initially thought." Caelum said.
"What! Why?"
"I know you hate it, but there is a rouge wielder running around the worlds. I don't want you to get hurt."
"But I have already taken out several monsters roaming around. I can handle myself!" Around them several Unversed appeared. "See, I'll prove it!" Ven shouted summoning his Keyblade.
Caelum let out a sigh and joined him in dispatching the Unversed. Caelum kept his eyes peeled in case of another ambush as he sliced through a Scrapper. "Wind!" Ven shouted as an Aero spell sucked in several Floods and even a Bruiser. The Bruiser landed and Caelum's Keyblade cleaved through it, returning it to darkness.
"What are these things anyway? I have already fought them in every world I've been too." Ven asked.
"The Unversed." Caelum answered, "Raw emotions that have taken on monstrous appearances. They are connected to the rouge wielder, who has a as of yet unknown form of control over them. That is why the worlds are dangerous right now Ven."
Ven looks down with a sad expression. Caelum lets out another sigh, "Tell you what Ven, if you head home after our business here, I will try to get Master Eraqus to send you out into the worlds when they are safer."
"Alright fine," Ven said, not really looking convinced. "But promise me you will look after Terra."
"I will," Caelum said with a smile, "I won't let anything to happen to any of you. You have my word."
The two crossed a bridge leading into a forest. More Unversed appeared only to be taken out by the duo. As they passed through a clearing Caelum asked the fairies a question. "So, this Maleficent, what is her story?"
"We have been enemies for a long time now," Flora started, "But the current events started 16 years ago."
"That was when Princess Aurora was born," Fauna interjected. "Us three arrived and gave her gifts, but Maleficent was not invited to the ceremony."
"That witch cursed Aurora," Merryweather said. "She cursed Aurora that on her sixteenth birthday, she would prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a deep slumber."
"The king had us raise Aurora away from the castle and ordered all spindle wheels to be destroyed." Flora continued. "But somehow, Aurora found a spindle wheel and fell victim to the curse. Now Maleficent has stolen her heart as well."
"Why has this gone on for so long though? Surely this king would attempt to defeat Maleficent before all of this happened?" Caelum asked.
"He tried, but we advised him against it." Fauna said. "You see because she is fairy, well, none of us can be defeated permanently. So long as our memories endure, our long war will never end."
"I see." Caelum said sadly. Ahead of them green flames and thorns blocked off their path.
"Looks like we're stuck," Ven complained crossing his arms.
"This must be Maleficent's doing." Flora said.
"Then how do we get through?" Caelum asked.
"I know." Fauna replied. "Weeping forest, allow those who would return light pass." She flicked her wand and dispelled the barrier. "Shall we?"
"Let's go." Ven said nodding. They walked forward and looked at the immense castle ahead.
"Is that Maleficent's castle?" Caelum asked. The three fairies nodded their heads. "All right then, get in, find the heart, bring it back to the castle. Simple enough."
Caelum ducked under an arrow that was aimed at his head. He sent a fire spell at the grunt who fired it sending it flying back. "Why? Why would you deliberately run out and get their attention Ven?"
"Sorry!" Ven cried back smacking his Keyblade into one that tried to stab him with a halberd. "I wasn't thinking, but now the door is no longer guarded."
"Yes, but also any other guards will also be on guard. No sleeping on the job? Really?"
Ven scratched his head sheepishly. "Look, I said I was sorry. Besides we took care of them alright."
"I suppose so, but still try and be more careful. One of these days you may be facing an unknown threat on your own." Caelum walked into the large chamber with Ven. At the center of the chamber, a large green flame surrounded an orb of pure light.
"Aurora's heart." Ven said looking at it. He stepped forward only to be stopped by Caelum's arm blocking him. "What gives? It's right there."
"Exactly, it's too easy. There is something else." As soon as he finished, walls sprang up blocking access to the heart. "See." Caelum pointed out.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. You don't have to be so smug about it."
The two continued to bicker as they made their way through the maze, fighting off more of Maleficent's grunts that appeared. Finally, they emerged out the other side and approached the pillar of fire. Caelum froze. "What's wrong?" Ven asked.
"There are multiple alcoves." Caleum said gazing at the empty spaces. "Six empty alcoves."
"What does it mean?"
"Nothing good…" Caelum muttered. "But how does Maleficent know this?" He shook his head "Let's just set the heart free and get out of here. We can figure things out later."
"Right." Ven said. "But how do we do that?"
Caelum smiled. "Watch and learn Ven." He began to analyze and dissect the ward scheme. "An anchored containment ward, capable of containing a heart of light. Such a thing should be impossible usually. Wait…"
Caelum pulled out the book on sealing magic and flicked through the pages. "Ward anchors, ward anchors, here." He stopped on a passage. He took a closer look at the ward. "So that's how she did it, Maleficent is using the cursed spindle to anchor the heart in place. The blood on the needle is tricking the heart into thinking it is still with Aurora." He put the book away. He turned to Ven, "We have to destroy the needle, that should bring down the ward."
"Got it." They summoned their Keyblades and twin beams of light impacted the spindle, destroying it. The flames faded away and the heart circled the two in thanks and flew away into the distance.
"That should do it." Ven said.
"Seems like it." Caelum replied.
"Well done you two." Fauna said.
"I see that you both hold strong beliefs, just like Princess Aurora. Don't you dears?" Fauna said.
"You also have a strong light Ven." Flora continued.
Ven looked in confusion, "Well yeah but-"
"All right." Merryweather interjected. "Hurry, we can't stay here!"
Caelum and Ven raced through the castle heading towards the exit, the three fairies following close behind. They froze as they entered the throne room.
"Someone has released Aurora's heart." A horned woman spoke. "Tell me, children, was it you?"
"Maleficent!" Flora muttered, confirming the woman's identity.
"Only because you stole it in the first place!" Ven shouted running forward. He leapt into the air and brought his Keyblade down. Maleficent simply teleported away from the attack in a burst of green fire.
Caelum ran forward next to Ven summoning his own Keyblade. "Keyblades…then you two must be Ventus and Caelum." Maleficent said.
Ven turned to her shocked. "Huh? How do you know about me…and the Keyblade?"
"My powers ensure I'd know of the key to bringing me hearts. Terra was kind enough to give me a demonstration."
"Terra?" Ven muttered, "He was here?"
"Why, yes. In fact, it was he who stole Princess Aurora's heart."
"I seriously doubt that." Caelum said, his eyes narrowing. Ven nodded and raised his Keyblade.
"I was asked to leave you unharmed, but it seems I have no choice!" Maleficent slammed her staff on the ground and sent purple lightning bolts shooting towards Ven and Caelum. The two jumped out of the way as the good fairies shrunk down and circled around the ceiling.
Maleficent teleported to the ground, "All who dare to defy my commands, into sleep you shall fall…
The good fairies circled around the two Keyblade wielders, "She's chanting a curse, over here and we can help." Caelum nodded and began to channel the magic with Ven.
The magic of the curse was redirected into Ven's Keyblade. "Sleep!" The spell caught Maleficent off guard as she began to doze off.
"Quickly!" Ven shouted, "The spell won't last long!" Caelum quickly ran in and hit Maleficent with several blows. She gasped in pain as the Keyblade connected. She teleported away in another flash of green fire.
"Thunder, light, and lightning strike!" Maleficent chanted. The orb on her staff took on a violet hue as she thrust it up in the air. Storm clouds rumbled above as several streaks of lighting came down. Caelum dodged the lighting while trying to keep an eye on Ven. He saw Ven get hit by one of the bolts. Maleficent cackled as lightning continued to rain down.
"Cure." Green healing magic surrounded Ven as he groaned in pain. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. What is she doing?"
Maleficent had not remained idle and was casting another spell. "Behold, the Mistress of All Evil!" A swirling vortex appeared behind her and headed towards Caelum. Caelum moved out of the way, but it continued to follow him.
"Break her concentration!" Caelum shouted.
"Right." Ven threw his Keyblade at Maleficent, knocking the wind out of her. Ven resummoned his Keyblade as the good fairies unraveled the magic vortex.
Maleficent gasped for air as she climbed up the stairs to her throne. "There's no way Terra would hurt somebody like that!" Ven shouted at her.
"He's right." Caelum said. "So what is the truth?"
"You don't believe me?" Maleficent asked turning towards them. "That's unfortunate, for he agreed so easily."
"He did?" Ven whispered.
"Ven! Don't be fooled!" Aqua shouted running in Keyblade in hand. "Terra would never do that. You know that as well as I do."
"Ahh…but the truth can be most cruel, even amongst the closest of friends." Maleficent mocked. "After all, one never knows the secrets of another's heart. I'm sure you'll agree…Ventus…Caelum…Aqua."
Aqua turned to Ven. "Ven go home. We'll take things from here."
"But Terra…"
"Terra is going to be fine." Caelum said. "You should listen to Aqua, the mission here is done."
Ven looked down, "Sorry Caelum, but I can't go."
"Wha-" Aqua started.
"It's just…I have to find him before it's too late!" Ven shouted running off.
"Ven!" Aqua shouted running after him.
"Aqua wait." Caelum said. "We can find Ven later, we have bigger problems at the moment." Caelum stared up at Maleficent ready to continue fighting.
"I see you, too, can wield a Keyblade." Maleficent said looking at Aqua.
"How do you know about the Keyblade, our names, and the Princesses of Heart?" Caelum asked.
"A source of power, a key that opens the hearts of men, of entire worlds and allows one to obtain anything and everything. Such a power I find most fascinating." Maleficent said reverently. "And seven maidens with hearts of pure light. The power that they hold when brought together…"
"So, Terra…he really…" Aqua said sadly.
"Yes. Now, my dear, would you like to assist me as well?"
"Never!" Aqua shouted preparing to fight.
"I see, Xehanort was right. You are most stubborn."
"Xehanort? What does he to do with this?" Caelum asked.
"It seems you need time to consider my offer. Fortunately, I have the perfect place." The orb on Maleficent's staff glowed green as she slammed it into the floor. A hole opened up beneath Aqua and Caelum sending them into the darkness below, the three good faries following them in.
Caelum and Aqua landed in a prison cell. On the far wall, a man was chained up. "Who are you two?"
"My name is Aqua, this is Caelum. It looks like we were caught in a trap. Why are you here?"
"To prevent me from breaking her evil curse." The man replied. "I was to meet the most beautiful girl at a cottage in the glen, but now my true love lies in an eternal slumber and only I can break the spell."
"This girl, is she Aurora?" Caelum asked.
"Yes, how did you know?"
"She is at the castle, protected by the magic of the three good fairies." Caelum said.
"Is what you said true?" Flora asked growing back to full size.
"Yes. Maleficent told me." The man said.
"Oh, Prince Phillip! It's you!" Flora exclaimed.
Aqua tapped her Keyblade on the chains that bound Phillip, releasing him from the wall.
"Now Phillip, the road back to the castle may be barred by many more dangers which you will have to face." Flora said.
"Yes, the grunts, the Unversed, and likely the Evil Faerie herself." Caelum listed off. "Luckily me and Aqua can help out with those."
Aqua nodded her head. "There's something I need to know, and Maleficent has the answer."
"Yes of course dears." Flora turned around. "Now, come along. We must hurry to Aurora."
Caelum summoned his Keyblade and unlocked the cell door.
"Is there anything that thing can't unlock?" Phillip asked curiously.
"Well it is thought to, but I have recently read about a few exceptions to the rule…"
Aqua interrupted. "As interesting as that sounds, we do have to go."
Outside, in the inner courtyard Diablo kept watch on the walls. The bird noticed the group leaving the cells and entering the courtyard. Diablo shrieked out several echoing cries and flew off towards the main gate. The walls surrounding them collapsed as several grunts ran out with spears and maces.
"You ready for this?" Aqua asked Caelum.
"Always." Caelum replied.
Caelum and Phillip ran in to meet the grunts head on while Aqua stayed back and rained spellfire on the archers.
"Magnet!" Caelum shouted, drawing in many of the grunt's weapons into a swirling mass. The grunts looked at their empty hands and ran away squealing. Arrows continued to rain down from the walls. Phillip ran over and held his shield up.
"Over here!" He shouted. Aqua ran up and used his shield as a springboard to reach the top of the walls. The archers turned their attention towards her when a fire ball impacted the wall, forcing them to duck behind cover.
Caelum kept up the fire balls as Phillip covered his back. "Open the gate!" He shouted to Aqua.
Aqua took advantage of the chaos and turned the wheel. The heavy iron gate groaned open and Aqua jumped down. "Fire!" She shouted casting a large fireball into a group of grunts.
"Magnet." Caelum said. The swirling magic kept the gate from closing on them. "Hurry!" he shouted. The group ran through the gate and out into the forest. They stopped briefly in a clearing to catch their breath.
"You know…" Caelum said panting, "It was far easier to get in that castle then it was to get out."
Aqua crushed an ether in her hand. Blue energy swirled around her as her magic was replenished. "Be that as it may, our journey to Aurora is far from over."
"Agreed." Said Phillip. "As soon as we catch our breath, we should continue our journey. Preferably before Maleficent catches up to us.
"No argument from me." Caelum said. "Let's go."
Maleficent watched the group continue through the forest. She growled as they drew closer to the castle. "A forest of thorns shall be you tomb, wound 'round the castle in a bower of doom!" She raised her staff, and several trees of thorns erupted from the ground.
"What now?" Phillip asked.
"It's Maleficent, she's close" Flora said. "These thorns are her doing."
The group continued onward, avoiding and slashing through any bramble that got in their way. They ran across the bridge to the castle when green fire erupted in front of them. Maleficent emerged from the flames and stood in front of them.
"Maleficent! What did Master Xehanort tell you?" Aqua demanded.
"Such a pity child, that you don't have Terra's gift for obedience. Nor can you see how easy it was for him."
"Enough." Caelum said. "No more lies and riddles, what is the truth?"
"Terra fully embraced the darkness within himself." Maleficent replied.
"I said no more lies!" Caelum shouted summoning his Keyblade.
"See for yourself, all the powers of hell!" A huge green pillar erupted where Maleficent was standing. Huge black wings erupted from behind as Maleficent transformed into a dragon.
"A dragon…" Caelum said. "She just had to turn into a dragon." The dragon roared and lifted itself into the air.
"Watch out!" Aqua shouted. The dragon slammed it's legs into the ground causing shockwaves to roll out. Caelum leapt up and smashed his Keyblade into the side of the dragons head.
"Any ideas how to fight this thing?" Aqua asked Caelum.
"Target the eyes and wings. The eyes are a soft spot, and the wing bones are hollow. We take out the wings, we will keep her grounded."
The dragon roared again and unleashed a torrent of green flames. Phillip blocked the fire with his shield. Aqua ran up and jumped over him and slammed the dragons head into the ground stunning it. "Now! While she's stunned." The group ran in and hacked away at the dragon. The dragon roared in pain and breathed more fire before taking flight.
The dragon circled around the bridge before coming to a stop. "Caelum, over here!" Phillip shouted holding his shield above him. Caelum ran over and jumped on the shield, launching himself onto the dragons back. Caelum stumbled as he tried to find his footing, his boots struggling to gain traction on the slick scales.
The dragon continued it's flight as Caelum coated his Keyblade in ice magic. "Freeze!" He shouted, slamming his Keyblade into the dragon's wing. The dragon roared as ice crystals tore through the membrane forcing it to come crashing down. Caelum was thrown to the side only to be caught by Aqua. "Thanks." He spoke.
The dragon released a fireball towards them. "Barrier!" Aqua shouted, protecting them. The fire flared around the barrier and cut them off from Phillip. "No!" She shouted.
The dragon snapped at Phillip as he ducked and swung his sword, attempting to hit the dragon. The three good fairies appeared behind him, "All together…Now sword of truth, fly swift and sure, that evil die, and good endure." Phillip's sword began to glow as he hurled it towards the dragon. The blade sank into the dragon's underbelly as it roared with pain. Parts of the bridge began to collapse as it tumbled over the edge.
The thorns began to vanish from around the castle and the skies brightened. Phillip ran inside and Caelum moved to follow him when he heard pained groans from behind. He and Aqua turned around as Maleficent limped away clutching her chest.
"It's the power of true love that defeated you." Aqua said.
"I will not be defeated by something as insignificant as love." Maleficent spat out.
"You don't even know the first thing about it." Aqua shook her head. "You're too clouded by darkness to see that there's something greater."
In the castle, Phillip reached Aurora's chamber and kissed her on the lips, breaking Maleficent's curse. Aurora's eyes fluttered open.
"Try all you want, but you will never defeat a heart filled with light." Aqua continued.
"Perhap-" Maleficent was cut by magic chains encircling her. Caelum was holding the book on sealing magic in his hands as the three good fairies floated behind him. "What is this?" Maleficent asked.
"This is a sealing circle. These three told me about you, about how you cannot be truly defeated. But I found the next best thing." The chains glowed with red, green, and azure light. "I may not be able to defeat you, but I can seal away your powers."
"You dare!" Maleficent shouted.
"Yes. You will never trouble the denizens of this world again. Nor will you be able to reach the other Princesses."
Maleficent gasped as the chains wrapped around her. "Yo-you will never be able to contain me, for as long as there is light, there will be darkness!" She shouted. "And in time, many more will be drawn to it. Then they will all belong to me! And when that time comes I will have my revenge on you!"
She erupted into green flames and cackled. "No!" Caelum shouted, but it was too late. The chains went slack, and her mocking laughter filled the air as she disappeared.
"What was that?" Aqua asked Caelum.
"A seal, or at least a partial one. I wasn't able to finish it before she escaped." Caelum said. "At the very least transformation magic is now beyond her scope of abilities, so no more dragons."
"I see." Aqua said. "And where did you learn this?"
"Uhhh, library."
"Right." Aqua said narrowing her eyes. "And what section of the library did this book come from?"
"Is that really an important question right now?" Caelum said tugging at his jacket collar.
"Caelum."
"Oh, would you look at the time havetogo." Caelum summoned his glider and flew off.
Despite the situation Aqua smiled. Holding her wayfinder, Aqua said. "Stay safe out there. Terra…you better stay strong for me, and Ven please get back home safe."
Back in her castle Maleficent gasped leaning into her staff. "Caelum." She spat out. Xehanort had not warned her just how troublesome he could be. "A completely foreign magic, capable of suppressing my own natural abilities thanks to those meddlesome pixies." She muttered. She could feel her diminished powers struggling to come back to her.
She let out a cry of rage. Such a thing would have once shaken her entire castle, now barely any dust fell from the ceiling. "I will need to regain my strength, but how to counteract the Keyblade." She muttered to herself. "Weapons of light made to counteract the darkness. Perhaps darkness holds the answers…"
"Such an endeavor will take time. But when that time comes I will have my revenge…and all worlds will bow before the Mistress of All Evil!"
AN: Finally done with my longest chapter to date. Apologies for the delay, but I think it was worth it to let this one cook for longer. I have really been enjoying writing this story and I hope that everyone reading has enjoyed it thus far. I do have plans to make this a whole series that spans up to Kingdom Hearts 3, or at least my version of it. I have some most of it planned already, so look for future installments. Please let me know what you think of this story so far in the reviews, I do love reading them in my spare time. The next chapter should finish up the first half of the Disney worlds with Dwarf Woodlands/Snow White which I recently watched. Hopefully I will finish it and it will be up this coming Sunday. I'm going to catch some sleep now see you in the next chapter. Next Chapter: Bitter Apples